spicy-vegan-pumpkin-chili

With each passing season we (Peter & Sarah) feel like we always miss a couple things and can’t get around to sharing everything we wish we could.

In effort to cover all the bases, we felt it was the best (most fun) decision to write a joint post about Everything Fall!

Here’s what we cover

*all these links will take you to that section

Can’t Miss Fall Produce

When you eat seasonal, by the end of the season you’re ready for what’s next. And as much as we love Watermelon, we are SO EXCITED for apples and squash. Oh, and Persimmons:)

Below you’ll find some of our fall favorites.

Fall Produce

Apples – Use these guys in apple pie, salads or sliced for an afternoon snack.

Brussels Sprouts – Cook in coconut oil with some rosemary and dried cranberries.

Cauliflower – Oven roasted with coconut oil and smoked paprika.

Cranberries – Cook with apples and a lot of sugar…. sorry, but these guys are tart!

Kale – Juice it, blend it or toss it in a salad.

Leeks – Great in soups, just make sure you clean them really well.

Mushrooms – Cook these in a tofu scramble.

Onions – Great mixed in with roasted vegetables.

Parsnips – These make an awesome French Fry replacement!

Passion Fruit – Add to smoothies or quick-bake breads.

Pears – Eat alone or cook in a big batch of oatmeal.

Persimmons – These little gems are delicious in salads. The Hachiya variety are harder, similar to apples; the Fuyu are softer and taste great blended in smoothies and ice cream.

Pomegranates – Very high in antioxidants and great in fall-themed salads for a crunch.

Rutabaga – Mix with potatoes, onion, coconut milk and veggie broth. Blend in a high speed blender for a creamy fall soup.

Shallots – Use in salad dressings or use as an onion replacement.

Squash – There are so many varieties of winter squash but most can be cooked by cutting in half, removing seeds and “guts” and oiling the insides with coconut oil and cooking face down on a baking sheet. Cook time will depend on size and type of squash but usually at least 40 minutes at 375 Deg. F.

Tangerines – EAT EM!

Turnips – Skip the mashed potatoes and mash these instead (or go half & half).

Fall Activities

There is something magical about fall. It’s no longer hot and sunny, but you can still get away without having to bundle up. And there are some activities that can only be done during this time of year… caramel apples anyone?

26 fall activities

Below you will find 26 activities you just have to do this fall! (we’re especially looking forward to making the scarecrow)

  1. Apple picking
  2. Pumpkin carving
  3. Jump in a big pile of leaves   (+take fun photos)
  4. Late afternoon run, taking in all of the beautiful fall colors
  5. Cozy up and read a book on a rainy day
  6. Pumpkin patch
  7. Bake Chocolate Chip Punkin Cookies
  8. Bake a squash
  9. Make an Apple Pie
  10. Have a sleep over with friends/family and watch scary movies
  11. Decorate your house with some fall decor
  12. Spend an afternoon volunteering
  13. Sign up for a race
  14. Go on an afternoon adventure
  15. Reorganize your closet
  16. Start your Christmas shopping or homemade gift-making early
  17. Create a photo album
  18. Start a healthy habit before New Years
  19. Make a dream catcher
  20. Light some incense and meditate
  21. Work on your Christmas Card/Letter   (get a fun photo done and start thinking about what you want to include)
  22. Make a giving thanks tree   (write down everything you are thankful for and hang them on branches in your house)
  23. Make a scarecrow
  24. Donate food to the food bank
  25. Make your own Halloween costume
  26. Go on a hike

Fall Workout Planner

The weather in the fall can be hit or miss, rainy or sunny, windy or frigid.

Here are our top ideas for workouts this season…

Gym Work out

At Home Work Out fall walks 2

A: Lululemon Brisk Run Gloves   B: ASICS Women’s Thermopolis   C: Alo Goddess Ribbed Leggings   D: Trailheads Elements Running Gloves   E: New Balance Men’s Go 2 Tights

rainy day runs 2

F: Zella ‘Live In – Hot’  Detail Capris   G: Women’s Moving Comfort Vixen Bra   H: Oiselle Running Women’s Winona Tank Top   I: Nike Element Half Zip Top   J: Brooks Infiniti Jacket IV   K: Brooks 5″ Essential Running Shorts   L: Energizer 3 LED Headlamp

Classic Fall Seasonings & Spices

More than ANY other season, fall has dozens of distinct flavors that go with it.

We could do a full post on these, but for today we wanted to share the highlights and most practical.

Seasonings and Spices for fallWhat They Are + How To Use Em…

  • Pumpkin Pie Spice – a convenient blend of seasonings; great with Apple-Based Smoothies, over Oatmeal or even on Baked Sweet Potato Fries.
  • Ginger – a classic anti-inflammatory spice; cut the root into chunks and toss it in warm lemon water, or zest it an mix into a simple sauce for Spring Rolls (recipe available in our Nut Butter Recipe Pack here).
  • Cinnamon – we are yet to find something this doesn’t work in:)
  • Curry – excellent as a soup or noodle base, but also goes well with strange combinations like sweet potato fries!
  • Cardamom – include in any baked good with neutral flavor, ie cookies, scones or bread.

5 DIY Crafts you gotta try this Fall

Over the last few years we have really gotten into DIY.  You get to customize things to exactly your liking, it usually costs less, and is better for the environment too, in most cases…what’s not to love?

We call that a win win! 5 diy crafts These 5 crafts below are no different and really cool!

  1. Make your own Halloween Costume. Ladies how cute is this Shooting Star Costume?
  2. Make an awesome Center Piece.
  3. Make your own Patterned Yoga Pants.
  4. Make your own Holiday Baking Apron, or give it as a gift.
  5. Throw a Halloween Party and make one of these super chic Halloween Garlands

10 At-Home Remedies for the Common Cold

Cold Remedies

Something about fall brings lots of colds, the flu and other nasty viruses. We always recommend being ready before the cold hits with a really healthy immune system, but sometimes it sneaks up on you.

So here are our favorite things to do to kick common colds fast!

  • Increase Liquids: Your body cannot heal and flush out toxins if you’re dehydrated – so drink up. Our favorite ways to stay hydrated when sick are: Water, Green Juice, Green Smoothies & Coconut Water.
  • Sleep / Rest: Nothing new, but do not overlook this one. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep and take it easy when feeling under the weather.
  • Increase Anti-Viral & Anti-Bacterial Herbs: Our favorites are ginger, turmeric, oregano, cayenne, cloves and garlic. Use these herbs by adding them to soups, your tea or even a green juice!
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV is great at killing germs. Mix 1 Tbsp. ACV with 4 Tbsp. water. Make sure you get Brags Apple Cider Vinegar as it’s raw and the most powerful.
  • Lay Off The Sugar: If you’re serious about getting rid of your cold, you have got to give up sugar as it feeds the bad bacteria and weakens your immune system.
  • Probiotics: To add good bacteria to your system and improve gut flora when your immune system has been compromised.
  • Singers Saving Grace: This is AMAZING for sore throats but tastes terrible.
  • Wheatgrass: Full of nutrients and really alkalizes your body.
  • Netti Pot: Clears out the sinuses. A little strange but so good for you.
  • Oil Pulling: Most bacteria enters the body via the mouth, and when you oil pull you get rid of a lot of that bad bacteria. We recommend using coconut oil. You Can Read More HERE

Spicy Vegan Pumpkin Chili

Spicy Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Spicy Pumpkin Chili
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Recipe type: Entree
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 1 large can (28 oz) fire roasted tomatoes
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 butternut squash, outside skin removed and diced (or buy frozen pre-cut 2-3 cups)
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 Tbsp. cacao powder (or cocoa)
  • 3 Tbsp. Mexican seasoning
  • 2 Tbsp.chili powder
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 dash cayenne
  • 4 cloves of garlic, diced
  • 1 cup corn (we used frozen)
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed & drained
  • 1 can kidney beans, rinsed & drained
  • 1 can pinto beans, rinsed & drained
  • coconut oil for sauteing
  • 2 dashes salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot add: tomatoes, water, all seasonings, garlic, corn and beans.
  2. Peel & cut squash (if not already), add to a frying pan on medium heat. Saute with coconut oil for 5 minutes then add chopped onion and celery. Cook together for 3-5 more minutes.
  3. Next add contents of the frying pan to the soup pot, bring everything to a boil for 10 minutes. You may need to add a little more water (we didn't have to though).
  4. Turn stove down to low, cover and continue to cook for 1 hour (cook for longer if you wish)
  5. Adjust seasonings to your liking before serving.
  6. Kick it up by adding hot sauce at the end.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 8 Calories: 325 Fat: 1.8g Saturated fat: .8g Unsaturated fat: 0g Trans fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 61g Sugar: 6g Sodium: 444mg Fiber: 13.9g Protein: 18.1g Cholesterol: 0mg

Pumpkin Chili Picture 2

What do you love MOST about Fall? Leave a comment below and let us know. Oh and make sure you  leave us a review for this recipe so more people can find it – Thank you! ~ S&P


    1 Response to "Spicy Vegan Pumpkin Chili (+ All Things Fall)"

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Rate this recipe: