Let the bounty of the season fall upon us. Apples, pears, pumpkin, squash, Brussels sprouts you name it, I’m here for it. It was brought to my attention recently by a near and dear friend, Kerri Lynne Cole, that this is usually the time of year we start to feel like our good eating habits go out the window. This can be particularly the case as we start to head into the holiday season. So how do we enjoy all the wonderful flavors without feeling like we’ve tossed our diet out the window?

For Wellness Wednesday, Kerri and I created a video discussing how we can indulge and how we can stay healthy. My motto has always been balance. Apple pie and pumpkin spice cake with brown butter frosting are a must this season; but I know it’s not wise to eat like that every week. I can enjoy the decadence of the season but I can also make a healthier apple tart. For example, I love to slice apples and place them on a thin piecrust, sprinkling them with little cinnamon and sugar.  I’m getting that fall flavor without the extra butter and loads of brown sugar. Even when it comes to making savory dishes, you can make a healthier say butternut squash risotto. I like to use a whole grain like barley  to make my risotto. I make it creamy buy adding homemade butternut squash puree and tossing in some roasted butternut pieces.

This season can also mean dishes that are high in fat and heavy. That doesn’t have to be the case either. I find the fall produce is so fantastic, I like to ask myself, “How can I let the flavor shine through?” When you have great product you don’t need to do much to it. Sometimes going simple is best avenue to take to let the flavor truly come forth. I like to taste the main ingredient. Therefore less, quite often, is more. No need to douse an ingredient with butter, cream or spices. Pumpkin soup is a favorite of mine. Pumpkin, onion, garlic, and a touch of sherry and freshly grated nutmeg does the trick for me at times when the pumpkin is at peak season. I may finish it with a few homemade croutons and/or a little rendered bacon depending on my mood. But start by thinking simple.

When Kerri asked me about simplifying fall flavors I also recommended one of my favorites, slices apples with almond butter. I love to mix my almond butter with local honey or real maple syrup. This way you can satisfy that sweet tooth and enjoy the seasons pick from the orchard. Making homemade applesauce is quick and easy. It also freezes really well. Poached pears can also be a great dessert idea. Pears and apples are great in pancakes and waffles too. You can add applesauce, diced or grated apples/pears to your batter depending on the texture you like.

So happy fall eats to you all. Enjoy the season. Put on those fall layers. Head out to an orchard and farm near you for that fresh and local produce. Not only do the farmers appreciate it, but it taste better. Start by thinking simple when using fall ingredients in the kitchen. Quite often less is more. Eat naughty foods but do so by balancing it out with some healthier flavorful options. Fall doesn’t have to mean an indulgence of unhealthy desserts. It also means hearty salads made with Brussels sprouts, nuts and cranberries, or a nicely pan seared lean pork loin with sautéed apples. Cheers to getting back to the kitchen this fall.