The rain is coming and the leaves are changing! Although we will miss the summer glow and the abundance of fresh summer foods, we have so much to look forward to with the new varieties this season. Fall is a time for building and nourishing, it's cool outside and your body wants to keep warm. This is a great time to incorporate soups, stews, chili's and other comfort foods into your diet, these are also great ways to introduce new fall produce into your kitchens.
Get out your slow cookers, park your Dutch ovens on your stove and create some goodness to share with friends and family!
Here is what to look forward to:
Root Veggies
Beets, Carrots, Potatoes, Parsnips, Onions, Celery and so much more! Available all winter long these gems are packing tons of nutrients that they absorb form the soil making the high in fibre, antioxidants, B vitamins, Vitamin C and slow digesting carbohydrates which make you feel full and regulate blood sugar.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc which are great for your nails, skin and hair and for the fellas-great for you prostate! Make pumpkin soup from your leftover jack o lantern, Roast those pumpkin seeds and add your favorite spices!
Apples
Take a day trip out to the apple orchard to pick your own and sip on some hot apple cider! Apples are a great source of fiber and are so versatile because of the many varieties that are locally available to us. Bake a pie, make apple sauce, dry in your oven for a great on the go snack, the possibilities are endless.
Turnips
Not only is the vegetable itself full of minerals and vitamins like B Vitamins, zinc and manganese, but it's greens are also packed with loads of calcium! Like potatoes, turnips can be boiled, roasted or mashed. Add herbs and spices to liven it up at your next meal.
Winter Squash
Vitamin A, B & C deliciousness! What more can we say about winter squash? It is the symbol of fall, the colour, the taste-so pleasing for to so many senses.
Kale
Not only is this one of the healthiest veggies around packing Iron, Vit A & C, but it is so versatile! You can bake, steam, sauté, juice or add to your favorite smoothie.
Recipe
Roasted root veggies w/ a zing- Goes great alongside roasted chicken and a salad and a great addition to any potluck/holiday feast!
1 Onion
4 Carrots
1 Bulb of garlic (crushed)
3 Large potatoes
4 parsnips
Sea salt
Pepper
2Tbs Fresh or dried thyme and/or rosemary
Extra virgin Olive oil
2Tbs Apple cider vinegar
Preheat oven to 400F
1. Make sure the veggies are thoroughly washed. Chop anyway you like- Onion, Potatoes, Carrots and Parsnips and add to roasting or baking pan.
2. Drizzle veggies with olive oil, vinegar and herbs/spices to taste
3. Bake at 400F for 45-60 min stirring every 15 min. Add crushed garlic after 30 min*
