The second the weather starts to cool down, something changes in our house.
The windows are open, football is on, the kids start asking when we’re making chili again, and suddenly everyone seems to spend a little more time in the kitchen.
Some of our favorite fall Sundays start with apple or pumpkin picking. We come home with way too many apples, a dozen apple cider donuts that somehow disappear before dinner, and just enough ingredients to bake an apple pie together. Then we spend the rest of the day at home, cozy in our sweatpants, watching football.
The funny thing is, I don’t even think football is our favorite part. Sure, we’re cheering on the Giants (GO GIANTS!!!), but half the time the kids are outside throwing a football with Kieran, helping me stir the chili, or seeing who can sneak the most shredded cheese before dinner.
Some of our fall favorites are simple:
• A big pot of chili with all the fun toppings that somehow tastes even better the next day
• Buffalo wings on football Sundays
• Chips and every dip we can fit on the counter
• Fresh pumpkin bread that never seems to last more than a day—or hour!
• S’mores around the fire pit while the kids try to convince us it’s “not bedtime yet”
Sometimes I wonder if, years from now, my kids will make a pot of chili for their own families and suddenly think of home. And if we’re really lucky, maybe they’ll even invite us over for chili one day.
That’s my favorite thing about food. It’s rarely just about the food. It’s comfort, tradition, and the memories we build around the table without even realizing it.
And I hope those are the recipes my kids carry with them long after they’ve left our house.
What are your favorite fall meals to share with family and friends?
I’d love to hear what your family looks forward to every fall. Come say hi on Instagram @felishalynchxo! <3