Fall comfort food

There’s something about this time of year that lends itself to being in the kitchen. I love the process of making, and thoroughly enjoy the smell and taste of comfort foods. But, never more than during the fall season. With it finally starting to cool down this weekend, I’ve begun the process of trying to decide which new recipes to try out on “Red”. He’s a really good sport about everything and has proven on more than one occasion that he’s willing to try just about any dish I put in front of him. While there are a few things I have to avoid – like elbow macaroni – I think that he’s been able to honestly say that he’s enjoyed a few of the new things that I’ve cooked for him. It should also be said that for the record he does cook, and I don’t mean that he just grills food outside either. On our second date, he tackled a pork roast, sauerkraut and homemade German potato salad – all because he heard me mention that I grew up in a German household around home cooked meals.

Some of my favorite fall foods are some of the easiest (I think) to make. I LOVE one pot meals and fresh bread. Crock pot and cast iron Dutch oven recipes top my list. Anything that takes minimal prep and that can sit and cook for a few hours – is something that will wind up in my personal book of “go-to” recipes. I also love using my bread machine on the dough cycle to prep my homemade breads and rolls. As I get older, kneading the dough for the recommended time – gets tougher – but the bread machine takes away that grueling task.

As soon as I could reach the stove, my mom ensured that I knew how to cook. I believe that’s where I first heard about the Mirepoix or as some refer to it the Holy Trinity of cooking. Carrots, onions and celery are the basis to most (if not all) of my soups and stews. I will, and have literally gone out in the worst weather – in order to purchase one of the three that I was missing. From my hearty White Chicken Chili and good ol’ No Fail Chicken Soup to my Beef Barley Soup and Peppered Beef Stew – the Holy Trinity is always in the mix.

-M.M.