As the cool autumn air fills our lungs, our thoughts naturally turn to comfort. Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of mac and cheese. Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, with its gooey cheese and creamy sauce blanketing tender pasta. For extra decadence, stir in crispy bacon, caramelized onions or bread crumbs.
Another fall favorite is beef stew. Hearty chunks of beef and vegetables in a rich broth define comfort on a cold day. Serve the stew with mashed potatoes, crusty bread or buttered noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. For vegetarians, mushroom bourguignon also hits the spot. Meaty mushrooms simmered in a savory sauce provide a satisfying plant-based option.
On chilly evenings, we crave soups and stews to warm us from the inside out. Potato soup, chicken noodle soup and minestrone fill the bill. Pumpkin soup, made from fresh fall pumpkin puree, evokes coziness with its vibrant orange color and subtle spice. Grilled cheese sandwiches pair perfectly with soup for a classic, comforting meal.
For dessert, bread pudding, apple crisp and pumpkin pie call to us like a siren song. Bread pudding, rich with eggs, milk and spices, gets an autumn twist with additions like pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and dried cranberries. Apple crisp, with tart apples and an oat and nut streusel topping, smells like fall in a pan. And no fall is complete without a slice of pumpkin pie, redolent with ginger, cloves and cinnamon.
As colder weather approaches, we naturally seek out comfort in the form of familiar, hearty fare. Dishes like mac and cheese, beef stew, soups and stews, and classic desserts soothe the body and soul. Curl up on the couch with a bowl of your favorite comfort food and a warm blanket—fall never felt so good.