I LOVE Fall

There is nothing quite like the first few weeks of fall, when the weather starts to get crisp, the leaves change, and you're excited to get outside as much as possible before the snow takes over. I've always loved it, but when I lived in Japan I got kind of obsessed. The work koio refers to "the leaves changing colors" and it's a big deal over there. People take special trips to see the leaves change in different parts of the country, and there are all sorts of themed foods.

We obviously don't go to quite that extent in the U.S., but I'm craving afternoon runs, apple cider, warm stews, and cozy sweaters. We've already gone for a couple of drives to see the leaves, and have tickets to get up in a hot air balloon (assuming the weather cooperates)!!  If you're looking for something to do to help celebrate the season, I highly recommend checking out Groupon or Livingsocial- they often run deals for local wineries, Oktoberfest happenings, and other awesome fall activities.

One of my favorite transition recipes, that uses summer vegetables but makes a hearty stew is minestrone. It's delicious, easy to make, and a healthy dinner.

Pesto Minestrone
60 minutes to prep, serves 4-6

olive oil
1 onion
1 large carrot
2 celery stalks
1 potato (I use red)
small handfull green beans
2 small zucchini
1/2 cabbage
1 small eggplant
2 roma tomatoes
1 can cannellini beans (black beans also work)
5 cups broth
1 handfull small pieces of pasta
salt & pepper (to taste)
pesto (to taste)

Chop the onion, large carrot and celery stalks. Saute with olive oil in a dutch oven until onion in transluscent.

 

Chop the potato, green beans (1-2 inches once chopped), zucchini, and shred the cabbage. Add to the pan, saute about 5 more minutes.

 

Chop the eggplant, and tomatoes. Add to pan with the cannellini beans (drained and rinsed). Saute 3 more minutes.

 

Add the broth, salt and pepper. Cover, and simmer 40 minutes.

 

Add pasta, cook 4 more minutes (10 if you're using whole wheat pasta).

 

Stir in a big dollop of pesto, and serve with bread.