Fall is one time of year when people really think about seasonal foods. It’s the perfect time to make meals, drinks, and snacks with the season’s best ingredients: pumpkin, apples, spices, and beyond. Read on for 5 great fall recipes that are easy enough to make in the cabin and will offer comfort and warmth on those cool mountain days.
When you don’t want to go out to eat, take advantage of the fully equipped kitchens in our Pigeon Forge cabins and whip up these easy meals and drinks. Start with something savory, follow with something sweet, and finish off with a hot apple cider to wash it all down.
Pumpkin Quesadillas | www.rachaelraymag.com
Make a twist on an easy favorite – the quesadilla – by adding a seasonal ingredient that will make you feel like fall.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups canned pure pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
Directions
In a bowl, stir the pumpkin and cumin; season. Spread over 4 tortillas, then sprinkle with cheese and walnuts. Top with remaining tortillas.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-low. Cook quesadillas 1 at a time, turning once and adding more oil between batches, until browned, about 3 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.
Pizza with Swiss Chard, Sausage & Mozzarella | www.delish.com
Easy enough to make in the cabin and tasty enough to please a group, this savory pizza is great for movie night or game days in the cabin.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Italian sausage (8 ounces), casings removed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bunches Swiss chard, chopped
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 1 ball fresh pizza dough
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil; set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook sausage, breaking up with a spoon, until crumbly and lightly browned, about 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Pour all but 1 tablespoon oil from pan. Add garlic and cook over medium-high heat until fragrant, 1 minute. Add chard in 2 batches, stirring until wilted, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; transfer to a colander to drain.
Spread cornmeal onto a clean work surface. Roll out dough into a large oval or rectangle and transfer to a greased baking sheet. Add half the mozzarella, sausage, and Swiss chard, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake pizza until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, season with salt and pepper, and cut into pieces.
Applesauce Chutney | www.rachaelraymag.com
Easy and great for cool fall weather, this twist on applesauce will be great for kids and adults. Eat it on its own, with pork, or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, and biscuits on a morning in the cabin.
Servings: 4 cups
Ingredients
Directions
In a large pan over medium, cook onion in butter until soft, about 3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; cook 2 minutes. Season and serve with pork.
Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread | www.shewearsmanyhats.com
With just 3 ingredients, this super-easy fall treat packs a flavor punch. It’s a perfect snack to have around the cabin – just serve with apple slices and enjoy!
Serves 8
Directions
Place cream cheese on a serving dish. Pour as much caramel sauce as you want evenly over cream cheese. Sprinkle with a generous helping of toffee bits.
Serve with sliced apples, pears, or pretzels.
Spiced Apple Cider | www.abeautifulmess.com
Curl up with a cup of this comforting cider in front of your cabin’s fireplace for a perfectly cozy fall evening in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Serves 4
Directions
In a small pot, heat the apple juice, spices, and rum (if using) over low/medium heat. Stir often while the mixture is heating so the spices will blend into the juice (to prevent clumps).
Once it’s hot, pour into 2 mugs and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Serve warm.
