As the weather turns cooler, I feel the age-old pull to cook and bake and savor the delicious smells that creep into the nooks and crannies of our home. How about you? Are you a connoisseur of winter and fall recipes?
Football. Halloween. Thanksgiving. Comfort foods. Christmas. Hanukkah. New Year’s.
It’s the most festive culinary stretch of the year.
Food + Nostalgia
Food brings people together.
I love this quote from an article titled The Joy of Food in National Geographic:
“Food is more than survival. With it we make friends, court lovers, and count our blessings. The sharing of food has always been part of the human story.”
Food connects us to friends, to family, even to our ancestors.
There’s a phenomenon called nostalgic eating. Essentially, it means that some foods are embedded deeply into our memories. And it’s not just that grandma’s apple pies were tasty — it’s that we remember watching her roll out the crust and add just the right dash of cinnamon. We remember the smell of the pies baking, while we played Yahtzee at the kitchen table with cousins.
In other words, food involves all the senses. It’s powerful.
Making New Memories
A few years back, my husband and I met an older couple on a cruise. We quickly became friends and the woman shared two of her most treasured recipes with me: baked ribs and brisket. They were important because they were simple, easily shareable and lured her adult children home.
Everyone has family favorites, right?
In this generation of takeout and delivery, it’s easy to forget that the cooking of food is half the fun. Kids are natural learners. If they have mastered a handful of beloved recipes before they leave the nest, they can feed themselves, right? And maybe help feed a spouse or family someday.
Handing them a cookbook when they’re 18 is a nice gesture, but it likely won’t take them far. Gifting them a small stack of handwritten recipes they have eaten and helped cook for years? That might tether them to the kitchen forever.
New Fall Recipes To Try
City Mom Collective is composed of nearly 100 sister sites across the country. Below are dozens of amazing fall and winter recipes recommended personally by other moms.
Give them a try. And while you’re at it, drop your favorite recipe in the comments.
~Appetizers~
https://sanfrancisco.momcollective.com/things-to-do/holiday/easiest-halloween-appetizer-ever/
Thanksgiving Appetizers Everyone Will Be Thankful For This Year
~Entrees~
Welcome Fall! Ten Quick & Easy Fall Recipes the Whole Family Will Love
https://sanfrancisco.momcollective.com/food/quick-easy-weeknight-meal-perfect-fall/
You Need These Fall Recipes: 3 Vegetarian Options To Try This Season
The World’s Best High Protein High Fiber Pancakes that Are Also Delicious
https://sanfrancisco.momcollective.com/food/fall-favorites-recipe-roundup/
https://sanfrancisco.momcollective.com/food/yummy-and-easy-fall-inspired-recipes-for-entertaining-or-a-night-at-home/
~Sensational Sides~
On the LIGHT Side : Classic Sweet Potato Casserole & Green Bean Casserole Recipes
https://sanfrancisco.momcollective.com/food/favorite-thanksgiving-dishes/
Bacon Sweet Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts: A New Thanksgiving Favorite
~Desserts + More~
https://sanfrancisco.momcollective.com/food/somewhat-healthy-delicious-pumpkin-bread-recipe/
https://sanfrancisco.momcollective.com/food/halloween-cake-pop-treats/
My Family’s Secret Recipe for the Perfect Holiday Drink | Featuring Hudsonville Ice Cream
