I’ve got lots of fall flavors for you this week. Of particular note is the recipe for Pork Chops with Apples and the cozy Chai at the tail end of the menu. And since we’re “falling back” on Sunday, maybe you’ll have time to cook up a lovely brunch…the Huevos Rancheros will do the job. Enjoy!
Easy Pork Chops with Apples
This is the sort of supper my mom made on the regular every fall when we were kids. My version has a little something extra in the form of a quick pan sauce built on Dijon mustard and sour cream. It’s delicious with the chops. The Roasted Delicata Squash recipe below is a snap to make and a terrific side dish.
Cheesy Baked Pumpkin Pasta with Kale and Bacon
This has all the elements of comfort food — pasta, cheese, warmth, deliciousness. But it also packs in six cups of vegetables and is so seasonal, now is the time to make it. If you’re feeling ambitious, make your own pumpkin puree from a whole pumpkin. You might also like this fall favorite as an alterative, Ravioli with Butternut Squash and Brown Butter.
Huevos Rancheros
Top 10 “breakfast for dinner” meals of all time. It’s a family recipe from my husband and made the cut in my cookbook Rise & Shine. It’s really a one-dish meal, but you could always do up some black or pinto beans on the side. (photo credit Erin Scott)
Instant Pot Italian White Bean Soup
This is yumminess in a bowl that’s been a hit since I first posted it. For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the sausage or swap in a cup or two of cooked grains or pasta for added heft once the soup is done.
Stuffed Eggplant Parm
New to the blog! I consider it a lighter, easier version of the Italian classic. It’s a dish you can manage in under 20 minutes of hands-on cooking time and is excellent served with crusty bread and a leafy salad on the side.
Roasted Delicata Squash with Maple Syrup and Thyme
Delicata squash seems to be more widely available than ever before, which is a good thing indeed. It’s such a tasty variety and I know of no easier way to prepare it that this recipe. Seasonal squash, butter, maple syrup, herbs. So good!
Easy Chai
Brewing a pot of cozy chai is my kind of self-care. This is a quick and easy version that I love to sip on chilly afternoons. Make it decaf and share with your kids.
Shopping List
Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta with Kale and Bacon
4 slices bacon (optional if you prefer a vegetarian versio)
16 ounces penne pasta (use whole-grain and/or gluten-free as desired)
1 bunch kale
One 15-ounce can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 ¾ cup low-fat milk
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
3 dashes nutmeg
2 ½ cups coarsely grated, lightly packed Gruyere cheese (about 4 ounces)
Easy Pork Chops with Apples
4 boneless pork loin chops that are about 1-inch thick
2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large apple
Instant Pot Italian White Bean Soup
1 1/2 cup dried cannellini beans
1 small chunk Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion
2 large carrots
1 rib celery
3 cloves garlic
One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
8 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 links pre-cooked Italian sausage
1 large bunch kale
Stuffed Eggplant Parm
4 medium eggplant (about 12 ounces each)
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing the eggplant
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground turkey or ground chicken (or 2 cups cooked white beans)
2 cups bottled or homemade marinara sauce
2 cups coarsely grated sharp Cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Italian seasoned panko or breadcrumbs (or plain panko with 1 t Italian seasoning blend, 1/4 t garlic powder, a big pinch salt)
Olive oil cooking spray
Huevos Rancheros
6 bacon slices (optional for vegetarian version)
1 medium onion
One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 chipotle chile en adobo
1 tablespoon lime juice
2/3 cup roughly chopped cilantro
8 eggs
8 corn or small flour tortillas
1 cup coarsely grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Sliced avocado or sour cream for serving
Roasted Delicata Squash
3 whole delicata squash
1 1/2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for a vegan version)
1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
6 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Easy Chai
One 2-inch piece fresh ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups water
4 black tea bags, such as Assam or English Breakfast
2 cups 2 percent or whole milk (use coconut or coconut/almond milk for a plant-based version)