A Pinch Of Fall Smells

Perhaps its the changing of the colors or the fancy schmancy fall coffee drinks that I’ve gotten this past week, but I’m buzzing about this fall weather lately. Maybe it’s the Birds getting back on track with a win. The pumpkins are out, the leaves are orange and the crisp chill has taken oven both the mornings and the nights.

I spent the weekend out in West Chester to celebrate my Grandpop with family and also another friend’s 30th birthday. But why not get the weekend started a little early with some friends for some Thursday night football?

I’ve never been to Lucky’s Last Chance in the city – what a tragedy. That burger and those tots are raved about for a reason. Kicked things off with their Oklahoma Onion Butter Burger and the Main Street tots with old bay cheese sauce. Oh, and of course threw down a quick pint of a Pumpkinhead from Shipyard – ‘tis the season.

Friday was a very nice day spent with family. And as the evening turned to the night, my parents’ kitchen turned into a full prep station. Extended family filled the kitchen to help my mom prep most of the food for Saturday’s celebration with friends and more family.

Getting to be in the kitchen with my great aunt was awesome because it was a masterclass in making cream puffs, a family specialty. Learning her take and how it differed from my grandmom’s was super interesting, especially because I’ve only ever made them myself once before - likely beginners luck. Very grateful for the time with my whole extended family all weekend.

I did NOT do a great job with pictures this weekend at all. So you’ll have to believe this spread:

1. Corropolese tomato pie – of course, and deservedly first. Best fresh day of, IYKYK

2. Capriotti’s sandwiches – the Bobby is back! Thanksgiving in a sando

3. Homemade mac and cheese – this recipe is probably our go-to for 15+ years at this point. Starts with a rue and the cheese choices: good Kerrygold cheddar and some nice pecorino

4. Mix of various meats, cheeses, crackers, salads and quiche from somewhere local

5. LOTS of desserts – the mentioned cream puffs, chocolate chip cookies, gluten-free brownies, some great pound cake, chocolate covered pretzels and Swedish cinnamon buns (my go-to recipe). And I feel like I’m missing some stuff still.

You could say there was some carbo loading Saturday before my long run on Sunday, but I can confirm that those were in fact not the best carbs. Still got the shorter “long” run done. At least I felt good after it was done, and getting out on the Chester Valley Trail is always nice.

And so tonight’s Monday meal (that again took far too long again to make, hence the late email) goes to the resurgence of the Copycat Sweetgreen Autumn Harvest Bowl. I remember having this for the bowl for the first time last year, and it instantly became a hit last fall, so no better time than now to bring it back. The crunch of the fresh apple mixed with the roasted vegetables, the balsamic dressing and the fresh bite of the goat cheese. It’s perfect.

At least that meal prep covers a few meals for the week. Lucy and I are still catching up on sleep after a fun, loaded weekend. I may just have to scratch the itch for the farmers’ market tomorrow afternoon and pop out to Rittenhouse during lunch. Who knows, maybe I’ll start with another miso pumpkin spice latte – fancy fall action.

Get your fall fix 🤘