Fall Food Finds

My heart is heavy as I have been learning about the latest senseless tragedies in France tonight. I just don’t understand what is happening in our world today. Human beings are supposed to take care of each other and for the most part they do. There is so much more good than bad in the world. But I wonder what goes wrong with people as to be so evil and do the unimaginable. I just don’t believe anyone could be born that way. Tonight I pray for France and I pray for peace in all the world.

So on to something positive. Let’s cook and feed each other. I love the fall season and wanted to share some of my favorite food finds.

One of my favorite grocery stores to shop at is Trader Joe’s. The store opens up at 8am. I typically drop my son off at school and get there as it opens. There is nothing better than getting my little sample cup of coffee and wandering the isles of a quiet empty store. Everyone that works there is friendly and I just take my time to check out their latest new items. This is my latest obsession:

The fall is chili season so this awesome green dragon sauce is perfect to spice up a bowl. I also like this sauce on eggs and tacos. The heat doesn’t kill you but it adds just enough spicy flavor.

I have been enjoying delicata squash for the past few months but it looks like it disappeared from the markets. I like how you can eat the skin. It’s so pretty and easy to cut into rings. If you happen to see some, please let me know where you bought it. I didn’t think the season was over yet so I’m hoping to still get some.

Apples have been another thing that’s popular at our house. These are topaz and have a slightly tart flavor. They are also from NJ. Tart apples are my favorite. There is nothing better than biting into a crisp apple in the fall.

A new Smashburger opened up really close to my house. It is close enough to walk to and I need every bit of exercise after eating this truffle mushroom swiss burger. It was soooo good! And the fries, oh the fries! They are tossed in olive oil, rosemary and garlic. My mouth is watering just thinking about them.

Need a fun idea for a brunch party? How about making the ultimate Bloody Mary Bar? Read about the one I created on the KitchenAid blog. It is perfect for a early Sunday football game too.

Last but not least, let me tell you about this delicious cupcake I had from Cake Stand Bakery. It was a sweet potato cupcake filled with brown sugar and had maple buttercream icing on top. Mmmmnnn! They always change their cupcake menu so every time I go in there I try something different. I love that they make cupcakes seasonally.