Have you been asking yourself, “what to cook in October?” I’ve got you! It’s full on fall with the leaves on the trees changing color and frost starting to appear in the very early morning. It’s time to start fattening up! I’m still clinging onto the last little bit of warm afternoon sun but I’m definitely getting ready to hibernate with ALL the soups and stews. The stuff that’s in season in October is much the same as September, minus the berries, so this month, instead of rounding up in season recipes, I thought I’d round up soups and stews, cute Halloween-type recipes, and the ultimate snack foods for tailgating! What are you guys looking forward to cooking in October?
Fun things to make in October:
SOUPS AND STEWS
Dan Dan Zoodle Soup – Hearty, spicy, and warming. Bonus: zucchini are in season right now!
Warm and Cozy Beef Bourguignon – Red wine, chunks of fork tender beef, carrots, pearl onions, and mushrooms. I could eat this everyday! Plus, carrots and mushrooms are in season in October :)
Creamy Comforting Chicken Congee with Crispy Chicken Skin – It may not look like much, but this chicken congee is comforting and so, so tasty, especially with the scallion ginger oil and crispy chicken skin bits. Perfect for warming up.
Dishoom Black Dal – If you’re craving a bit of spice to warm up, this dal is just what you’re looking for. It’s filling, hearty, luxurious, and best of all, full of protein from the lentils. Like traveling to London to eat at Dishoom without the expensive plane ticket.
Turkey Pho – Are you gearing up for Thanksgiving next month? Maybe you tried your turkey recipe early and are wondering what to do with the leftovers? Turkey pho to the rescue! Piping hot slippery firm rice noodles, tender turkey, and an umami-rich full bodied broth.
CUTE FOOD MASQUERADING AS TOTORO
Buttermilk Totoro Pancakes – If you want to bring a smile to someone’s face, these Totoro pancakes will definitely do the job! Like regular buttermilk pancakes, but Totoro shaped.
Totoro Pumpkin Whoopie Pies – Soft and squishy in the best way possible, these spiced pumpkin whoopie pies are filled with cream cheese frosting. Kind of like a cross between a very soft cookie and a cake, these guys taste great even if they’re not Totoro shaped.
Totoro Pull Apart Buns – These may be the best buns I’ve ever made, Totoro shaped or not. If you love soft and fluffy white buns, this is the recipe for you! They’re delicious on their own, alongside a bowl of soup, or with soft scrambled eggs.
TAILGATE PARTY!!!
Japanese Fried Chicken aka Chicken Karaage – Bite size pieces of chicken marinated in soy, mirin, sake, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sugar. Extra juice because of the marinade and extra crispy due to a double fry. Best of both worlds!
Perfect Bite Nachos – I like my nachos perfect in every bite and I bet you do too! A little bit of upfront preparation means faster hand to mouth action when you’re snacking.
Mac and Cheese Waffles – These are kind of overkill but they are SO good so I won’t blame you if you make them and eat them all in one go. Think: lacy crispy cheese crust and creamy dreamy insides, all in a convenient handheld waffle shape.
Mini Corn Dogs – It might not be summer fair season anymore, but that shouldn’t stop you from eating mini corn dogs. Crispy, corn-y and perfect for dipping.
Happy Cooking! Let me know what you’re making in October. Inquiring minds (mine) want to know!
