It’s that time of year again: summer has slipped away and fall has managed to squeeze a slight chill into the air. That might make you a little sad, but there’s no need to miss those hot days on the lake or those afternoons flipping burgers on the grill. Why? Fall recipes of course!

Thankfully fall brings some amazing flavours, colours, and creative dishes to B.C.’s kitchen tables (which is why everyone is always extra thankful on Thanksgiving). So, of course, we have a few delicious snacks that will have you craving fall by the time it’s frozen over for winter. 

Fall is all about the warm coloured fruits and veggies boasting beautiful shades of orange and yellow. What do these colours tell us? That these delicious items are more than tasty, they are also chock-full of healthy vitamins and cold-fighting antioxidants (and just in time for cold season).

On top of all their health benefits, these colourful fresh foods can also be enjoyed in several ways ­– hot and toasty ways – such as baked, steamed, and grilled. Fall favourites like pears, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins are all in season right now, and with a little time spent in the kitchen (keyword: little), these warm-coloured fruits and vegetables can help keep you warm and healthy this fall.

Here are some quick recipes for fall to help you get over the loss of summer.  

Pumpkin Quesadilla

This recipe may seem a little odd, but give this unique twist on a Mexican classic a go – you won’t regret it. Why? Because pumpkin is so good for you! It contains plenty of fiber, lots of vitamin A, and tons of immune-system-boosting antioxidants. But enough pumping up pumpkin – let’s get cookin’! 

You will need:

• 2 corn tortillas
• ¼ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Hot sauce
• ½ tablespoon butter
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional).
• ¼ cup pumpkin hummus (find it at Fresh St., or make it yourself)

How to Make It

Take one tortilla and spread the pumpkin hummus on it. Scatter shredded cheese over and sprinkle a little (or a lot) of hot sauce over top. Heat the pan a little over medium heat, and melt a ½ tablespoon of butter in it. Put the tortilla on the pan and the second one on top. Cook till slightly brown and flip over to cook the other side. Take it off the grill and cut it into four or more pieces.

You can also make your own hummus if you’re feeling ambitious.

Sweet Potato Soup

With the colder weather setting in, it’s time to start putting the soup on. A great way to ward off those wet weather blues is to sweeten the deal with this seasonal favourite ingredient: sweet potato. Not only is this candy-like vegetable delicious, it’s also filled with healthy goodness like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Here’s a simple recipe that requires a little baking.

You will need:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato (after baking)
• ½ cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth as a substitute)
• ½ cup of soy milk (any flavour) or almond milk.
• Orange zest (just a pinch)
• Salt (as you like)
• Chipotle powder (1/2 tsp.)
• Add cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne, and lime juice as you like till it tastes just right.

How to Make It

Preheat the oven to 400° F and bake the sweet potato till tender. Then remove the potato skin and put it in a blender with the broth and non-dairy milk and blend it all together. Add the orange zest, salt, chipotle powder, and the other spices. You can also add crushed tortilla chips for some crunch and cubed avocado as a garnish.

Honey-Roasted Pears

Fall is a great time to cater to your sweet tooth with some healthy fruits. We’ve mentioned the health benefits of pears before, but not this simple, delicious recipe for honey-roasted pears. It’s so easy to make, it’s almost too easy.

You will need:

• 2 medium firm (but ripe) pears, halved and cored
• ¼ cup of honey
• 1 cup of vanilla frozen yogurt.

How to Make It

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Place the halved and cored pears on the parchment with the cut sides up and roast of 15 minutes. Then take them out of the oven and brush the tops with honey (save a little for drizzling after roasting) and roast until softened for 5 to 10 minutes. Let them cool, then serve with yogurt. Drizzle the left over honey on top.

There are many more tasty recipes that will make you fall in love with the season. Pop in to your nearest Fresh St. Market and ask about what’s fresh for fall. You’ll be thankful you did.