As the weather cools down and the leaves start to change, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are perfect for adding flavor to fall recipes. Cinnamon rolls or snickerdoodle cookies are classic treats, but for something a bit heartier, try making a pot of cinnamon-spiced chili. Sauté onions and garlic, then add chili powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and your favorite beans and veggies. Simmer until thickened and serve with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips.
For a quick weeknight meal, chicken and rice is comforting but can be boring. Jazz it up with some warming spices. Sauté chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, then remove and set aside. Add rice, broth, cinnamon, nutmeg and bay leaves to the pan and simmer until the rice is tender. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in diced apples, raisins, parsley and the cooked chicken. The sweet and savory flavors pair perfectly with the spices.
As the days get shorter, a mug of spiced cider just feels right. For an adult twist, make a batch of cinnamon-nutmeg simple syrup and add it to bourbon or rum. Combine 1 cup each of sugar, water, cinnamon sticks and whole nutmegs in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes, then strain out the spices. Let cool, then combine 1 part syrup with 2 parts liquor over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake or stir well and strain into glasses. Garnish with an orange slice or cinnamon stick. The cocktail is warming and fragrant, ideal for cozy evenings at home.