That Autumn Feeling

As the leaves begin to shed their green blankets for rich oranges, yellows, and reds, we find ourselves back at this time of year. Autumn brings a change of scenery as well as a change in the foods we eat. Summer produce has gone out of season and yes while stores still ship product in, there is usually a higher price tag for not as high of a quality product. Around this time I begin to crave foods that bring my body warmth and comfort while still not weighing me down and causing me to go into a food coma. I find myself rethinking my normal routine and substituting out normal summer ingredients for in season alternates. If you hurry you can still find good fresh peaches from the late harvest that are sweet, juicy and rich with the intoxicating aroma that only they can give off. That sweetness only intensifies when char broiled on a hot grill with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. I know it sounds weird but the salt helps bring out the sweetness and the pepper balances the two out. Pair the charred peaches sliced with peppery arugula simply dressed with some lemon and olive oil, some creamy mild brie and a crusty loaf of ciabatta or even foccacia and you have yourself an awesome panini perfect for a light but oh so satisfying lunch or dinner.
My sweet tooth somehow always seems to go into overdrive this time of year as well and continues its rampage well into the spring. I find myself looking for sweets that will soothe my dessert craving without causing me to gain unwanted extra pounds. My applesauce tart uses the best apples the season has to offer and fuses them with a light and flaky pie crust. While the crust is clearly a guilty pleasure the apples contain hardly any sugar and somehow manage to stay so sweet and vibrant through the cooking. Both of these dishes find that happy medium between indulgence and health to bring you something that is absolute deliciousness.

Grilled Peach Panini with Brie and Arugula

Applesauce Tart