Tomato Rice Chili in a Squash Bowl

Thank you to Hunt's Tomatoes for sponsoring this recipe.

It's that time of year again when people come over and gather. No, not for thanksgiving. To watch sports! Every weekend there are playoffs and tip offs, football and baseball and foosball. What? No foosball? OK, you got me. I don't know much about sports. But I know a whole lot about feeding the people that come over to watch the games.

Crumb Topped Cheesy Butternut Squash Gratin

If you've been reading my blog for a while then you already know I'm basically obsessed with crumb toppings. There isn't a cake, pie or trifle that couldn't benefit from a few (or a lot) of sweet, thick crumbs. But a savory crumb? I've seen a few recipes around but they always contain a little sugar, despite the savory filling, and that just didn't make sense to me. A savory crumb should be savory but it would need a flavor of some kind.

Apple Pie Shortcakes

One of the first desserts I ever learned to make was individual strawberry shortcakes. You know the kind, with the biscuits sliced in half and the whipped cream? I still have a soft spot for it and make it when strawberries are in season. But now apples are in season so why not do the same with them? The answer is that it's a great idea and I don't know why it took me so long to think of it. So many missed apple shortcakes!

Dinner for Two with My Furry Girl

You've met my Hadley before, right? Adorably cute? Check. Sweetest disposition ever? You bet. Fussy eater? That's my girl.

Individual Pear and Thyme Crumbles

I'm still a Saturday morning regular at the farmer's market. The summer berries are gone but the autumn squash is in full swing along with some late tomatoes and, of course, a bounty of apples. But this time it was the gorgeous little bosc pears that caught my eye. Sure everybody is making apple pies, and I will too, but we mustn't neglect the sweet, juicy pears.

Sparkling Cider Pumpkin-tini

This recipe was sponsored by Sweet 'N Low and Social Stars. Thank you for supporting the products I love and use in my kitchen.

Have you been stocking up on Halloween candy for the kids? What about something for the adults? OK, I know we eat the candy, too. Personally, I'm going to steal anything with peanut butter right out of the candy bowl and probably hoard it, but that's another story. Let's talk about when the adults gather and want an adult beverage.

Cheesy Pumpkin Fondue

Somewhere before my time, fondue was a popular dish and fondue sets were popular wedding gifts. Then they fell out of favor and the fondue pots could be found in thrift shops for just a few dollars. But I'm pretty sure they're a thing again. I mean, why would a pot of melted cheesy goodness ever not be a thing?

Cheesy Onion and Bread Gratin

This is the time of year when I start to think about guests and new entertaining ideas. Maybe a new kind of side dish or an interesting take on an appetizer. Something hot and bubbly and comforting. And cheesy. It should definitely be cheesy. And where there's cheese there should be bread as far as I'm concerned.

Maple, Bacon and Tomato Tart

Now that we're squarely into fall, I'm starting to think about the holidays and what dishes I'll be serving. Too soon? Maybe, but that's where my brain goes. I start planning what new recipes I'll be trying out, interesting new dishes to add to my menu, a new ingredient I've fallen in love with. I get a little fall obsessed and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

Potato, Chorizo and Bean Bake

In my never-ending quest to think up stuff to make for dinner, I'm always drawn to things that can be make in one pot, or pan as the case may be. Bonus points if it includes potatoes. Extra credit if there's also cheese. But when I'm trying to choose the protein I sometimes forget about sausage. There's tons of choices, different proteins, different spices, and it's all wrapped up in an easy package. And it goes so well with the potatoes and cheese!

Elsewhere in...September

Those of you that follow my Facebook page might have seen my announcement that I've recently accepted a position as the Middle Eastern cuisine expert for About.com Food.

Buttermilk Cornbread and Pot Roast Sandwich

Last weekend I decided to make a big pot roast with the intention of having enough leftovers for the week. I stocked up on vegetables and potatoes and looked forward to a week of easy and delicious dinners. And I will say that potatoes, in roast gravy, probably top my list of all time comfort foods. But after a couple of days, I was getting a little tired of it. Polenta the next night, egg noodles the following day and rice after. Finally I was down to my last serving of meat and no idea what to eat with it.

The Month in Review - September 2015

Is it me or did we just rush right through September? This speeding needs to stop because I want to enjoy my favorite season. I do love spring and summer but fall is my favorite. The pumpkins, the apples, the leaves, the crisp air - I'm going to savor every bit of it. So no more rushing, OK? Today, let's take a quick look back at a very delicious September while I plan all the apple and pumpkin things. Enjoy!