It’s hard to believe that we are nearly in December. Since we are still staying in, and we don’t buy much online these days, our purchases went to gas, medication, and food. I work from home, which is nice because there is no commuting. We’ve only had to get gas maybe every 1-2 months. We bought pet food and food for us. The total was roughly $300 and includes cat food for two months and our food that lasts at least a month. The goal is to do a month of shopping in one go so we’re not needing to go out nor have food delivered. Plus, with the rise in food costs, we’d rather stock up now than later.

Enough about that. I love the warmth that fall brings and want to enjoy it since winter is right around the corner. Some people love the bright cheery colors of spring and summer, but I love the hues the are quintessentially fall. Deeper reds, browns, oranges, and yellows provide a cozy backdrop as the weather continues to cool. I also love warmer dishes, like soups, stews, etc. Even though hot pot is good any time, it’s especially nice to have when it’s cold out. You can add just about anything you’d like– meat, tofu, assorted vegetables. Sometimes simple is better. I like adding mushrooms, thinly sliced pork belly or beef, tofu. and glass noodles. The meat depends on my mood since I don’t consume a lot of it. My partner, on the other hand, pretty much always has to have meat. As long as it’s more ethically sourced (a controversial topic for another day) it’s usually included. Another favorite is spiced punch, served hot or iced. Cranberry, cherry, and pineapple juices mixed are great as-is. Add some cinnamon, a dash of clove, and a splash of vanilla, and the whole concoction transforms into a delightfully soul-soothing drink. If you ice it, I recommend freezing some of the punch in an ice cube tray so the drink doesn’t get watered down. ‘m trying to get a recipe post up this week, but as they say, “The best laid plans…”. What are your go-to fall meals? We love trying new things, so let us know and we’ll try them out.

Peace & Love, always!