Like everyone else out there I love fall. I love cooking soups and eating stews, roasting squash and drinking earthy red wines. It’s hard to put on the sweater the first day, but once you layer your scarf on top of your jacket, you can’t deny smiling a little.
I love to watch the colours of the trees outside change and the smell of the leaves on the pavement outside. Thanksgiving is the first holiday of sweater season and the first chance to eat all the comforting food that you craved throughout the summer. Next is all the candy of Halloween and then somehow you’re already cooking full roast dinner around the festive season.
I really wasn’t ready this year for fall to start. This past summer was so warm and I was used to wearing shorts and sandals to work every day. When I had to wear socks to work for the first time I wasn’t happy at all. I would increasingly get annoyed when I would talk to friends and family on the east coast, who were still in shorts on the patio. We were already wearing mitts and hats. So not cool.
One thing I never look forward to when the seasons change is all the rain that comes with it. I’m not too crazy about getting stuck in the rain and having my socks drenched. Something I do think we all can get onboard with is cooking a delicious dinner on a rainy day.
If it looks dreadful and you can’t be bothered to leave your house, then cook a beautiful meal at home! Cooking food will warm you up, while keeping you nourished. Pour yourself a nice glass or red wine and relax while your food develops flavour.
Here’s a list of dishes I love to cook on a rainy day. Maybe you can think of some ideas the next time it’s raining. Break out some games or play your favourite music while you wait for dinner to be ready.
#1 Roast chicken and Vegetables-Can’t beat a juicy chicken as the smells of crispy skin waft through your house. This dish can be made in one dish which is convenient for presentation and makes far less dishes to wash
#2 Turkey Sheppard’s Pie, with whipped Sweet Potato-Really nutritious and yummy. You can also make a really cool design with the potato before it bakes. Try adding garam masala and turmeric, making it a little more interesting.
#3 Vegetable and Legume Red Curry-Creamy and salty all in one, I make it with quinoa to keep it healthy instead of white rice. Any vegetables will work, but don't forget the fresh cilantro on top
#4 White Bean and Kale soup with Pancetta-You can use as many vegetables as you want, but I like to put diced squash or sweet potato in for extra colour. Finish it with freshly grated parmesan and cracked pepper
#5 Celeriac and Bacon Soup-You can easily make this with parsnip or squash, but I love the fresh and earthy flavour of celery root. Eat it with some crusty bread and butter
#6 Slow braised beef Bolognese-One of my favourite dishes of all time. Finish the pasta with fresh grated cheese and black pepper. Have it with a good bottle of red wine and cozy up on the couch
Comments