Today we are in Syracuse for the first time on a business trip. Luke will be attending a state wide nursing teaching day and since I am still waiting to hear back on the job interview last week (see a teacher without a classroom), I figured I’d come along and explore the area. I am looking forward to sharing what I find later.

For today I thought it was time to do a food review. In the past almost eight months of blogging I have posted low calorie, low carb (or no-carb), barley-free, and some gluten-free or even vegetarian recipes. As I looked at my weekly calendar (see What the fridge tells us) I realized that my recipes definitely change by the season. So now that I am more willing to not only stand the heat of the oven but enjoy it’s warmth here are a few of my favorite fall recipes. By the way if you have been an avid reader of mine stick around, you may see I’ve added a few alternatives for each meal, and there’s  surprise competition info at the end! Curious?

Here they are (in no particular order because I have a hard time choosing “favorites”):

1. Crockpot Vegetarian Lentil Soup (stew):

Lentil soup is one of those recipes I’ve made several times that reminds me of my semester abroad; the smell of tomatoes, lentils, and cumin always bring me back to living in a flat in Cairo.  It’s easy to throw in the crock-pot; a warm hearty vegetarian and gluten-free meal, and believe it or not it actually tastes better as leftovers! You can partner it with a good salad, some pita and hummus, or if you want meat some kebabs.

2. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers make for a great gluten-free dinner with endless possibilities. Although my version is not vegetarian, I give suggestions for what can easily replace the ground beef in the recipe. You can take this recipe and run in several directions. Want it mexican?: Stuff it with black beans and top it off with tortilla chips, mexican cheese, and salsa. Or if you want a more Italian variety?: Throw zucchini and Italian seasoning into the mixture and top it off with tomato sauce and mozzarella . If you want a different carb?: How about quinoa, or polenta? As I said the variations are limitless.

3. crockpot french onion soup

I just love the savory combo. of onions and beef broth. Partner it with good cheese and a hearty layer of dark bread and you’ve got a great fall meal in a bowl! This French Onion Soup recipe is gluten-free and low calorie. Because it’s a crock-pot meal all it takes is about a half hour’s worth of work then the crock-pot does the rest. If you want lower calorie you can go without bread, find a low-calorie bread,-or use croutons. Also mix-up what cheese you use-we use swiss or provolone but don’t let that stop you from trying out a different cheesy topper.

4. Gluten-free low cal chicken marsala

I took this traditional Italian dish and gave a slightly healthier and gluten-free spin on it.  This time I took out the pasta used zucchini as the base ingredient. Another option I have not shared before is to make spaghetti squash, same low calorie count but a similar pasta texture. Instead of breading the chicken I used a parmesan and herb base. Now a typical serving is under 600 Calories!

5.  Cinnamon Oatmeal Apple Muffins

For the last one I thought I’d throw in a baked good. When I think of fall one memory comes to mind: taking a Saturday with my parents to drive to Oak Glen and pick out apples and eat apple pie. So I love it when the smell of cinnamon and apples fills the house.  These little muffins are hearty and filling but only 100 calories each! They are free of any white sugar and easy to make. I am also in the works right now of dong a pumpkin muffin with the same base recipe. If you want to try it substitute 1 egg white and 1/2 C milk for 1 C of pureed pumpkin. Or if you want to cut out the milk and egg? Use applesauce. Again 1 egg white and 1/2C milk= 1 C applesauce. So if you want to cut all milk and egg out you’ll want to use more applesauce.

Well if you haven’t felt encouraged to try one of these recipes before I hope you now do!

Now it’s your turn!

Fall Recipe competition:

Share your favorite homemade fall recipe with me and you may just see me post a blog featuring your home-cooking/baking!

I will choose one recipe and share the results and therefore the winner with all of you!

My email is posted on the side-panel of this page. Recipes must be submitted before October 12th!

Happy Cooking/Baking!