Ah, Fall - that time of year when the air turns crisp, leaves rustle underfoot, and our kitchens become a gathering place full of heavenly scents and heartwarming meals. As we bundle up in cozy sweaters, we naturally crave foods that echo comfort and warmth. Today we embark on a culinary adventure that assures you don’t have to compromise on taste, quality, or your wallet!

This month, we bring you a one-day meal plan of delightful, budget-friendly fall comfort foods for a family of four. From a delicious breakfast of Pumpkin Spice Pancakes to a nourishing dinner of Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta, we’ve put together a full-day of recipes that promise not just full bellies, but happy hearts too! Think of each mean as not just a feast for your taste buds, but also a gentle hug for your soul.

Ready to embark on this flavorful journey? Grab your apron, summon your appetite, and let’s get cooking with a heart full of gratitude for the simple, comforting pleasures that the fall season brings to our tables and our lives!

Breakfast: Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp pumpkin spice mix

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1.5 cups milk

• 2 eggs

• 4 tbsp melted butter

• Optional: maple syrup, whipped cream, or nuts for topping

Instructions:

• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin spice.

• Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, and melted butter.

• Combine: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

• Cook Pancakes: Heat a skillet over medium heat, pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake, and cook until bubbles form on top. Flip and cook the other side.

Serve warm with desired toppings.

Lunch: Hearty Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tsp cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale

• Olive oil

Instructions:

• Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened.

• Add Lentils and Broth: Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

• Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes until lentils are tender.

• Add Greens: Add spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Adjust seasoning and serve.

Snack: Baked Apple Chips

Ingredients:

• 4 apples

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tsp sugar

Instructions:

• Preheat Oven: To 200°F (95°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

• Prepare Apples: Slice apples thinly and remove seeds. Mix cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle over apple slices.

• Bake: Arrange apple slices on baking sheets and bake for 2-3 hours, turning halfway, until crisp.

Let cool before serving.

Dinner: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup milk

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 lb (450g) pasta (like rigatoni or fettuccine)

• Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

• Cook Squash: Peel and dice butternut squash. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent, then add squash and sauté for a few more minutes.

• Make Sauce: Add vegetable broth to the pot. Once the squash is tender, blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender. Add milk, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low.

• Cook Pasta: In another pot, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain.

• Combine: Mix the butternut squash sauce with the pasta.

Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.

This meal plan incorporates seasonal produce like pumpkin, apples, and butternut squash to create comforting, affordable meals for a family of four. Adjust quantities as needed for your family's preferences and appetites. Enjoy your day of delicious, comforting fall foods!

If you have a suggestion for next month’s meal plan, let us know.