Last month I visited my sister in Seattle, and she has totally inspired me! She served up some delicious dinners that got me in the mood for fall and the upcoming holiday season. Some of these recipes are from our childhood, and some are recipes I make every year. One of these is sure to be a hit with your family this season — which one will you try first?!
Calabacitas Con Maiz (Zucchini with Corn)
My mom would make us calabacitas con maiz (calavaseetoss cone mice) when I was little, and I would snub my nose at it. Man do I regret that! This healthy veggie dish can be served as a main dish or side for anything. I say healthy because the butter is optional. But in my opinion — the more the better!
Chop up 1 yellow squash, 1 green zucchini and 1/2 a small white onion. Season with 2 tsp (or more for some heat) of jalapeno seasoning or cayenne pepper and a dash or two of salt and pepper. Put a heaping Tbsp (or 2) of butter in the pan and sauté your onion for about 4 minutes. Then toss in the squash and zucchini for another 4 to 6 minutes.
While you’re doing that, throw 2 stalks of corn on the grill to get a small bit of charred look to it. Alternatively, you can leave it on the husk and throw it in the microwave wrapped in some napkins for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it mostly cooked, but not over-cooked. Then remove from the cob and add to the squash and zucchini right at the end. (You can also use canned corn, but it won’t be quite as good.) Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes and you’re all done!!
So YUM!! And so sorry mom, for never eating it when I was younger. 🙂
Pumpkin Soup with Chili Cran Apple Relish
This dish is my absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving every year. The soup is deliciously smooth and creamy. And the relish is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy and crunchy. It refrigerates well, so it’s what I serve with the leftovers for the next few days. Also, I always double the relish — because it’s the best part!
I really hope you enjoy. And please, please, please, invite me over for a bowl or two!
Pumpkin Goulash
I haven’t made this one yet- but my sister really impressed us when she served it up in actual cooked pumpkins! I can’t wait to have a dinner party this fall and blow everyone away!
Chicken Tacos/Taco Soup
This is one of my favorite things to make for 3 reasons. 1. It’s super easy! 2. It’s dinner for 2 nights in a row. 3. I mean, like SO super easy it’s not even funny.
First I get a bag of frozen chicken and put it in the crockpot with 2 cans of Rotel and 1 package of taco seasoning. I let it cook on high for 4 to 5 hours, or low for 6 to 7 hrs. That’s it. Your work is practically done! Once it’s done cooking I take out each piece of chicken, shred it with 2 forks, and then put it back in on low or warm just to let all the chicken get nice and juicy.
Meal 1: Chicken Tacos
I usually just use flour tortillas, but you could use corn or crispy, of course. Fill with shredded chicken, add cheese and any other toppings you want (sour cream, salsa, avocados), and enjoy!
Save the remaining chicken for tomorrow.
Meal 2: Chicken Soup
I put the remaining chicken back in the crockpot the next day on low with some chicken broth (probably 2ish cups – if it looks dry add more), one beer (the darker the better), cut up carrots, a can of corn, and half a chopped onion. Honestly, I usually add anything in the fridge that looks good. Bell pepper and celery would also be delicious! After about 2 to 3 hours it should be ready to go. I added some cheese (of course) and sliced avocados and chips on top to make it extra bad for me good. The only way to make this dish better? Homemade margaritas (1 part lime juice, 1 part triple sec, 2 parts clear tequila) with salt for me!
Lazy Pumpkin Pancakes
I’m sure your homemade pancakes blow my box pancakes out of the water. But I just can’t quit the convenience of boxed pancake mix!! I do love adding strawberries or blueberries or pecans (sometimes all 3!) to the mix. And pumpkin puree works almost the same.
So, if you’re lazy like me, first follow the instructions on the box, then add some pumpkin puree and a few dashes of cinnamon. If it’s too thick, add more water (or milk if you’re feeling fancy) and… Hello, fall. Oh how I’ve missed you!
What are your favorite dishes now that fall is fast approaching? I’d love to add some favorites to this list!
The best stumbled upon side dish ever is this loaded sweet potato casserole. However, I add a cup of heavy cream in place of some of the milk and I use sweet potato, yam and the Asian (purple) sweet potato. It’s a great variation on an already wonderful dish, especially with extra toppings like jalapenos! The leftovers are great too served with a salad.
https://marlameridith.com/loaded-scalloped-sweet-potato-casserole-recipe/
Oh, that sounds so good. My husband has a love/hate relationship with sweet potatoes, so I’m always trying to find ways to make him love them! Thanks!!