With the summer season finally coming to an end, the coziness of Autumn falls upon us. Pumpkin spice everything, apple pie, and my favorite, apple cider! All the best comfort foods and hot drinks are returning, but do you know how to make them? Here is a 4 course meal that’s easy, quick, and delivers a rush of flavor!
Mulled cider: A warm, spiced beverage made on the stovetop with 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon (tsp) of whole cloves, 1 teaspoon (tsp) of whole allspice, 1 quart of raw apple cider, and sliced oranges or orange zest if you would like some zest flavor. Combine all ingredients into a medium sauce pan and put the stove on a low simmer, but do not let it boil. Simmer on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, then strain out the spices and citrus. *This recipe makes 1-2 quarts of mulled cider* Stir in a little brown sugar or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Maple and Pecan Brie Cheese: For this appetizer you will need a wheel of Brie cheese, 4 tbsp (tablespoon) of maple syrup, 1 quarter tsp (teaspoon) cinnamon, ⅔ cup of crushed pecans, and a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme. Score the top of the Brie cheese lightly with a knife, then stir together the maple syrup, cinnamon and pecans. Spoon the mix onto the top of the Brie, place into any oven proof baking dish, and bake at 375 for 18 minutes (or until it bubbles). To top it off, sprinkle the fresh rosemary or thyme on top. You’ll want to serve this appetizer with slices of a crusty French baguette or your favorite cracker.
Crockpot chicken and biscuit: This warm and filling dish is the perfect way to end your day. Start by setting your crock pot on low to cook for 5-6 hours, add 1 package (pound) of chicken thighs, or chicken breast, 2 handfuls of baby carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, ½ (half) cup of sliced large onion (preferably not red), then pour enough chicken broth to cover all the ingredients (try to keep a tiny bit of chicken broth to add to your dish later on). Add 3 shakes of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
30 minutes before you want to eat, cook your Pillsbury biscuits (amount of time to bake will be on the container). 10 minutes before you want to eat, add a quarter of a cup of cream and as many frozen peas as you’d like and stir. When the chicken is done cooking, shred the chicken into bite sized pieces with 2 forks while it is still in the crockpot, then assemble your dish, add a biscuit to soak up the broth and shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Apple Butterscotch Cookies: A simple, easy to bake dessert, perfect for the fall season (This recipe makes about 24 cookies depending on the size you make them). Combine ½ a cup of oil, 1 and ⅓ cup of brown sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon (tsp) of vanilla extract in a large bowl. Then stir in 1 cup of oatmeal, ¼ cup of buttermilk, ½ teaspoon (tsp) of salt, and 1 teaspoon (tsp) of baking soda. Mix in 1 to 2 diced apples , and 1 to 2 cups of butterscotch chips. Refrigerate for 1 hour. After 1 hour, spray a large sized pan with cooking spray, and spoon the cookie mix onto the pan. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes. Be sure to let them cool before taking a bite!
