Favourite fall comfort foods

Nothing quite beats the smell of fresh apple pie… Except perhaps a medley of root vegetables roasting in the oven or a quietly simmering pot of soup on the stove? Now that summer’s steamy temps have cooled off, we’re craving hearty fall fare to warm us up!

If you’re looking for a little comfort food as the leaves fly, we’ve got you covered from soups and sides to main courses and dessert!

Butternut Squash Soup with Pears and Bacon (pictured above)

The sweet flavours of fall fruits and vegetables compliment smokey bacon in this creamy and satisfying soup. Serve it as an appetizer at your next dinner party, or curl up with a bowlful and some rustic bread.

Ingredients:

6 strips bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
4 cups chicken broth (1L)
4 cups peeled butternut squash cubes (1L)
3 large California Bartlett pears peeled, cored and cubed
3/4 cup chopped celery (175 mL)
1 tsp herbs de Provence (5 mL)
1 cup half-and-half cream (250 mL)
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Chopped fresh thyme

Directions:

1. Sauté bacon in a large stockpot until crisp; remove from pan, drain on paper towels and crumble. Remove all but 1 tbsp (15 mL) bacon grease from pot; add onion and sauté over medium heat until browned.

2. Add broth, squash, pears and celery to pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.

3. Let cool slightly, then with an immersion blender or in a blender or food processor, purée mixture until smooth. Return back to pot and add herbs and bacon. Simmer for 10 minutes more. Stir in half-and-half and season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Next fall comfort food idea: Onion Soup with Pale Ale