All Things Fall

The weather following Tropical Storm Lee has been fantastic! It actually feels like early Fall (still hot but less humidity) and the weather is just in time for football season, which is the true sign that Summer is officially over.

I spent last weekend (the first official weekend of Fall, in my opinion) enjoying Charleston, SC and all that it has to offer--great food, fabulous company, pleasant weather, ocean breeze, front porches, and southern hospitality. I'll be sure to post some pictures once I get them uploaded.

This weekend was spent trying to soak up all things Fall. I spent the ENTIRE day Saturday watching football. The day started at 9am with College Gameday and announcers who have no faith in Auburn. We proved them wrong in a nail biting game. Then I watched bits of other SEC games and a good game between Notre Dame and Michigan which rounded up my night around 10:30pm. I only left the couch to workout, shower, and make hummus. It was fantastic!!

Today I enjoyed the day by biking to church, running some errands, and cooking. I know I have talked about how I enjoy cooking before but I want to reiterate how therapeutic it is to me. I get a rush cooking for others, playing around with a variety of flavors, and adapting recipes to make them healthier. Here is what I made today:
1. I adapted a recipe for Artichoke Quiche to make an even healthier version. I substituted wild rice instead of white rice, cheddar flavored veggie shred instead of cheddar cheese, and egg whites instead of egg substitute which led to a lower calorie and carb count with added protein (4 servings, 200 calories each). This meal is great for anytime of the day!
2. Italian Eggs over Spinach and Polenta-- I actually followed the recipe from Cooking Light on this one. I even surprise my self sometimes. :)
3. Pumpkin Spice Granola-- I didn't have any cardamom so I left that out and I opted to add some sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and raisins to the mixture. I LOVE all things pumpkin.
4. I had the rest of the can of pumpkin left over after making the granola so I just had to make something else. It was just meant to be when I stumbled across this recipe for Impossible Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes. Yum. I prefer them without the whipped cream. I challenge you to make them and try just eating one. It's impossible!

Let me know if you try any of these recipes and how they turn out. How have you been enjoying Fall?