Autumn Fruity Chutney

It's all about Autumn. And yes, I do think I will try to name most of my recipes and blog posts with 'Autumn' during this enjoyable time of year. I mean, really, why not?! :)

Autumn Fruity (Delicious Homemade) Chutney
Serves: 4
Time: 5-10 minutes to peel and chop apples. 15 minutes to cook.

Ingredients:
2 large apples, peeled, cored, diced
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of ground clove
4 dried figs chopped
2 tbsp golden raisins


Directions:
1.  Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
2.  Bring to a boil on high heat. Reduce to medium low heat and simmer with lid on.

Comments:
I always say all recipes are modifiable... I think when I try this recipe again I'm going to leave out the brown sugar! The chutney still turned out delicious and MUCH better than your store bought variety, but between the vinegar and the fruits themselves, I think the brown sugar just made this chutney a bit too sweet.

Next time around I will also use more dried figs and raisins. I, too, run out of food sometimes. I just used the  remainder of what was in the package. As for the raisin type, you choose. I prefer the golden ones.

Now you ask, what do you do with this tasty chutney?! Well, turn on those multi-tasking skills you have and make french toast on a weekend morning for your honey (friend, sister, mother, brother.) Use the chutney as the topping; and they'll just think you're the best cook EVER! :)

Autumn Hearty Vegetable Soup

So you're probably wondering why- every Autumn (it seems)- I post a recipe on a dish I don't like. You will often hear me say (verbally or written) that I don't like soups. And it's true- I don't! What I do like, however, are dishes that are warm and thick. This allows me to discuss my love for thickened soup-like dishes and yet continue to dislike soups!! :) For any of you New Englanders reading this post, you are well aware that winter came just a little too early this year. And therefore, my need for warm, thick substances also came a little early this year. I rummaged through my cupboards as usual and luckily came up with this tasty recipe below! Enjoy!

Autumn Hearty Vegetable Soup
Serves: 6 hearty portions

Ingredients:
1 box 32 fl oz vegetable broth
1 12 oz can tomato sauce
1/4 cup red lentils
1/4 cup split green peas
1/2 cup Trade Joes' Harvest Grains Blend
1 yellow onion chopped
1 white potato, peeled and chopped
1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
carrots, peeled and chopped
salt
black pepper
fresh garlic, diced

Directions:
1. Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables.
2. Place all ingredients in large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until cooked.

Comments:
The Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend I used is a pre-combined package of dried macaroni, red bell pepper, spinach, garbanzo beans, red quinoa, couscous, and orzo. I was originally thinking of adding pasta or something of that nature to help thicken this dish. I spotted this in my cupboard and was instantly excited! Of course, this and all ingredients used in recipe can be substituted for whatever you have in your cupboard. Honestly, I thought I was putting in a can of tomatoes and NOT tomato sauce when I started. I even originally planned on putting in fresh spinach! But, hey, all turned out well!! :)

There is no time listed. I think I let the soup simmer for 90 minutes, but we all know that time is variable depending on if you boil it or simmer it. I also started with the lid on, then off, then on/off again! :)

As for flavor, I threw in a pinch and a half of salt. Yes, I know the vegetable broth and canned tomato soup already has salt in it, but trust me, ADD MORE SALT!!! :) Your blood pressure will thank me. Just kidding! :) All foods in moderation, right?! As for the black pepper, I just shook and shook the container until I was tired of shaking! Give it a try. It's fun!! :) (You can even dance along...) I also like garlic; in almost every recipe I use garlic I am surprised at how many cloves I use (this time around I used 4-5), yet how light the flavor is (which is good. I don't really need to be 'drinking' garlic!) I don't think you can go wrong here! In the end, you have a tasty, hearty, filling, nutritious thick-liquid dish! :) Enjoy!