Pumpkin spice szn

Now, usually I’m a summer girly but when I see the leaves on the trees start to turn orange it just DOES something to me. Get me a PSL, a blanket and some snacks because I am not moving from my sofa for the foreseeable future. When I can eventually drag myself away from my cosy little blanket fort, I want something hearty and delicious to eat. Here’s a few of my go-to autumn faves, perfect for making on a cold afternoon.

Soup-er autumn faves

It’s time to start utilising that slow cooker again! My new ‘Actually Delicious Slow Cooker Cookbook‘ (shameless self promotion) has some truly incredible recipes, however soups are some of my favourites. Before I take the dogs for a walk, I love chucking some veg into the slow cooker and it being ready to go when I come back. I LOVE the classic roasted tomato soup – mainly because I always have to make a grilled cheese on the side for the ultimate oozy cheese pull. If you get to the end of the week with no clue what to do with all of the random vegetables in the fridge, make a fridge soup!

Generally I am left with a bit of onion, potato, carrots, leeks, garlic and broccoli. Even if it’s starting to look a bit past best, don’t chuck it away! Fry all of the veg off in a large saucepan with a good glug of oil until lightly coloured. You can chuck in whatever spices, herbs or seasonings you like. Cover the veg with chicken or vegetable stock and leave to simmer away on the hob. When the vegetables have softened, it’s ready to blend! Pop a few knobs of butter in while you blend to really enrich the soup.

Everybody loves pasta

Yes I am the potato queen, but who doesn’t love a bit of pasta? It’s the easiest thing to throw together, usually a sauce can be ready by the time the pasta has boiled. If you’re using a smaller pasta like macaroni or orzo, it cooks well directly in the pan too, as long as there is enough liquid. Obviously you have to double carb and have some garlic bread too. I always make my air fryer garlic bread because it’s simple, quick and so delicious.

If you’re more of a fan of a tomato based pasta, then give my Mascarpone and Tomato Pasta Bake a try. It is so quick to make, very hearty and you cannot beat that crispy, cheesy top on a pasta bake. Only issue is that you’ll obviously immediately fight over the corner pieces. The classic lasagne will always have a special place in my heart, especially with salad and loads of garlic bread.

Spuds, glorious spuds

Dauphinoise potatoes has to be one of the most comforting potato dishes there is. Cream, garlic, salt and potato – what’s not to love? It’s a lot easier to make than people think, and is the perfect side dish to a roast chicken, steak or a pie.

Mashed potato goes with everything in my book. Even if it’s not the ‘traditional’ side dish – mash and steak? Delicious. Fish fingers and mash? Spectacular. I use a lot of butter and cream to get my ultimate mashed potatoes. One of the best things about mash is how versatile it is. Colcannon is a delicious Irish side dish that I have a lot throughout the colder months, because it feels like I’m atleast getting some goodness from the cabbage. A big bowl of mash and thick, rich gravy just cannot be beaten.

Delicious desserts

JUST LOOK AT HER! This is my slow cooker dark chocolate and orange brioche bread and butter pudding (try saying that 5 times fast). Even though it’s in the slow cooker, it actually only takes 2 hours to cook. I think it’s the perfect Sunday pud to follow a big roast dinner, especially when it’s cold and raining outside.

My fiancé Tom loves it when I make my sticky toffee apple crumble from my first book ‘The Food You Need‘.  It’s sweet and delicious, especially when served up in big bowls with plenty of vanilla ice cream.

If you’re getting ready for a very aesthetic day at a pumpkin patch, make sure you have a good breakfast. My little sister ALWAYS requests pancakes when I’m making breakfast, so I love making this walnut and blueberry pancake stack. Fluffy and golden pancakes, slathered with maple syrup but obvs a bit of blueberry for *health*. Change up the toppings however you like – blackberry and almond is perfect for the autumn!