DIY Fall Wreaths
September 22, 2023
Pruning Your Outdoor Plants
September 26, 2023
Fall Recipes That Will Make
Your Home Smell Delightful!
There’s something undeniably enchanting about the arrival of fall. It’s a season that beckons us to slow down, savour the simple pleasures, and, of course, indulge in the delectable flavours it brings. Fall cooking delivers scents from our kitchens as we prepare hearty, soul-warming dishes and mouthwatering desserts. Blending the earthy aroma of fallen leaves with the irresistible fragrance of autumn ingredients. These fall recipes are sure to make your home smell delightful!
From fluffy Apple Cinnamon Pancakes to the velvety embrace of Butternut Squash Soup, every recipe is designed to transform your kitchen into a sanctuary of autumn delight.
But it’s not just about the main courses and desserts; it’s the little moments, too. Envision the scent of roasted garlic and rosemary permeating every corner of your home, signalling the arrival of a hearty, family-style dinner.
But our journey doesn’t stop there. We’ll also show you a simple DIY project that will infuse your home with the essence of fall. Cinnamon-scented pinecones will make your space feel like a fall haven!
Ready to embark on this delicious adventure?
Let’s dive into these fall recipes that will fill your home and your heart with warmth and coziness.
1. Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Start your fall mornings off right with a stack of warm, fluffy apple cinnamon pancakes. The combination of sweet apples and fragrant cinnamon will make your kitchen smell like a bakery. Top them with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect fall breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apple.
Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and grease with a little butter or cooking spray.
Pour 1/4 cup portions of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Serve the pancakes warm with maple syrup and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.
2. Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash is a quintessential fall ingredient, and when you roast it and blend it into a creamy soup, your home will be filled with a rich, earthy scent. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a swirl of sour cream for extra flavour.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sour cream and fresh nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced butternut squash, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
Return the soup to the pot and heat it over low heat. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve the butternut squash soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg.
3. Pumpkin Cheesecake
When it comes to iconic fall recipes, Pumpkin Cheesecake deserves a special mention. This luscious dessert marries the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the warm, inviting flavours of pumpkin and spices. The result? A dessert that’s rich, velvety, and absolutely perfect for autumn.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat until well combined.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) until well combined.
Gently fold the pumpkin mixture into the cream cheese mixture until it’s evenly incorporated.
Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling onto the prepared crust in the springform pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set, but the center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven for about an hour.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until it’s fully chilled and set.
Before serving, garnish your pumpkin cheesecake with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
4. Mulled Cider
Warm mulled cider is the ultimate fall beverage. Simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a hint of orange peel on your stovetop. The spicy and fruity fragrance will make your entire house feel like a cider mill.
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon (about 16 cups) apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 8 whole cloves
- 4 whole allspice berries
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Rum or bourbon (optional, for a spiked version)
- Additional cinnamon sticks and orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
Pour the apple cider into a large pot and set it over low to medium heat. Allow it to warm gently; do not let it come to a boil.
While the cider is heating, prepare your spices. Tie the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and allspice berries in a piece of cheesecloth or use a fine mesh strainer. This will make it easier to remove the spices later.
Add the spice bundle (cheesecloth or strainer) to the cider, along with the sliced orange and lemon. Stir gently.
Sprinkle in the brown sugar and stir until it’s completely dissolved into the cider. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more sugar if necessary.
If desired, add ground nutmeg and vanilla extract for extra flavor. These are optional but enhance the complexity of the mulled cider.
Allow the mulled cider to simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes. This simmering period allows the flavours to meld together and infuse the cider with aromatic spices.
Once the cider is thoroughly heated and fragrant, it’s ready to serve. You can ladle it directly into mugs or heatproof glasses.
If you’re making a spiked version, add a shot of rum or bourbon to each serving, stirring gently to combine.
Garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange for a lovely presentation.
Serve your mulled cider hot and enjoy the comforting, spicy aroma that fills your home with the essence of fall.
5. Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Chicken
For a savoury option, try roasting a whole chicken with garlic and rosemary. The garlic cloves become tender and caramelized, infusing your kitchen with an irresistible savoury scent. Plus, the dish is perfect for a cozy fall dinner with loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4-5 small potatoes, quartered (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (for basting and moisture)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Start by preparing the garlic. Slice off the top (the pointy end) of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and wrap it tightly in the foil. This will roast the garlic while keeping it soft and mellow.
Season the chicken inside and out with salt and black pepper.
Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the halved lemon and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary.
Place the quartered onion and, if using, the quartered potatoes in the bottom of a roasting pan. Drizzle them with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan.
Unwrap the foil with the roasted garlic and place it in the pan with the chicken.
Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves.
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to create moisture and enhance the flavours.
Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and the juices run clear. You may remove the foil covering for the last 20-30 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
While the chicken is resting, you can squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from the head and use them as a flavorful condiment for the chicken.
Carve the chicken, and serve it with the roasted garlic, and the flavorful pan juices. Enjoy your Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Chicken!
6. Spiced Pumpkin Bread
Another number one fall recipe is spiced pumpkin bread. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in this recipe will make your home smell like a pumpkin spice wonderland.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice). Set this dry mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one.
Add the canned pumpkin puree and mix until well combined.
In a separate small bowl, combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients (the flour and spice mixture) to the wet ingredients (the pumpkin mixture), alternating with the buttermilk mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
If you’re using nuts, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
Pour the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, slice and enjoy your homemade Spiced Pumpkin Bread!
7. Cinnamon-Scented Pinecones
Okay, we know it’s not a fall recipe, but it’s a simple DIY project to add the smell of fall to your home! Collect pinecones and place them in a large Ziploc bag. Add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil, seal the bag, and give it a gentle shake. Leave the bag sealed for a few days, and then arrange the scented pinecones in a decorative bowl for a lovely centrepiece.
Ingredients:
- Pinecones (as many as you’d like to scent)
- Cinnamon essential oil (or other fall-scented essential oils like clove or nutmeg)
- A resealable plastic bag or a large glass jar with a lid
- Wax paper or parchment paper
Instructions:
Gather Pinecones: Start by collecting or purchasing pinecones. You can often find them in parks or forests, or you can buy them at a craft store.
Prepare Pinecones: Inspect the pinecones and make sure they are clean and free from dirt and debris. If needed, you can gently brush them or wipe them clean with a dry cloth.
Choose Essential Oil: Select your preferred essential oil for scenting the pinecones. Cinnamon essential oil is a classic choice for a warm and inviting fall aroma, but you can also experiment with other fall-scented oils like clove or nutmeg.
Scent the Pinecones: Place several drops of the chosen essential oil onto each pinecone. The number of drops depends on the size of the pinecone and how strong you want the scent to be. Start with 5-10 drops per pinecone and adjust as needed.
Seal in a Bag or Jar: Transfer the scented pinecones into a resealable plastic bag or a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Seal the bag or jar and let the pinecones sit for several days to allow the scent to infuse.
Shake or Toss: During the curing period, shake the bag or gently toss the pinecones in the jar every day to ensure that the essential oil is evenly distributed and absorbed by the pinecones.
Check the Scent: After several days (typically 3-5 days), open the bag or jar and check the scent of the pinecones. If they haven’t reached the desired level of fragrance, you can add a few more drops of essential oil, reseal, and wait another day or two.
Air Dry: Once the pinecones are scented to your liking, spread them out on wax paper or parchment paper to air dry for a day or so. This helps any excess essential oil evaporate, leaving you with beautifully scented pinecones.
Display: Once the pinecones are dry, you can display them in decorative bowls, baskets, or vases throughout your home. They will release a delightful cinnamon or fall-inspired scent, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
In Conclusion
As we wrap up our culinary aromatic journey through delightful fall recipes, it’s clear that this season has an enchanting way of inviting us to indulge in the comforts of home. From a hearty Apple Cinnamon Pancake breakfast to your wholesome rosemary chicken, sure to delight the entire family. These fall recipes are the perfect way to add a hint of fall to your home.
The fall recipes above are only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many other autumn recipes for your tastebuds! Check out these top fall recipes that are sure to please the entire family!
May these fall recipes fill your home with delicious flavours and your hearts with the spirit of the season. Let the scent of spiced pumpkin and cinnamon be a reminder that there’s always room for warmth, love, and the simple pleasures that make life truly delicious. Here’s to a cozy and aromatic fall season filled with the sweetest memories and the most savoury delights!
Want more fall fun? Check out these DIY fall wreaths, top pumpkin patches in Ottawa and how to create the perfect fall tablescape!
