Saturday, October 13, 2012

It's Fall Y'all!


I can't believe it is the middle of October! It is fall!
                    So, Happy Fall Y'all!

It's time to bust out my cowboy boots and decorate with pumpkins...everywhere! I love it that now when you go to the grocery store there are fall decorations and all sorts of pumpkins and squash on display.  It makes me want to bake pies, drink hot apple cider, and watch football... all at the same time!

I have a great fall menu for you: something warm and spicy, something homemade and baked, and something chocolate.... now that's my kind of meal! It will warm you up without weighing you down.




Lauren Marie’s Gluten Free
Lentils are not something you would normally associate with fall time, but lentils can be really hearty.  Plus, they are very good for you (a great source of iron and fiber). I love to cook them slow with lots of great spices and meat.  In this particular dish, I am using ground turkey and spicing the heck out of it! I like the way the ground turkey provides that meaty factor but keeps the dish light at the same time.  And the combination of red pepper flakes and hot sauce makes sure these lentils will keep you warm!



Lauren Marie’s Gluten Free
Next onto the something homemade and baked...with pumpkin.  No, not pumpkin pie. Contrary to popular belief, pumpkin doesn't have to be overly sweet to make a flavor impact. That's why I love it my gluten free Pumpkin Cornbread!

I love cornbread on it's own.  It's rustic and homey. But when you add pumpkin...it's like turning it up a notch! The pumpkin flavor goes really well with the natural soft sweetness of the cornbread and creates a wonderful texture. Plus, I add spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg that really brings warmth to the bread.

I can't wait to use this pumpkin cornbread for cornbread stuffing at Thanksgiving! But until then, I'm going to enjoy it with my Spicy Lentils with Ground Turkey... mmmmm!




Lauren Marie’s Gluten Free
And for my sweet treat to round out this fall menu, something chocolate. But nothing heavy.  And of course, something simple and easy to make...my Crunchy Chocolate Bark.

This is so fun!  It's like your own little personal candy bar but with good-for-you stuff.  I use dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit.  This recipe is easy enough to make on a weeknight and yummy enough to serve to company on the weekends! Love!



I hope these dishes will get you into the fall state of mind! Enjoy!


2 comments:

  1. Lauren, your food all looks great! I bet you have two brothers-in-law who would love to have some of these goodies mailed to them.

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    1. I'm just now seeing this! Thanks for the comment!! Yes, I do have two brothers-in-law that I would be happy to send food to! Which one of them would you be, "me"? haha

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