I’m relishing the Autumn feels right now—even though the leaves aren’t really turning in Austin, there’s just enough crisp in the air to have me burning spicy candles and wearing my beanie every chance I get. And you guys know that my favorite place to celebrate the season is in my cooking. The cozy flavors of fall were certainly my inspo when I threw together this farro squash salad— a symphony of seasonal favorites that satisfies cravings for something hearty yet healthy. So, let’s dive into fall cooking (and Thanksgiving menu planning!) with a recipe that’s as vibrant and colorful as the season itself.
A Satisfying Fall Salad
This dish is a celebration of texture, taste, and nourishment. And unlike many leafy green salads, it’s a truly filling one dish meal, whether you keep it vegetarian or add some additional protein to the mix (more ideas on that below.) Out of all the beautiful fall produce at the market this time of year, I get the most excited about the different varieties of winter squash to choose from. Honeynut, acorn, butternut, and kabocha—I love them all. (So much so that we just shared the ultimate guide on how to cook winter squash.) This one uses Delicata Squash (one of my faves) combined with nutty farro, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and more for an incredible combination of flavor and texture.
Ingredients in Delicata Squash Farro Salad
This is a salad that’s bursting with seasonal, fresh, wholesome ingredients:
Cooked farro
Delicatasquash
Red Onion
Apple
Crumbled goat cheese
Toasted pecans
Olive oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Honey
Mustard
Salt and Pepper
Fresh Herbs
The harmony of sweet roasted squash, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans, all brought together with the nutty taste of farro, creates a salad that’s as delicious as it is healthy.
How to Make This Fall Salad
Creating this farro squash salad is easy when you’ve got fresh fall produce as your inspiration. These ingredients don’t require much more than a simple roast in the oven to bring out all their natural sweetness. Follow just a few simple steps to build your salad (and feel free to add, omit, or freestyle! Salads are canvases that ripe for adaptation.)
Roast the Squash
Toss the sliced squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and caramelized.
Cook the Farro
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the farro, and cook until tender yet chewy, about 30 minutes. Drain and cool.
Toast the Pecans
Spread out the pecans on a baking sheet, and cook in a 350 degree oven for about 7 minutes, until they smell toasty.
Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper to create a dressing that’s so versatile and absolutely addictive.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, mix the farro with the roasted squash and red onions. Add the apples, drizzle the dressing, and toss to combine. Top with goat cheese, pecans, fresh herbs, salt, & pepper. Eat!and toss gently to combine.
Serve and Savor
Serve this luscious farro squash salad on its own as a main dish, or pair it with leftover roast chicken or a piece of broiled salmon for added protein. It’s ideal for a quiet night in, and it’s also an absolutely perfect side dish on the Thanksgiving table. This salad proves how delicious and satisfying seasonally-based eating can be. It tastes like wellness in the best way possible, and you will absolutely fall in love with this squash and farro salad.
Other fall salads you’ll love:
Apple Walnut Salad
Putting apples in a salad is one of the easiest ways to get to my heart. Throw in some walnuts and dried cranberries and it’s game over.
Sweet Potato & Caramelized Date Salad
This recipe has everything I crave in a salad: something creamy, something crunchy, something unexpectedly sweet, and something tangy.
Shredded Kale & Cranberry Salad with Tofu
Massaging the kale is key here, and the crispy tofu just gives it all a crunchy, satisfying, and delicious texture.
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Scroll on for the recipe…
Print
1cup uncooked farro
1 delicata squash, halved, seeds removed, and sliced into 3/4” thick half-moons
1 small red onion, sliced
1 large apple, mandolined or thinly sliced
4oz goat cheese, crumbled
1/2cup pecans
Olive oil (for roasting and dressing)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil (optional, for garnish)
Roast the Squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F. On a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet, toss the squash with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Spread out in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and edges are caramelized. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
Cook the Farro: Rinse under cold water to remove any excess starch. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the farro to the boiling water and cook for about 30 minutes, or until it is tender but still chewy. Drain the farro and let it cool for a few minutes.
Toast the Pecans: Spread out the pecans on a baking sheet, then pop in your oven for about 5 minutes until they start to smell toasty. Remove and let cool.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk together until the dressing is well combined and emulsified, then season with salt and pepper to toast.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled farro with the roasted squash and sliced red onion.
Add the apple to the bowl, then drizzle dressing over top and gently mix.
Add the crumbled goat cheese, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs on top.
Serve in your favorite wood salad bowl in the center of the table!
Notes
To add more protein to this salad, add shredded roast chicken or a piece of broiled salmon.
You can make the salad up to a day in advance—add dressing just before serving.
There’s nothing better than reading (cooking, baking, movie-watching, and cozying up) in the fall. Otherwise stated: Everything is better in the fall. The elusive season catches us just as we tire of the summer heat and before we’re prepped to hibernate for winter. Autumn is the perfect respite from it all. And though it passes us by all too quickly, the best fall books are the perfect way to celebrate this special time of year.
What books should I read in autumn?
During the short, leaf-strewn months of September through November, I want nothing more than to curl up with a blanket and a tall stack of cozy, comforting, and sometimes spooky novels. While some may designate the ubiquitous pumpkin spice latte the signal of the season, my mind shifts instead to romantic stories about a small town in New England, a thriller scattered with secrets, or books about book clubs where the unlikely protagonist finds connection, discovers hope, and leans into love.
As you can tell, there’s a certain mood, a specific vibe, and at times, a little magic that comes with the best fall books. While summer’s all about beach reads and the start of winter sees us diving deep into our tossed-aside pile of self-help books, my favorite fall books transport me like no other novel can.
So, in the middle of October and as we near the spookiest time of year (Halloween, y’all), I encourage you to add a few of the titles below to your TBR. If yours looks similar to mine, it’s likely an ever-growing list. But hey, when it comes to the best fall books, the more the merrier, right?
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The Best Fall Books To Cozy Up With
1. The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella
Genre: Romantic comedy
Sophie Kinsella of Shopaholic fame has spent her career writing her way through every romantic comedy cliché—all while adding her own spin of whit and humor throughout. Now, her 29th book—including titles written under her pen name, Madeleine Wickham—is perfectly of the era. Stressed out and at the end of her rope (sound relatable?), Sasha escape to the beach resort she loved as a child for some R&R. But when she meets Finn, a burnout himself but whose means of repair couldn’t be more different than Sasha’s, her neatly laid-out plans go awry. In, of course, all the best ways. It’s a little Eat, Pray, Love mixed with the enemies-to-lovers trope. I was obsessed.
Release Date: Available now
2. My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand
Genre: Memoir
As you’ll quickly see from scrolling this list, 2023’s best fall books feature plenty of memoirs and biographies. I’ve always loved the genre as a means of accessing the complex lives and fascinating minds of those who drive our culture. And of course, very few people’s influence is quite as far-reaching as Barbara Streisand’s. Her highly-anticipated memoir recounts her rise to fame and the intimate ups and downs tracked through six decades as one of the most famous figures in the entertaining world.
Release Date: November 7th
3. The Book of (More) Delights by Ross Gay
Genre: Essays
Countless readers turn to Ross Gay for inspiration and wisdom on leading a more intentional, vibrant life. The same insights and guidance can be found in his latest release, The Book of (More) Delights. In its pages, Gay recounts the many things that, over the course of the year, have brought him peace and joy. From harvesting and sharing fruit with a neighbor to the nostalgic smell of his mother’s cookies, this book is a meditative journey through all the things that connect us to the world and provide our lives with meaning. It’s a beautiful follow-up to his first collection, The Book of Delights and would be a lovely gift for anyone looking to experience a little more joy in their everyday lives.
Release Date: Available now
4. Thicker Than Water by Kerry Washington
Genre: Memoir
There are those people who I’ve silently been begging to write a memoir for years. Kerry Washington? Top of my list. And while I love getting a behind-the-scenes view of her career as an actor, director, producer, and activist, it’s the intimate, emotional journey Washington invites you on that left me transformed by the last page. Her words are powerful, graceful, and tell the story of a woman filled with wisdom, but who remains ever-curious and open to the learnings of life.
Release Date: Available now
5. Madonna: A Rebel Life by Mary Gabriel
Genre: Biography
Sometimes, biographies are released and you wish they’d spent more time finding the best writer to tell this person’s story. And for someone as complex and truly larger than life as Madonna, reflecting that on the page is a tall order. Thankfully, Mary Gabriel is the perfect storyteller to capture this culture-defining icon. More than a pop star, Madonna rose to stardom while simultaneously giving shape to the 1980s evolution of feminism, forever changing how women expressed themselves. This biography looks to the past with gratitude while also paving the way for all Madonna has left to offer.
Release Date: Available now
6. Worthy by Jada Pinkett Smith
Genre: Memoir
Oftentimes, those in the public sphere are given a narrative they can’t escape that’s entirely different from the truth. Jada Pinkett Smith has experienced this uphill battle through much of her career, pushing back against all the many labels thrust upon her. Worthy offers a look into the life Pinkett Smith has led off-screen, reflecting on her upbringing, her marriage, and her triumphant fight for self-love all throughout.
Release Date: Available now
7. Absolution by Alice McDermott
Genre: Historical fiction
As we sadly know well, the world is rife with harrowing, horrific complexities. But oftentimes, only those on the frontline of tragedy have their stories shared. Absolution provides insight into the realities of life in Saigon during the Vietnam War. Told through the experiences of women across generations—Charlene, a corporate spouse and mother of three, Trica, newlywed of a rising attorney, and Charlene’s daughter 60 years later—this book offers a window into the tragic consequences to women on the periphery during and in the years after America’s interference in Southeast Asia. It’s heartbreaking, perspective-shifting, and ultimately questions the worth of our sacrifices in a broken world.
Release Date: Available now
8. Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
Genre: Mystery
If you’re looking for a spooky read this season, Happiness Falls is the most unique and thought-provoking take on the genre you’ll find. When the father of a Korean-American family in Virginia goes missing—and the only witness is unable to speak—it’s in uncovering the family’s secrets that the answers may be found. Full of drama and surprises at every turn, this isn’t simply a plot-driven mystery, but a rich telling of the abundant complexities of every family’s interior life.
Release Date: Available now
9. The Fraud by Zadie Smith
Genre: Historical fiction
Zadie Smith’s fiction is widely celebrated for being narratively compelling and critical of our contemporary world. The Fraud is set in 1860s London, with a criminal case driving its plot that sets the lower classes against the city’s financial elite. On the periphery of the case, but at the center of this novel’s action, is Eliza Touchet, a widow in her mid-60s, and Andrew Bogle, a formerly-enslaved Jamaican serving as a witness in the trial. The characters’ thoughts and interactions are charming and poignant—and if you read between the lines, you’ll likely uncover a few references to some of today’s key political figures.
Release Date: Available now
10. Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet by Taylor Lorenz
Genre: Non-fiction, cultural commentary
My review in a nutshell: you need to read this book, stat. The longer story is that Taylor Lorenz is the ultimate authority on internet culture, having covered the vast and rapidly developing topic for the past decade. In Extremely Online, she dives deep into the many ways the digital world has not only impacted our lives in the real world but influenced large elements of ourselves that exist solely online. Lorenz examines and illuminates topics like the rise of mommy blogging, our shifting understanding of fame, and how the internet has transformed capitalism as we know it. The internet impacts everything we do in ways both known and unknown—and in her book, Lorenz reveals them all.
Release Date: Available now
11. Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss’s Glossier by Marisa Meltzer
Genre: Non-fiction
Don’t tell me you’re not curious. Immediately upon seeing the pink, red, and white cover, I knew what this book would be about. And with the subtitle sharing more insight, it was clear I needed to pick it up immediately. In a world that’s gone from glorifying the girlboss to celebrating her fall from grace, Emily Weiss’ influence over the spheres of beauty and culture is a familiar story. But there’s little known behind the scenes of Weiss’ rise from Teen Vogue “superintern” to launching an industry-shifting beauty brand. Glossy gets all the deets, featuring interviews with former Glossier employees, investors, and Weiss herself to understand the inner workings of this widely-known woman that we, in fact, know nothing about. While it’s not specific to the season, if you’re going to invest in any of the best fall books, make this a priority.
Release Date: Available now
12. Remember Love: Words for Tender Times by Cleo Wade
Genre: Poetry and prose collection
Well-loved for her thoughtful and inspiring poems widely shared on Instagram and her debut poetry collection Heart Talk, Cleo Wade is back with the words and wisdom we all need to make it through challenging times. Remember Love is filled with reminders and epiphanies that speak to all experiences. From feeling lost to going through heartbreak, no emotion is left unturned in this raw but uplifting collection. Keep on your nightstand or coffee table and flip through whenever you need a few words of hope.
Release Date: Available now
13. Class: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hunger, and Higher Education by Stephanie Land
Genre: Memoir
Lauded for her powerful first memoir, Maid in which she recounted her escape from poverty and abuse in search of a better life for her and her daughter, Stephanie Land is back with Class. This time, Land continues her story by reflecting on the challenges of navigating higher education in America—the difficulty of prioritizing schoolwork while also living under the poverty line, focusing on studying without enough food, and working through our convoluted loan system. Her book explores survival with a new set of constraints while shedding light on the careful dance we have to do between our personal desires and professional goals.
Release Date: November 7th
14. Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
Genre: Thriller
Perfect for the fall, Bright Young Women pulls inspiration from Ted Bundy’s long string of murders. But where other retellings give the spotlight to the criminal himself, Jessica Knoll turns her attention to the remarkable women whose lives he cut short. The book brings together two women from across the country in their determined search for justice. It’s a page-turner you’ll plow through in just a few days (if that). I’m not joking: this may be the best of the best fall books.
Release Date: Available now
15. One Puzzling Afternoon by Emily Critchley
Genre: Mystery
In this beautiful story of aging and memory, eight-four-year-old Edie Green swears she’s been seeing her childhood best friend, Lucy Theddle—exactly as she was when she disappeared at 15. And though Edie’s family writes it off as one of her mix-ups, she’s intent on piecing together the truth of what really happened to Lucy before it’s too late.
Release Date: Available now
16. Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
Genre: Thriller and suspense
This book came highly lauded by Camille Styles team member Brittany. And given her incredible taste in books, we all immediately picked it up. Spoiler: I was immediately pulled in before I even cracked open the book. It’s the perfect fall read about a mother who sees her son commit a murder. She doesn’t know who the victim is and she doesn’t know why her son did it. But time starts moving in reverse, and she has the chance to stop the crime before it happens. Every word is brilliant and every twist totally unexpected. All you need is a night with know plans to check this off your TBR—it’s that good.
Release Date: Available now
This post was originally published on October 12, 2022, and has since been updated.
It’s nice to have things we can count on in this wild world. Hopefully, it’s people or a go-to comfort watch, but for me, it’s the excitement of discovering the best Trader Joe’s fall snacks of the year. (There are other things, of course, but this one is honestly a biggie.) Time relentlessly marches on, but the grocer’s best seasonal snack foods largely stay the same—and always seem to show up right when you need them most.
Featured image by Christie Graham.
The Best Trader Joe’s Fall Snacks
The autumnal scene in and of itself is wholly comforting, but some seasonal Trader Joe’s snacks burrow their way into your heart—and your pantry—like none other. To get a sense of what TJ’s has on tap, I took a trip down to my local store and perused the isles with no time limit.
From pumpkin brioche and spiced Joe-Joe’s to seasonal soup (it counts as a snack in our book!), these are the Trader Joe’s treats our editors stock up on every fall.
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Autumnal Harvest Soup
Kicking off our list is one of our favorite snacks (or meals) here at Camille Styles… soup! Soup is one of those items that can be enjoyed any time of day during fall. This Autumnal Harvest Soup uses seasonal root veggies with a creamy tomato base. Pair it with a toasty grilled cheese or a hearty sandwich, or simply enjoy it on its own!
Almond Butter Filled Pretzels
Life is like a bag of pretzels, said no one ever. But I’m telling you: When I have a bag of these almond butter-filled goodies in my possession, they’re all that matter in life. The smooth almond butter paired with crunchy pretzels topped with chunky salt hits all the salty-sweat-creamy notes I crave in a snack. Funnily, I grabbed these by mistake when aiming for the peanut butter ones. Well, there are no mistakes. Get these while they’re on shelves—in bulk.
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Pepita Salsa
When it comes to pepitas, I’ll take any chance I get to enjoy their spiced nutty flavor. Tomato and pepper flavors of traditional salsa meet the texture (and autumnal bliss) of chopped pepitas. How could we say no?
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Delicata Squash
I know, I know—you gave me a pass on the soup. But delicata squash? A snack? You bet. When fall rolls around, all I want to do is cook with squash in every way possible. The recipe potential for this veggie is practically endless, and can, by all means, be made into a tasty snack. Give it a spin in your air fryer and you’ll know what I mean. And before you go wondering if you can just buy these at any old grocery store, know this: whereas other Trader Joe’s produce leaves much to be desired, somehow the delicata squash always hits right.
Pumpkin Blondie Brownies
If you can’t make the tough choice between blondies and brownies, now you don’t have to. Bonus: pumpkin. While I often choose the former treat, and these are admittedly more of a spiced pumpkin bar than leaning squarely on either side, I’m obsessed. With white chocolate chips (score), pecans, and *legit* pumpkin flavor, these are high up on my list of the best Trader Joe’s fall snacks. They’re the perfect post-dinner treat.
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants
With two of my favorite things in one dessert, it was impossible to pass up on these pumpkin cheesecake croissants. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and spiced packed into just the right size for a small dessert or sweet snack.
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Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s Sandwich Cookies
Snacks may shift from season to season, but one thing stays the same: the everlasting, forever joy of Joe-Joe’s. While the chocolate classics are my standby throughout the year, nothing gets me more excited for October than the return of my forever faves. Filled with creamy, pumpkin-spiced flavor, I can’t imagine a world where I can only have one of these.
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Spiced Chai Black Tea Concentrate
Some love their PSLs, but I can’t get enough cups of chai once autumn rolls around. And while other chai concentrates lean far too sweet, this blend retains plenty of spicy, fall-ish flavor. If you really want to step things up, go 1:1 with your favorite apple cider for a chaider that’s absolutely delish.
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Spicy Pumpkin Samosas
To keep things real with you, I’m currently munching on these spicy pumpkin samosas—and I’m blown away by how delicious they are. Sometimes when pumpkin season rolls around, I’m not always drawn to the overly sweet recipes (although I do love a good pumpkin dessert). These pumpkin samosas are the best savory, bite-sized snack to cozy up with after a chilly fall day.
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Pumpkin Bagels
Pumpkin bagels? Highly underrated. I’m a bagel girl through and through, and I simply couldn’t resist these the first time I strolled through a Trader Joe’s last October. They have the perfect hint of sweetness and fluffiness you want in a good bagel. Pair with any autumnal cream cheese of your choosing to really send this home.
Gluten-Free Norwegian Crisp Bread
These crisp breads make a great snack year-round, but they’re an especially perfect vessel for the real reason we all like snacks: the TOPPINGS. I love mixing it up with different fall ingredients. Perhaps some goat cheese and everything seasoning (another TJ’s staple) on top, or maybe some almond butter and apple slices for a sweet and savory treat. Heck, I’ve even topped these with some pumpkin yogurt and cinnamon, and it was delicious. Feel free to get creative! These crisp breads have brought my snack game to new heights.
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This Pumpkin Walks Into A Bar… Cereal Bars
I swear, my mom has the fig version of these bars in every bag, jacket pocket, and her car at all times. Well, come October, she happily swaps these fall-ified treats into her rotation. While I typically pass on other cereal bars, these boast pure pumpkin flavor. They’re ideal as a snack on the go or enjoyed in the afternoon with a steaming cup of chai. Perfect in a pinch.
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Pumpkin Brioche
Soft, sweet, cinnamony, and all the pumpkin flavor—what’s not to love about this perfect brioche loaf? I love it toasted with a little butter or, even better, for French toast. It’s indulgent and delicious, and I look forward to it every fall.
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Cinnamon Bun Spread
You might think this cinnamon spread exists purely to slather onto cinnamon rolls or even TJ’s pumpkin rolls (also very good!), but you’d be so terribly wrong. This ridiculously sweet spread—which is surprisingly low in added sugars—can be spread across whatever your fall flavor-loving heart desires. And it’s way better than TJ’s pumpkin cream cheese or pumpkin spice hummus—trust us.
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Pumpkin Greek Nonfat Yogurt
I loooove thick and creamy Greek yogurt and of course, I’m obsessed with pumpkin. When my two faves join together in one totally addicting and satiating snack? It’s game over. The pumpkin flavor hits perfectly, giving the yogurt a slightly sweet bite. It’s perfect on its own or made into a yogurt bowl with chopped apples, cinnamon, and maybe even a little maple syrup drizzled on top.
Pumpkin Spice Pretzels
Pumpkin-spiced pumpkin seeds, real bits of lemon peel, and a touch of flaky salt come together to create (arguably) the best fall snack on this list. Covered in creamy yogurt, these tiny pretzels are a delish sweet treat with the perfect balance of fall flavors. If I don’t stop myself, I will undoubtedly eat this entire bag in one sitting.
This post was originally published on October 13th, 2022, and has since been updated.
Fall is the best season, no contest. (Clearly, I’m in the majority.) We’re several weeks into the season, and I’ve made soups aplenty, stocked and restocked my Trader Joe’s fall favorites, and indulged in my favorite pumpkin cake. But to even things out amidst all the sweet, cozy classics, I’m on the hunt for recipes that taste and feel like fall, but are healthy and nourishing, too. Enter: the internet’s best fall salad recipes. You’re welcome.
14 Fall Salad Recipes That Take Sides to a Whole New Level
The best thing about fall salads is that they feature delicious salad bases like Brussels sprouts and quinoa, along with my favorite toppings like sweet potato and apples. I’m convinced that if you put all the best fall ingredients in a bowl, it would taste pretty good. Read on for 14 fall salad recipes that will bring the season into your kitchen. (And help you change things up once the pumpkin-induced coma subsides.)
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Apple Walnut Salad
Why We Love It: Putting apples in a salad is one of the easiest ways to get to my heart. Throw in some walnuts and dried cranberries and it’s game over. This salad recipe actually makes me drool, and I get giddy thinking about how good it will taste while all of the ingredients are in season. Run, don’t walk, to try this one out.
Hero Ingredient: The juicy, crunchy, sweet Honeycrisp apples.
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Harvest Kale Salad
Why We Love It: Packed with superfoods and fall produce, this salad is as good as it looks. (And it looks pretty dang good.) The squash, brie (yes, brie!), and pears also make it more filling than your typical salad. It’s crunchy, creamy, and our favorite way to eat kale—perfect to serve at all of your fall dinner parties.
Hero Ingredient: Brie needs to be the mainstay of more fall salad recipes.
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Roasted Sweet Potato and Caramelized Date Salad
Why We Love It: This recipe has everything I crave in a salad: something creamy, something crunchy, something unexpectedly sweet, and something tangy. Here, that means sweet potatoes, pistachios, dates, and plenty of goat cheese. It’s so delicious and goes so far beyond your basic fall salad. This recipe is what they mean when folks encourage you to eat the rainbow.
Hero Ingredient: Sweet potatoes are my fresh, fall-season favorite.
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Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
Why We Love It: I’ll say it: delicata squash is the best squash. You don’t have to peel it (looking at you, butternut), and the rings crisp up perfectly in the oven—leaving the perfect creamy interior. In this recipe, the squash truly shines, with feta, almonds, and plenty of herbs to support the salad’s star. With plenty of color and a variety of texture, this salad knows what it’s doing.
Hero Ingredient: The unexpected spices, cumin and coriander, add a nice heat to this cold-weather salad.
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Buffalo Cauliflower Chopped Salad
Why We Love It: This might be the fall salad recipe to end all fall salad recipes. It’s also one of the most unique recipes on this list thanks to the lighter—but still bursting with flavor—buffalo sauce that makes the roasted cauliflower all the more delish.
Hero Ingredient: The creamy, lemony dressing is light but substantial, coating your greens perfectly while still letting the buffalo sauce shine.
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Shredded Kale & Cranberry Salad with Crispy Tofu
Why We Love It: I spend all year waiting to eat cranberries at their peak, and this salad makes all my fresh, fall dreams come true. The sweet and tangy berry pairs so well with the kale and herb blend, and the crispy tofu just gives it all a crunchy, satisfying, and delicious texture. But trust: whatever protein you choose, this salad will always satisfy.
Hero Ingredient: The dressing’s juice and zest of an orange, for a fresh flavor that can’t be beat.
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Roasted Delicata Squash & Kale Salad
Why We Love It: Sheela Prakash shared this recipe with us a few years ago, and it has been a fall favorite ever since. It’s wholesome, colorful, and incredibly flavorful. This recipe has the perfect tangy dressing, is gluten-free and vegan, and has some yummy crunch components, too. Plus, it just looks pretty.
Hero Ingredient: Delicata squash has been waiting all year to shine in this salad. Scratch that—every salad.
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The Best Simple Green Salad
Why We Love It: A little nod to simplicity in our favorite fall salad recipes is always welcome. This pared-down green salad is just what we crave when we’ve overdone it on the creamy desserts, pasta, and casseroles that are everywhere this time of year. With mixed lettuces, fresh herbs, and toasted walnuts as the base, this salad makes way for a flavor-packed shallot vinaigrette that I’ll happily pour over anything.
Hero Ingredient: ACV gives the dressing the perfect acidity and puckery bite.
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Green Salad With Sesame Dressing
Why We Love It: Everyone loves a classic green salad, and if you can believe it, this recipe takes things up a notch. The baby greens happily soak up every drop of the ginger-spiked dressing, giving you a bowl of creamy, crunchy, and nutty goodness. I’m not joking when I say that the first time I made this, I finished it straight from the bowl.
Hero Ingredient: This salad is a PSA to start sprinkling your furikake on way more than rice. The nori and seeds in the Japanese condiment add a delicious salty crunch.
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Roasted Winter Vegetable Salad with Crispy Quinoa
Why We Love It: Gaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking shared this beautiful veggie salad with us that’s full of fall and winter’s best. The red pepper flakes add the perfect amount of spice, the quinoa brings just the right amount of crunch, and the pinto beans give the salad some protein. It’s super easy and will be a fall favorite for sure.
Hero Ingredient: Can’t beat the quinoa.
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Grapefruit, Avocado, and Golden Beet Salad with Crunchy Chickpeas and Feta
Why We Love It: We’ve almost made it to peak citrus season, and I’m already working on getting my fill. Combined with golden beets (which, if you’re not a fan of their pinky-red cousins, are far milder and a little sweeter), this salad simply lets the seasonal produce do it’s thing. Plus, it’s so pretty when it’s all plated up.
Hero Ingredient: I’m an avocado girlie for life.
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Chaat Masala Citrus Salad
Why We Love It: If this salad was rated on a function of prep time and impressiveness, it would be off the charts. Your guests will think you spent hours making it, and clean their plates in no time. This recipe really spotlights the fresh citrus and supplements the flavor with radishes, mint, and as much chaat masala as your taste buds can handle.
Hero Ingredient: Pass the chaat masala, please.
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Kale and Wild Rice Salad with Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette
Why We Love It: Everything about this recipe, from the image to the ingredient list, just screams fall. Not only does it feature a tasty maple-mustard vinaigrette, but it also has tons of fall favorites: kale, apples, cranberries, almonds, goat cheese, and more. This is one of the fall salad recipes that will be on a weekly rotation at my house.
Hero Ingredient: Wild rice makes this salad all the more satisfying.
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Kale Citrus Salad
Why We Love It: If you’ve long been turned off of kale as I have, this salad is your welcome-back gift. The key is to massage the greens long enough that the leaves easily give to the citrus-tahini dressing. Tossed together with an array of citrus, this salad is beauty made edible. (Be sure to read the whole thing, as the recipe shares the secret to getting restaurant-quality slices.)
Hero Ingredient: As the recipe states: breadcrumbs are the new croutons. And so, so much better.
This post was originally published on October 6, 2021, and has since been updated.
Pasta is the quickest way to nourish your soul while devouring lots of fresh, seasonal ingredients. You just can’t go wrong with a warm bowl of satisfying carbs combined with colorful veggies—it sets off all the pleasure receptors in the brain. Because we find ourselves in October—the true start of cozy season—let’s cruise into fall with these absolutely delectable pumpkin pasta recipes.
Though I love pasta during every season, there’s something extra special about making an indulgent pasta dish as the weather starts to get crisp and cozy. And what ingredient says fall more than pumpkin? The creamy consistency and savory-meets-sweet flavors of roasted pumpkin are a feast for the senses. It’s practically autumn on a plate.
15 Pumpkin Pasta Recipes
You’ll want to bookmark these pumpkin pasta dishes, whether you’re planning a dinner party or looking to treat yourself to a seriously delicious weeknight dinner for one. Consider this your “fall eats bucket list,” and enjoy them before the season is over. We’ve included vegan and vegetarian options as well, so that everyone can enjoy this utterly delicious flavor combination.
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Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi
Why We Love It: This pumpkin gnocchi is my idea of a perfect fall meal. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with beautiful, herby flavor. And out of all the pumpkin pasta recipes on this list, this one is the sauciest—spooning up almost like an indulgent soup. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes. So the next time you want to whip up something special on a weeknight, make this your go-to.
Hero Ingredient: Nutmeg is a seriously underrated spice when it comes to creamy, rich pastas. In this dish? It’s perfect.
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Brown Butter Pumpkin Pasta
Why we love it: It couldn’t be easier to make this warming, too-good-to-be-true pasta. Put a new twist on the classic fall pumpkin flavor by peeling it, roasting chunks with honey, and tossing it into the pasta. The nutty brown butter sauce takes less than five minutes to make and packs a flavorful punch.
Hero ingredient: Don’t skip the fresh sage.
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Pumpkin Cheese Stuffed Pasta Bolognese Bake from Half Baked Harvest
Why we love it: Can’t you practically smell this pasta bake through the screen? It doesn’t get much cozier than his dish. Jumbo shells are stuffed with pumpkin, cheese, and fresh sage then baked in a spicy bolognese-style sauce. Yum!
Hero ingredient: The sauce is spicy, creamy, and damn delicious.
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Vegetarian Spinach Pumpkin Lasagna from Ambitious Kitchen
Why we love it: It’s a cheesy, squashy, savory, saucy delight sprinkled with parsley and sage. What a dream! This dish is easy to portion out and loaded with delicious flavors like ricotta, parmesan, and sage that are layered with pumpkin, more cheese, and crunchy/creamy lasagna noodles.
Hero ingredient: The trifecta of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta blends together for some serious indulgence.
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Creamy Pumpkin Spaghetti with Garlic Kale from Pinch of Yum
Why We Love It: There are countless pumpkin pasta recipes, but what really sets them apart is the unique spin they each bring to the table. This recipe makes it happen with a side of garlicky kale, perfectly offsetting the creamy, tomato-y pasta sauce. Served together in a bowl, it’s a complete meal that needs nothing else.
Hero Ingredient: I love the use of sun-dried tomatoes in this recipe. They add a rich, briny flavor that rounds out the pumpkin pasta sauce.
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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Sausage from Platings and Pairings
Why We Love It: For the non-vegetarians among us, this hearty pasta dish is an ideal fall dish. When it’s rainy, gray, and the air outside is crisp, I can’t imagine twirling my fork around anything cozier. Not only is the sauce silky and smooth but this pasta is laced with rich, crispy bits of sausage—and it goes from pot to table in only a half-hour.
Hero Ingredient: The tiniest bit of cinnamon adds a touch of sweetness that’s quintessentially fall.
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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta from Jar of Lemons
Why We Love It: Alongside soup, pasta is synonymous with fall. And when pumpkin—plus garlic, sage, parmesan, and roasted pepitas—joins the mix, perfection ensues. It’s rich, crunchy, creamy, and totally autumnal. There’s nothing better.
Hero Ingredient: I love the mix of walnuts and roasted pepitas tossed over top. It’s the crunch for me.
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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Caramelized Hazelnut Mushrooms from Full of Plants
Why we love it: This ultra-comforting pumpkin pasta recipe is a rustic feast. Soy-glazed mushrooms and caramelized hazelnuts are mixed with creamy pumpkin fusilli to make a perfect fall meal.
Hero ingredient: Golden brown and crunchy caramelized hazelnuts.
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Vegan Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese from Minimalist Baker
Why we love it: Is there anything more comforting than macaroni and cheese? This grown-up take on the classic only requires 10 ingredients and couldn’t be easier to make. You can easily roast the pumpkin yourself or buy a canned pumpkin to save time.
Hero ingredient: A pinch of pumpkin pie spice adds warmth and depth of flavor.
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Spinach Bacon Pumpkin Mac and Cheese from Ambitious Kitchen
Why we love it: This is the best dinner to come home to on a chilly fall evening. It’s cozy, is full of fall flavors and nourishing ingredients, and is pretty easy to whip together on a busy weeknight! Treat yourself.
Hero ingredient: Has bacon ever not been a hero ingredient?
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Creamy Pumpkin Marinara from Cookie + Kate
Why We Love It: When we’re between the months of September and November, it’s non-negotiable: I need my marinara with a hefty dose of pumpkin. With plenty of the classic herbs (oregano, tarragon, garlic, and cinnamon), it’s clear the Italian classic plus pumpkin is a perfect pairing. Honestly, it’s so good, I plan to make this well into the winter.
Hero Ingredient: The balsamic vinegar adds a complex sweetness with notes of fig and chocolate that are a tasty complement to every pumpkin-y bite.
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Pumpkin Cauliflower Gnocchi with Nutty Browned Butter and Whipped Ricotta from Half Baked Harvest
Why we love it: Making this gnocchi is much easier than it looks, trusts us. It’s a cozy, and delicious recipe that uses mashed cauliflower, pumpkin puree, flour, parmesan, and eggs. Simple enough! Light, pillowy gnocchi is the perfect thing to eat on a cozy night in.
Hero ingredient: The delicious, nutty hazelnut and sage browned butter sauce.
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Pumpkin & Chickpea Pasta with Creamy Miso Sauce from Full of Plants
Why we love it: Warm your soul with this sumptuous pumpkin pasta dish. Roasted pumpkin, crispy chickpeas, and fettuccine in a creamy white miso sauce make for a seriously joy-inducing dinner.
Hero ingredient: Crispy chickpeas dusted in aromatic spices.
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Pumpkin Cacio e Pepe from How Sweet Eats
Why we love it: If you thought that a traditional cacao e Pepe couldn’t be improved upon, then think again! This is a simple, flavorful, and unexpected twist on the classic Roman dish that you’ll come back to again and again.
Hero ingredient: A few grates of nutmeg help to bring out the mild pumpkin flavor.
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Pumpkin and Pancetta Pasta Bake from Stuck in the Kitchen
Why we love it: Indulge in this cheesy, flavorful pasta recipe next time you’re stuck inside on a stormy night. The taste of pancetta, pumpkin, garlic, sage, and toasted walnuts come together for an almost over-the-top delicious flavor profile.
Hero ingredient: Salty pancetta can’t be beaten.
This post was originally published on September 20, 2021, and has since been updated.
While we’re a few official weeks into fall, I’m writing to you from my very first *actually cozy* day. The temps have dipped below 65, there’s color in the trees, and my craving for hot cider is justified. There’s little I wouldn’t give to experience the autumnal coziness year-round, (when it comes to fall, the “too much of a good thing” adage doesn’t apply). And while some may tell you there’s nothing better than indulging in a summer beach read, my fall reading list has that simple pleasure beat.
Fall exudes coziness—with our desire for all things comfy, wholesome, and warm reaching its peak. It only makes sense that now is the perfect time to plow through your TBR. But with the fall scene set just so, not just any books will do. We want to be scared, soothed, and set in a small town where characters wear turtlenecks and gather for knitting clubs in the local coffee shop. I’m talking about the classics, the horror, and the “no plot, just vibes” novels that make every short, dark day worth the cozy return.
Featured image by Riley Blanks Reed.
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What books are best to read in the fall?
Every book is an opportunity to enjoy a little escape from the reality of our daily routines. We read to go places we’ve never been, experience contexts we’ve never known, and dive into the relationships and psyches of people entirely unlike our surrounding circle. But during the fall, in particular, it’s natural to gravitate toward books that echo the crisp weather and align with the season’s vibes. With Halloween on its way, horror, thrillers, and psychological fiction reads are perfect spooky material. The start of the school year falls in step with our love of anything academia. And of course, cuffing season is fast approaching, and there’s no better time than the fall get us in the mood—romantic fiction is a must.
With all of that in mind, I curated a fall reading list that offers something for everyone. Whether you take this season to indulge in Literature with a capital “L,” scratch your Hallmark romance itch, or enjoy a little scare, read on—these 15 reads are right up your alley.
Fun fact: I went to the same college as Sylvia Plath—and actually lived in her same dorm room. My fascination with the author certainly contributed to my English major, and I consider an annual re-read of The Bell Jar part of my continuing education. If you know anything about Sylvia Plath’s story of mental illness, literary fame, and the ultimate tragedy of her life, you’ll think of this as an autobiographical novel. And even if you don’t become a “Plathie,” you’ll still enjoy the fascinating peek into a woman weighed down by her own beautiful mind—as well as the horrific limitations of mid-century mental healthcare.
My Salinger Year by Joanna Rakoff
Genre: Memoir
I devour this book every time I read it—and proceed to encourage everyone to add it to their fall reading list. While the narrative relies on some of the tired tropes of the publishing industry on the cusp of the 2000s, you’ll immediately be mesmerized by the entirely different world Joanna Rakoff stepped into when she took a job as an assistant to the literary agent for J.D. Salinger. It’s a heart-warming and intriguing coming-of-age story in which a young woman discovers her own voice by mimicking that of one of the world’s most famous authors.
Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander
Genre: Psychological Fiction
If you want to cry, then laugh, then cry and laugh again, pick up Meredith, Alone. It was one of my favorite books of last year, and though I plowed through it in December, it’s a perfect fall read. The premise: Meredith hasn’t left her home in three years, but little by little—through the help of friends old and new—she learns to trust the world again. Claire Alexander does an incredible job of slowly teasing out elements of Meredith’s backstory, making it impossible to put down as you dive deeper into this lovable, complicated character.
Happy Hour by Marlowe Granados
Genre: Coming-of-age
One of my favorite books of all time, Happy Hour perfectly epitomizes the TikTok category of “no plot, just vibes” books. Meaning: while the book doesn’t track a clear progression of events, you dive deep into the mesmerizing, desperate world of two young, twenty-something friends—Isabelle and Gala—as they navigate life in New York City through charm, whit, and an unsettling brilliance.
When asked about her thoughts on this categorization, author Marlowe Granados shared with Elle, “When you put it all together, there’s not this traditional structure of rising and falling action, because I’m not interested in that. All the books I love aren’t traditional in that way, and I’m open to exploring non-linear expressions and narratives.”
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
Genre: Literary fiction
To be clear: this is a must-add to your fall reading list as is everything else Ottessa Moshfegh has penned. (Eileen and her latest, Lapvona are two more faves.) Immediately upon reading, you’ll discover an entirely different sort of book, where the constraints of prose and plot are quickly bypassed. Set in New York City in 2000 and 2001, My Year of Rest and Relaxation follows the narrator (unnamed) as she seeks to spend a year asleep—induced by a cocktail of medications—to reset her life. What she discovers is a way forward in a world that’s often difficult to bear.
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
Genre: Literary fiction
If you love anything Sally Rooney, Cleopatra and Frankenstein is a natural progression. Cleo and Frank dive headfirst into a seemingly mismatched pairing. (She, a beautiful, young painter, and he, twenty years her senior, leading a life of excess and wealth.) Their romance impulsively turns to marriage, dissolving quickly into a complex and challenging relationship. As the reader, you want desperately for each to experience some semblance of happiness—and at the end, you discover just how complex true satisfaction in life can be.
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler
Genre: Novel
If you love food and are fascinated by the behind-the-scenes hustle of New York City kitchens, Sweetbitter is your go-to fall read. The novel tracks Tess, a twenty-two-year-old as she learns the rules of the road—and life—working at a celebrated New York restaurant. The book is full of glitz and glam but reveals the elite industry’s truths of chaos and grime. But the beyond being an exposé of the restaurant industry itself, Sweetbitter perfectly encapsulates a young woman’s pursuit of place and identity in an oftentimes unforgiving world.
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Genre: Horror fiction
Behind (almost) every great Netflix series is the book that inspired it. Many agree that Shirley Jackson is the queen of horror—she’s the author of “The Lottery,” and clearly deserving of the moniker. The Haunting of Hill House takes the reader through a perfectly executed example of the haunted house story, and it even earned Stephen King’s seal of approval. Paranormal activity, psychological suspense—it’s fall horror perfection.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Genre: Coming-of-age story
My book club read this in September and it’s one of the few books that’s earned the group’s unanimous appreciation. (Read all the way to the end of this fall reading list, and you’ll know how deep my Ann Patchett obsession runs.) In Tom Lake, her latest release, Patchett’s ability to convey the endurance of love is coupled with meditations on the ties between family members and how these bonds shape the outcomes of our lives.
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
Genre: Psychological thriller and mystery
There’s no time better than the cool, crisp nights of fall to cuddle up with a thriller. The House Across the Lake? An all-time best for the season Though I read it when it initially came out last June, I have no shame in plowing through it (again) this fall. Starting with the expected plot of the protagonist quitting the city for the calming (and eerily quiet) woods, this novel offers a compelling departure in its many twists and turns.
Casey Fletcher (said protagonist who settles in Vermont), befriends the glamorous couple across the lake. But when the wife mysteriously disappears, what initially looked like a perfect marriage suddenly becomes the center of a psychologically suspenseful and constantly shifting plot.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Genre: Gothic fiction
Though you may have left this book behind in college, I can’t stress it enough: pick it back up immediately. While it was written nearly 200 years ago and the nuances of life in the landed gentry are no longer common knowledge, the romance and very human emotions put on display are always relevant. If you really want to dive deep into the Gothic romances this fall, follow it up with Jane Eyre.
All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers
Genre: Crime fiction and mystery
Though this was a new release last year, I didn’t get my hands on it until a week ago. And… I finished it in a day. With Ashley Flowers’ extensive experience investigating crimes both solved and cold, she displays an incredible ability to build a suspenseful, shocking narrative—even in her debut novel.
A journalist who’s moved back to her hometown, Margot Davies becomes obsessed with the infamous murder of January Jacobs. She goes to extensive lengths to find the solve the case—and bring the killer to justice. Along the way, she discovers that many of the townspeople she thought she knew are hiding twisted, chilling secrets.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Genre: Literary fiction
There’s no better time than autumn to re-read the classics. Though I’m quick to recommend Fitzgerald’s other novels before The Great Gatsby, nothing encapsulates the season more than the book’s standout line: “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” I’ll admit, every time I turn back to this book, I’m always in awe at its ability to capture the sense of loss and longing that can exist between people who desperately seek happiness in all the wrong places.
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Genre: Romance novel
IMO—this is Jane Austen at her best. I don’t need to tell you that she’s the queen of romance and putting women on their rightful pedestal. Persuasion gives readers an opportunity to indulge in a second-chance love. It’s witty (of course) and convoluted in a way that only Austen can make enjoyable. (Who’s married to who, again?) For anyone new to Jane Austen, you can certainly start with Pride & Prejudice, but I’d say Persuasion is the right choice.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Genre: Historical fiction
I listened to this in the car with my mom on a drive across the country, and though I loved Tom Hanks’ narration, it’s even more enjoyable to curl up with on my couch. It’s dark and haunting, but displays the power of a sibling bond to overcome all odds. Forced into the same poverty their parents escaped, Danny and Maeve struggle to leave behind their past even as they experience inklings of hope and success. The Dutch House looks at the complexities that can exist between families, and ultimately asks if love is really what’s most important.
As I’m writing this, I’m curled up with a blanket in front of the fireplace, and while it’s still early in the season, I’m doing all I can to establish the coziest cozy vibes. Candles, fall décor, and a plethora of soups are all included in my comfy arsenal. But my true go-to when it comes to embracing my favorite season? Hot drinks to sip on throughout the day to keep me warm from the inside out.
Do you have a warm drinks routine, too? In the morning, I start with a hot mug of coffee—between the months of September and December, spiked with pumpkin creamer. From there, I progress to a cup of Earl Grey, strong. The day usually tapers off with golden milk to ensure I’m meeting my daily quota of anti-inflammatory fighters while setting the right tone to help me wind down. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple, homemade options I can mix up—truly, the world of hot drinks is vast. So, to help you cozy up as well, I compiled all of my favorite hot drinks recipes. Cheers to staying warm, all season long.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
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27 Hot Drinks to Keep You Cozy This Fall
There’s something special about hot drinks this time of year. Scratch that—there’s something special about everything this time of year, but things certainly feel more festive with a steamy mug in hand. As we’re looking onward to the start of the holidays, I have vivid pictures of trimming the tree with a mug of hot cocoa in hand. And of course, happy hour trades cold, refreshing spritzes for mulled wine and hot toddies.
These warm bevvies keep you toasty on the inside to help you live out your coziest, comfiest dreams this fall and winter. If you’re in need of some of the best hot drinks to sip on this season, we’ve got you covered. From hot chocolate to apple cider, this list has something merry in store for all the elves in your life. Happy sippin’!
Hot Chocolate Recipes
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Boozy Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Why We Love It: This boozy peppermint hot chocolate combines two party favorites: dessert and a cocktail. In one loveable form, it’s exactly what you’ll want to sip on throughout the chilly season. This one is definitely indulgent, so prepare for no holds barred.
Hero Ingredient: This recipe is equally delicious sans alcohol.
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Adaptogenic Hot Chocolate
Why We Love It: On the other end of the hot chocolate spectrum, this adaptogenic hot chocolate takes an earthier, healthier approach that you’ll still love—promise! Instead of hyping yourself up on sugar, you’ll experience relaxation and zen thanks to adaptogens. That said, it’s still rich, luscious, and chocolatey with a ritualistic spin that you might just implement year-round.
Hero Ingredient: You can make this ahead of time as a mix! Hello, upgraded instant hot cocoa.
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Healthy Hot Chocolate from love & lemons
Why We Love It: It’s vegan, it’s dairy-free, and it’s still as rich and indulgent as a typical mug of hot chocolate. Sound promising? I think yes. This healthier hot chocolate uses raw cacao powder, maca powder, almond milk, maple syrup, coconut oil, and cinnamon to craft the perfect chocolate flavors. It’s not your typical cup of Swiss Miss, but I highly recommend taking the leap of faith. You’ll be glad you did.
Hero Ingredient: Don’t even think about skipping the salt. A pinch makes each and every flavor in this hot chocolate pop.
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Mexican Hot Chocolate from Chili Pepper Madness
Why We Love It: Classic hot chocolate gets an upgrade in spice form in this Mexican hot chocolate. With a mix of chili powders lending a subtle kick to the chocolate, you’re in for a treat. This one warms you up twofold, with the spice content and literal temperature working for you. It’s like a hug in a mug.
Hero Ingredient: I’d encourage you to fiddle with the spices until you find your perfect ratio. Make it how you like it, folks!
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S’mores Hot Chocolate from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: My favorite childhood twist on hot chocolate involved one of my favorite flavor combinations—s’mores! Now, as an adult, if I’m not feeling a coffee and maybe feeling a bit festive for dessert, I always try to find a s’mores bev on a drink menu.
Hero Ingredient: Marshmallows… need I say more?
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Caramel Espresso Hot Cocoa From Half Baked Harvest
Why We Love It: Caramel is simply a flavor I can’t get enough of during the fall and winter. Its sweet and nutty flavor goes with almost any dessert (or drink!) I could conjure up when it’s chilly outside. Plus, when hot chocolate and caramel meet, the results make a top-tier hot drink.
Hero Ingredient: Espresso gives this cocoa all the kick it needs.
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French Hot Chocolate from Well Plated by Erin
Why We Love It: If I ever traveled to France during the winter, I think the first thing I would do is seek out one of these delicious hot chocolate desserts. They’re known to be thicker than your traditional American-style hot chocolate and all the more sweet and rich.
Hero Ingredient: Real, high-quality chocolate bars are essential for this recipe.
Latte Recipes
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Curcuma Golden Mylk
Why We Love It: Nothing says cozy quite like a mug of golden milk. With functional spices like anti-inflammatory turmeric, ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon, it’s a perfectly spiced, just creamy enough drink that’ll spark delight every time you sip.
Hero Ingredient: Black pepper and a fat like coconut oil or, in the case of this recipe, MCT oil, helps you absorb all of turmeric’s goodness.
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Matcha Latte
Why We Love It: With matcha’s rise in popularity in Western cultures over the years, the cozy, energizing beverage—unfortunately—has been rendered almost unrecognizable. Unless I’ve been referred to it by an obsessed friend, I often avoid any and all matcha served at coffee shops. I find it’s overly sweetened and I can’t trust the matcha’s sourcing. So, that’s why I took it upon myself to learn how to perfect the drink at home. Jules Acree, a matcha expert, showed us how it’s done. Follow her simple recipe for a frothy, perfectly-flavored matcha.
Hero Ingredient: Good matcha powder is an absolute must. Jules recommends looking for brands that source directly from Japan, as this will likely come from smaller farms with higher standards of production.
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Turmeric Tea Latté
Why We Love It: Turmeric is always a good idea—especially around this time—for its anti-inflammatory properties. In this recipe, it’s combined with fresh espresso shots to give you the perfect afternoon pick-me-up in your mug. If you’re serving for a crowd, try simmering a big pot of the turmeric-infused almond milk on the stove so all that’s left to do is ladle, add in your brew, and enjoy!
Hero Ingredient: If you go with the pot method, you get an added bonus of festive aromas wafting throughout your kitchen. I’m all about it.
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Instant Calm Latte from the first mess
Why We Love It: Chamomile, lavender, and a touch of vanilla come together to create this latte that gives off total chill-out vibes. It’s exactly what I’d want to sip on in front of the fireplace after a day of end-of-year busyness. With the calming characteristics of chamomile and the relaxing tendencies of lavender, you can literally sip your way to a great night’s sleep. I have nothing but admiration for this one.
Hero Ingredient: If you have fennel seed on hand, steeping the tea with a pinch gives your cuppa a subtle anise flavor that’s divine.
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Salted Caramel Brûlée Latte from half baked harvest
Why We Love It: There are few things cozier than salted caramel and coffee. It’s a festive change of pace from your typical cup of joe and looks so inviting in a mug. Fire up the fireplace, kick up your feet, and sip your way through the season.
Hero Ingredient: This one is definitely sweet, so feel free to tinker with the sweetness depending on your preferences.
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Why We Love It: You’ve heard of (and probably had) almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk—you name it. But have you ever had pecan milk? If you have, then you’re no stranger to the decadence that’s to be had, and if you haven’t, prepare to be amazed! This latte uses homemade pecan milk to build the base of an exceptional chai latte that you’ll want on repeat this season. Don’t be intimidated, it’s much easier than you might think!
Hero Ingredient: There’s a lot of spice going on in that chai tea. It’s the perfect combination of cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper. Yum.
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Golden Milk Latte from platings + pairings
Why We Love It: This recipe makes a luscious golden milk concentrate that you can keep on hand for up to five days. It’s so simple to enjoy with your choice of milk for a glowy latte on demand. With turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, there’s a lot of goodness working for your body, which the black pepper brings front and center. It’s easy to make, easy to enjoy, and gives you lots to feel good about as you savor.
Hero Ingredient: To highlight the vanilla flavor in the concentrate, I’d go with oat or almond milk, but soy and regular milk work wonders here, too.
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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte from Ambitious Kitchen
Why We Love It: This list wouldn’t be complete without one of the best drinks of the season. Yes, the PSL can be made from scratch, and it makes it all the more delicious. The flavor is far from basic, and this recipe is naturally sweetened, easily dairy-free, and vegan.
Hero Ingredient: Real pumpkin puree is the way to go.
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Homemade Mocha Latte from Fork In The Kitchen
Why We Love It: If hot chocolate is just a bit too dessert-y for you, mocha is the way to go for the colder months. It’s that perfect bit of chocolate to complement coffee’s bitterness.
Hero Ingredient: Try your hand at homemade mocha, it just might surprise you.
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Maple Latte from Burrata and Bubbles
Why We Love It: Maple is another flavor I love bringing from fall to winter. This latte is the perfect balance of natural sweetness that brings that warm late-autumn flavor I always crave in my hot drinks.
Hero Ingredient: A pinch of ground cinnamon is a warm spicy note that pairs great with maple flavors.
Chai Recipes
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Masala Chai
Why We Love It: Our Food Editor, Suruchi, crafted this recipe as an homage to the masala chai she enjoyed growing up, and it’s about as perfect as can be. She likens the feeling of drinking it to “getting a hug in a cup from your aunty” and with that, I’m sold. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and full of layered spices that warm you from the inside out.
Hero Ingredient: It makes the biggest difference to grind your spices by hand. If you can, we highly recommend taking this extra step.
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easy masala chai tea from tea for turmeric
Why We Love It: 20 minutes and a handful of ingredients are all you need to make your chai dreams come true. This one makes a whole pot of goodness that you can savor solo or alongside your favorite baked goods. It’s simple, full of flavor, and all kinds of warm and cozy.
Hero Ingredient: The small amount of sugar here helps mellow out the bitter aspects of the spices.
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Homemade Chai Tea Latte from a cedar spoon
Why We Love It: This chai tea recipe might be a breeze to make, but it doesn’t sacrifice quality for ease. Though it uses a chai tea bag, there are a few upgrades that help bring forward the most authentic chai flavors. You’ll start by boiling water with a handful of spices, then brew the tea bag, and finish with frothy vanilla milk that takes things to the next level.
Hero Ingredient: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or star anise for an aromatic treat.
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Vanilla Chai Latte from A Couple Cooks
Why We Love It: As I sip on my vanilla chai (with a shot of espresso, of course), I thought it appropriate to share this masterpiece of sweet and spice all in one cup. This recipe tastes straight out of a coffee shop, with freshly brewed chai and creamy frothed milk.
Hero Ingredient: Sweeten up your drink with a bit of honey or maple syrup.
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Lavender Chai Tea Latte from A Blissful Sip
Why We Love It: Lavender drinks aren’t just trendy, they’re absolutely worth the hype. I first became a fan of the herbal-flavored drinks after ordering a lavender London fog at one of my favorite coffee shops in Houston. “What would make this better?” I thought to myself. Well, chai, of course!
Hero Ingredient: The lavender brings this chai to the next level.
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Pumpkin Chai Latte from Cookie and Kate
Why We Love It: Pumpkin and chai practically belong together. Pumpkin’s sweetness and chai’s spiced flavors combine to create the ultimate warm drink I’ll sip on every day.
Hero Ingredient: Almond or oat milk are my go-to’s for this latte.
Apple Cider Recipes
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Hot Spiced Apple Cider (No Added Sugar) from minimalist baker
Why We Love It: This hot apple cider is a hit on all levels. First of all, it doesn’t contain added sugars, which is a respectable feat considering most apple ciders we know and love do. And secondly, it only takes four ingredients and 20 minutes to come to fruition. All you have to do is simmer cold-pressed apple cider on the stove with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel. That’s it!
Hero Ingredient: Without the sugar, this apple cider is so much more flavorful. The natural sugars from the apple shine through beautifully.
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Apple Cider Hot Toddy from ambitious kitchen
Why We Love It: This five-ingredient apple cider hot toddy is practically made for Saturday, post-apple picking sipping. It’s full of cozy spices, easy to batch-prep, and guaranteed to warm you up as you enjoy quality time with your people. It uses apple cider, bourbon, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods to create the ideal nightcap for the chilly season.
Hero Ingredient: To polish things off, stick a little thinly sliced apple and cinnamon stick in each mug. It’s the festive touch that makes all the difference.
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Wassail from modern proper
Why We Love It: What is wassail, you might ask? Well, it’s basically a traditional warm apple cider that’s rooted in a whole ‘lotta tradition—I’d encourage you to read about it above this recipe! It uses apple cider, black tea, fresh fruits, and a mix of spices to craft the coziest cider for your holiday gatherings. It’s simple to make, universally enjoyable, and fit to serve a crowd. Gather your people and enjoy a-wassailing together!
Hero Ingredient: Bonus: this one simmers for an hour, so you get to enjoy the sweet scent of the holidays.
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Spiced Pomegranate Apple Cider from Good Life Eats
Why We Love It: Pomegranate and warm, spiced apple flavors combine to create the chilly weather bev of your dreams. Just the look of this drink gets me excited for holiday hosting and quality time with the family.
Hero Ingredient: Pomegranate juice is so delicious with your cider.
What are the best hot drinks in your recipe box? Drop them in the comments!
One of the best ways to lean into autumn vibes is by savoring the many delicious seasonal ingredients available at the farmer’s market. Apples, pumpkin, squash, pomegranates—you name it, I want it. Today we’re dishing up recipes that feature one of the tastiest (and cutest) fall vegetables: acorn squash. If you haven’t already, it’s high time you added this delectable ingredient to your grocery list so you can enjoy one of these amazing acorn squash recipes before the season’s end.
These beauties are incredibly nutrient-rich, with a ton of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and magnesium. Not only is acorn squash a healthy, yummy dinner, but it’s also pretty easy to make on a busy weeknight. Whether you roast it, stuff it, or turn it into soup, it’s an elegant ingredient that will elevate any meal. Trust: it will always look impressive.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
21 Baked Acorn Squash Recipes to Enjoy This Season
I’ve rounded up some seriously tantalizing recipes, from the indulgent to the ultra-healthy. There’s a little something for everyone. Make sure to bookmark your faves so you can pick up all the necessary ingredients on your next grocery run. You won’t regret it.
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Rosemary Roasted Acorn Squash with Brown Butter and Hazelnuts
Why We Love It: Brown butter and squash are the best pair to kick off this delicious compilation of our favorite acorn squash recipes. Tieghan Gerard, aka Half Baked Harvest, is practically the expert on Thanksgiving-worthy dishes, and this appetizer is no exception.
Hero Ingredient: Brown butter (and maybe a bit of cinnamon?) is the secret hack to winning the holidays.
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Roasted Acorn Squash with Garam Masala and Cilantro Chutney
Why We Love It: This sweet roasted squash is dusted with warm spices and pairs well with just about any protein you could imagine. The cilantro chutney is a herby-savory blend that perfectly contrasts the squash’s natural sweetness.
Hero Ingredient: Greek yogurt adds a kick of protein and a creamy tart taste.
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Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
Why we love it: This is a colorful and hearty meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s also the easiest thing you can cook up when you want to impress guests at a dinner party. These little delights are sure to be the hero of your menu.
Hero ingredient: Kick things up a notch with crunchy, toasted pumpkin seeds.
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Roasted Acorn Squash Soup from Girl Gone Gourmet
Why We Love It: Cozy and nutty, this acorn squash soup is everything I look forward to in the winter months. This vegetarian soup is flavored with onion, garlic, and Herbes de Provence with a little bit of cream for added soupy texture. Store in an airtight container and look forward to your yummy leftovers.
Hero Ingredient: A splash of apple cider vinegar boosts this dish with bright, beautiful flavor.
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Pasta with Kale Pesto and Roasted Acorn Squash from Foodie Crush
Why We Love It: The saltiness of pesto always pairs well with a bit of sweetness, and this pasta recipe does the combination justice. The best part? A topping of garlicky breadcrumbs that make for an herby crunch.
Hero Ingredient: Good-quality pesto is always a great pantry staple.
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Acorn Squash with Chickpeas and Chimichurri from Love and Lemons
Why We Love It: You can’t tell me these chickpea-stuffed acorn squash halves wouldn’t make the perfect addition to any dinner party table. The zesty chimichurri and lemon yogurt add the best pop of creamy tart flavor that makes this recipe a stunner from all angles.
Hero Ingredient: Pepitas are highly underrated. And in this dish? They absolutely shine.
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Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash from Downshiftology
Why We Love It: Italian herb seasoning never fails me, especially when it complements a subtle base like acorn squash. Parmesan cheese is a no-brainer in highlighting the richness that this recipe brings.
Hero Ingredient: Make your own fresh herb seasoning blend or snag it from the store. Either way, it makes this recipe.
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Acorn Squash Breakfast Bowls with Yogurt from Eating Bird Food
Why We Love It: If you thought acorn squash recipes were reserved for apps and entrees only, I’m happy to introduce this delicious breakfast bowl recipe. Sweet yogurt and dried cranberries create a bright and balanced contrast that you’ll love waking up to.
Hero Ingredient: A maple syrup drizzle is all you need.
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Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash from Budget Bytes
Why We Love It: Pro tip: prep the wild rice filling ahead of time for the best-stuffed squashes. Save time and still maintain all of the great flavor.
Hero Ingredient: Chopped walnuts are a great crunch.
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Roasted Squash Salad with Crispy Shallot & Balsamic Reduction from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: Acorn squash and salad is a perfect blend for a healthy and filling side or main dish. Plus, a minimal ingredient list is perfect for busy days that require more time outside of the kitchen.
Hero Ingredient: Balsamic vinegar dressing? I think yes.
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Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash from Cookie + Kate
Why We Love It: Sometimes gatherings can prove to be tricky when dietary accommodations come into play. Keeping dishes vegetarian keeps things both inclusive and an extra bit healthy.
Hero Ingredient: This herbed quinoa looks as good as it tastes.
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Maple Roasted Squash Salad from The Modern Proper
Why We Love It: This maple-roasted squash salad is the perfect side or light main for assembling ahead of time and serving in a pinch with an incredible creamy goat cheese dressing.
Hero Ingredient: Nothing adds a burst of holiday flavor quite like pomegranate seeds.
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Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage from Well Plated by Erin
Why We Love It: What’s better than a bit of protein? This golden acorn squash is baked until caramelized and tender and features a lighter chicken sausage to keep things from getting too filling. Mushrooms, apples, warm spices, and herbs are incredibly delicious and so easy to throw together.
Hero Ingredient: I’m a big fan of chicken sausage as an alternative to the traditional.
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Baked Squash Mac and Cheese from Half Baked Harvest
Why we love it: How cute are these little acorn squash cups of baked squash mac and cheese? Bonus: the recipe is also deceptively simple. Stuffing the pasta inside the squash keeps it from drying out while maintaining a hot, melty (and totally delish) bite. Don’t forget to top it off with crispy prosciutto and breadcrumbs!
Hero ingredient: The mix of cheddar, gruyere, and provolone is as divine as it sounds.
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Maple Glazed Acorn Squash from Spoon Fork Bacon
Why we love it: It’s easy, filling, and can be eaten as a snack or turned into a meal by dicing it up and adding it to some quinoa, couscous, or protein. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a big flavor that doesn’t overpower the senses. Make it on Sunday, then eat it all week for lunch on top of your salad!
Hero ingredient: Maple syrup, of course!
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Creamy Fall Soup in Acorn Squash Bowls from Minimalist Baker
Why we love it: You won’t want to wait until Thanksgiving to try these gorgeous acorn squash soup bowls. The recipe is festive, colorful, creamy, and ultra-comforting. Not to mention healthy! It’s basically autumn in a bowl.
Hero ingredient: Fresh sage and a bay leaf infuse the soup with classic fall flavors.
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Baked Acorn Squash Slices from Well-Plated by Erin
Why we love it: It doesn’t get much easier than this autumnal dish. The entire recipe asks for only eight ingredients—brown sugar and maple syrup to play up the squash’s natural sweet flavor and a little bit of cayenne for some added heat. And, of course, pecans for some autumnal crunch.
Hero ingredient: Brown sugar makes this dish practically dessert-like.
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Acorn Squash Egg in the Hole from The Roasted Root
Why we love it: If you’re an egg lover, then you have to try this twist on the classic egg-in-a-hole recipe. It’s less carby but still makes for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Hero ingredient: Don’t skip out on the crumbled bacon, it adds the perfect subtle salty punch.
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Parmesan-Crusted Acorn Squash from Real Food Dieticians
Why we love it: All you need is five ingredients for this tasty and healthy acorn squash recipe. It’s a savory delight that won’t let you down. This is the perfect side dish for a warming protein or even pasta. It’s so good that you may never opt for butter and brown sugar on your squash again.
Hero ingredient: The parmesan gives this recipe an earthy, salty, nutty flavor and lovely texture.
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Pear Apple Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash from The Roasted Root
Why we love it: This healthy dish is special enough to make for the holidays but worth enjoying any day this season. It’s rich and flavorful without feeling heavy.
Hero ingredient: Stewed pears are an unexpected delight.
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Mexican Roasted Corn and Quinoa Stuffed Squash from Pinch of Yum
Why we love it: The bright Mexican flavors and the smooth, creamy taste and consistency of the acorn squash blend together beautifully. Even the most avowed squash skeptics will be coming back for seconds.
Hero ingredient: It’s topped with crema and queso fresco for a creamy finish.
This post was originally published on October 7th, 2021, and has since been updated.
When it comes to decorating the bookshelves in my home, my philosophy could be summed up as—less is more. It’s so easy for open shelves to become catch-alls for all kinds of random tchotchkes and way more books than I actually need to have out on display. We have a lot of built-ins in our home, and I want to genuinely love everything on them rather than blindly following trends or design rules. So, the onset of a new season is always the perfect opportunity to take a fresh approach to my shelves by adding some beautiful new finds—and removing some things in the process!
For today’s shelf restyling session, everything I used is from our partner Target, proving once again that a beautiful home does not have to be expensive or complicated. Read on to see how I transformed my shelves for fall, and shop everything below.
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Neutral, Minimal Shelf Styling for Fall
Whenever I redesign my bookshelves to welcome a new season, I take a somewhat minimalist approach to spotlight the items I really love. The more clutter, the more my personal style gets lost in the mix! I want to achieve that feeling of abundance but with less stuff, and for my spaces to feel open, simple, and expansive. That means that every time I add something to my shelves, I also try to take away one item and stash it, donate it, or move it to somewhere else in my home.
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Warm Minimalism
A minimalist aesthetic sometimes gets a bad rap as feeling cold or spare—and it absolutely doesn’t have to! My design approach is based on “warm minimalism,” meaning it incorporates lots of texture and materiality to make my home feel cozy. I’ve found that when I have less stuff, I often discover more joy in the things I do have. It’s an approach that doesn’t rely on trends; rather it’s slowly building a collection of pieces that speak to you, being thoughtful about each of your purchases.
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Embrace the Seasons
Your bookshelves are a really great place to transition your home with the seasons, whether you want to make them feel lighter and brighter in the springtime or cozy them up for fall and winter. Today, I’m restyling my shelves for fall, bringing in some darker, moodier tones and lots of texture, while leaning into the minimal neutral color palette I love.
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First, Lay It All Out
The first thing I do is take every single item off my shelves. Before we add anything back on, we’re going to lay all of my pieces on the ground or a table so I can see what I want to add back in, what needs to go, and then which new items I want to add to the mix.
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Then, Move Things Around
I want to reshuffle and try different items together to get a visual sense of which pieces pair well together before I start putting them back on the shelf. Once I’ve got my favorite groupings together, I start adding them to the shelves and experimenting. The key here is to move, arrange, shift, and play with the pieces until you feel good about the arrangement. There are no rules here, just tap into your gut and let your heart lead the way.
If you start second-guessing yourself, one strategy that never lets me down is to step back and take a photo to see it all together. Something about seeing an image gives me a new perspective that shows me those pieces I want to rearrange for the final look.
Create a Focal Point
On at least a couple shelves, use one larger statement object that draws the eye to it. This will anchor the entire scene and give the eye something to hold onto.
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Create Interest Through Height and Movement
My biggest tip is to play with varying heights and shapes for balance and asymmetry. If one shelf has a stack of books, on another shelf, you can lean them vertically. Make sure that the shelves next to each other aren’t too matchy. And while you definitely want those bigger statement pieces, you don’t want too many large objects or your shelves can quickly become heavy. The goal is to create lines of movement that keep the eye exploring, instead of becoming stagnant and stopping on just one shelf.
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Think Outside the Books
Yes, bookshelves house books, but they’re also a place for decor and expressing your personal style. Wander around your house and collect a sculpture or art piece that you can lean on a shelf. Grab a beautiful ceramic bowl from the kitchen. Pull in a mirror from the bedroom. Get creative and balance form with function by adding items to your shelves for no other purpose than the fact that you love them.
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Bring in Natural Materials
We all instinctively respond to the beauty of nature. The sound of the ocean or a river has been proven to change our brain waves’ frequency and put us in a more meditative state. At home, I’m always looking for ways to harness these wellness-boosting cues by choosing pieces for the house that bring the outside in. I usually stick to an earthy color palette, and I incorporate as many natural materials as possible–terra cotta ceramics, woven baskets, and wood furniture create a beautifully textured effect.
When You Think It’s Done—Remove Something!
A little restraint goes a long way to achieve a calming, minimalist aesthetic. It can be tempting to layer on all the family photos, books, and trinkets, but as Coco Chanel always said, ““Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off” and I think the same holds true for your shelves. Don’t overcomplicate it—trust your aesthetic and allow the pieces you most love to really shine. Simple is often best.
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Let Them Evolve
Embracing the fact that our homes are ever-changing and never “done” relieves the pressure of making everything perfect from day one. I’d rather slowly choose the pieces that speak to me, even if that means leaving a little breathing space on my shelves until I find that just-right vase or piece of art. It’s not about impressing anyone, it’s about connecting with our authentic selves and letting our homes evolve right along with us.
You can shop the entire look on my Target storefront, where you’ll find all of my favorite Target buys for every space.
This blog post is sponsored by Target and contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue providing helpful content.
It’s time to officially admit: my high heel days are over. (Not that I ever actually mastered a solid strut.) Over the summer, I actually left a pair of old heels at a neighborhood block party and I’ve been too embarrassed to go back and pick them up. Is it a sign? Maybe. I’ve learned that leaning sneakers that are both chic and comfortable is a life hack I’m happy to adopt.
Considering the amount of walking I do every day as an urban dweller, heels no longer fit my lifestyle. And the French girl aesthetic is proof that you don’t need heels to feel stylish—in fact, sneakers might be the more on-trend pick. So, I’m happily investing in the best sneakers to elevate my fall outfits moving forward. And my feet couldn’t be happier about it.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
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15 Best Sneakers for Every Fall Adventure
If you’re ready to give up the uncomfortable grind for shoes you’ll never want to take off, you’ve come to the right place. I scoured the internet for all the best sneakers I’m loving this season. From timeless treads to feminine spins on the classic sporty style—ahead, discover the pairs that are dominating closets everywhere this season.
Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Freda Salvador Eda D’Orsay Sneakers
These are the holy grail of comfy meets chic. I wore these almost every single day I was in Italy last summer and never once experienced blisters on my heels or needed to swap them out mid-day. (Note: I do recommend breaking them in before long-haul walks.)
adidas Originals NORA shoes
I’ve been on the (admittedly, specific) hunt for a pair of olive or dark green shoes. For the price point and color combo, Adidas comes through.
Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance T500 Tennis Oxfords
ALD’s latest collaboration with tennis star Coco Gauff has flown off the online shelves after she won the US Open. But you’re in luck—you can still snag a pair of the black and green oxfords.
Nike x Billie Ellish Air Force 1 “Triple White” sneakers
Does anyone else follow Nike collabs religiously? While I know this is another pair of white sneakers, I love the simplicity and design of this one.
Sézane Jack Trainers
Speaking of cool French girls, these Sézane lace-up leather trainers are on my wishlist for fall. I can already envision pairing these with a cool pair of denim and a trench coat.
lululemon Strongfeel Training Shoe
While these are specifically made for performance and training, I like that the natural ivory color combo can be worn with a neutral outfit to keep you from looking like athlete-of-the-year when you want to lean more casual.
VANS Classic Slip-On Checkered Shoe
You can’t go wrong with a true classic. I love that VANS has expanded its color range, and because I’ve been trying to add more color to my wardrobe, these Golden Brown checkered sneakers are high on my list.
LOEWE Ballet Runner
I preface this with these are a splurge, but I absolutely love every color combo and look of LOEWE’s sneakers. They’re simple and not overly brand-heavy with a logo that leans cool and unassuming—which is the era I’m in.
Nike Cortez
For a similar option as the LOEWE’s in an identical colorway, the Cortez’s are another classic that never go out of style. These are some of my most comfortable shoes.
adidas Samba OG Shoes
Another classic that seems to be the hit with celebrities from Kendall Jenner to Hailey Beiber and everyone in between. This pair takes me straight back to the mid-90s. I never thought that the same sneakers I wore in middle school could pair perfectly with a silk slip dress, but here we are.
Lacoste L003 Neo Sneakers
When I think of classic Lacoste, I think of the brand’s signature white tennis shoes. But when I saw these in Paris, I loved them even more in person. If you’re looking for a chunky neutral or a pop of color to liven up an outfit, these are so fun.
GANNI Mixed Media Low Top Sneaker
Show of hands for all GANNI Girls out there? I didn’t get to snag anything from their New Balance collab (some sizes left if you’ve got small feet!), but these are a close second to cool and universal.
Target Universal Threads Persephone Sneakers
These remind me a lot of Chloe’s Nama sneakers for a major fraction of the price ($700!). Comes in three different colorways so even if you stock up on the trifecta, you’d still save significantly.
Reebok x Victoria Beckham Club C Sneakers
Ever since I saw Common Projects do a light blue leather sneaker, I’ve been on the hunt for something similar. These fit the bill.
PUMA x Liberty Slipstream Sneakers
If you love bold prints or florals, these are for you. Puma partnered with Liberty of London, known for their iconic floral prints (and collabs with MANY other brands). I find these fun to dress up any outfit as the focal point piece.