Q: In Chicago, and I am planning a dinner with a friend tomorrow night. I was planning a warm comfort food meal, but now it's going to be in the 60s. I'm not afraid of cooking something I've never made before.
What's a good fall meal that won't heat up my house but be of the season?
Sent by Jennifer
Editor: Jennifer, we think that you can't go wrong with a roast chicken, any time of year! Yes, you have to roast it, but it's quick — not like a slow braise. You can pair it with a fennel salad or another crunchy fall salad and a loaf of bread. That's what sounds good to us right now! And if the weather's really warm, you can close the meal with this spiced apple cider sorbet.
Readers, other thoughts for warm weather fall menus?
Related: From the Files: Roast Chicken!
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I would also suggest pork tenderloin or pork chops, but grilled instead of cooked in the oven. Pair with an apple or pear slaw.
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I have this problem living in the south - I planned to make a hearty chowder for a cold November Sunday...and it ended up being 76 degrees! :)
I think anything in a crockpot would be okay since it doesn't heat up your kitchen and can still provide "comfort food". Or maybe a nice Butternut Squash soup with a crunchy green salad and some bread? Light enough but still seasonal.
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During the erratic weather days of fall and spring, I do a lot of dishes under the broiler. That way I get the hearty dishes I'm craving in cooler weather, but only have the beast on for a short time. Pork tenderloin (mustard crusted is my favorite! Yum!) or flank steak are perfect.
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I agree with Jonnifer that a seasonal soup would be nice, particularly paired with a light and crunchy salad.
I would suggest butternut squash soup as well, here's one at epicurious with a red pepper mousse that would nicely balance the summer/fall issue:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Butternut-Squash-Soup-with-Roasted-Red-Pepper-Puree-108800
I would also suggest parsnip soup, which can be light and lovely with a little sherry, or the very festive looking 'scarlet carrot soup' from this past month's Gourmet. It pairs carrots and beets, and is beautiful!
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Something that I've been eating for breakfast that I think would also serve as a nice dessert is pomegranate seeds over plain yogurt with a swirl of honey on top. Very light, very tasty.
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Enjoy this great weather by pulling the grill back out of storage. Grill some chicken and seasonal veggies -- artichoke hearts, eggplant, leeks, mushrooms, zucchini, and radicchio are all delicious grilled -- with aromatic herbs, or make a grilled pizza with the same ingredients. It will have a lovely fall feel with that charred summer taste -- the best of both worlds.
As long as the grill is out, throw on some apples or pears and serve with ice cream for dessert.
I'm in 100% agreement on a nice salad. Some arugula or other greens with apple or pomegranate, walnuts, goat cheese, and some Green Goddess dressing always strikes me as a nice compliment to the often heavier fare that starts showing up as the holidays approach.
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Definitely grill, and definitely pears and apples. Love ice cream too, maybe buttermilk ice cream?
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Spaghetti and Meatballs!
This "heat wave" is crazy. I was regretting my flannel sheets last night and I have my windows open right now.
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This midwestern heat wave has totally confused my body, too. Last night I ended up going with a seasonal veggie pizza. But now I have lots of soup sitting away in the fridge!
Any sort of pear/apple/nut/cheese salad would be very nice...that's actually what I've been craving.
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