This is hands down the best butternut squash soup you will ever have.  Seriously.  It is simple and fresh, thick and creamy, and the cinnamon and nutmeg give it such a nice warm depth for a fall dish.  I first had this soup in Ireland last thanksgiving, and begged the chef to give me her recipe.  Knowing that she makes it just by taste alone, she was able to pass along the different ingredients that she uses to a fault, but in what quantities - she wasn't sure.  Luckily, I think I finally nailed it!  Just a fair warning, this is not a quick meal...  It comes together quickly once you start cooking, but there is a lot of chopping involved!  A great Sunday afternoon project to feed you for the whole week, and just perfect for this time of year!  

It is finally starting to cool down a bit here in DC and gosh do I love this time of year.  To be honest, I loathe cold weather.  Yes you read that correctly - I loathe it, not love it.  I am not built for it and I go into full hibernation mode.  However, these early October days still feel warm, but crisp all at the same time - a time where I can appreciate having no humidity without being freezing!  Perfect for digging into your favorite fall recipes and having cozy weekends!  This carrot and parsnip mash is an adaptation of one of my grandma's recipes that we have for thanksgiving every year.  It is all of the comfort and flavor of fall, minus the bullion cube and the steaming of vegetables.  Instead, I used fresh herbs chicken stock, and braise the vegetables for a bit more depth and flavor.  Topped with these roasted herb shrimp, and you are in for the comfort meal of the fall, that will leave you feeling satisfied, yet light and healthy all at the same time. 

If you are an east coaster getting ready to hunker down for a cold, rainy weekend, this is the stew for you!!  Or, if you'll be enjoying a nice crisp fall weekend, this would be perfect for you, too! 

Wes and I are currently relishing in our cozy life at home.  We would recommend a fall wedding to anyone and everyone!  You have all summer for your different showers and wedding associated parties, getting tan and in shape is easy and fun, and you get to really enjoy your engagement when it is beautiful out and you find any reason to celebrate.  Then you have all fall and winter to just relax, hide under sweaters, and be able to stay in without having to justify it to yourself or anyone else.  Bliss.

This was one of our first cooking projects as we transition into fall... and it kept us full and happy for a good part of the weekend and week.  Love me some leftovers!  It is such a simple stew, with hearty fall ingredients, and we will certainly be making it again and again until we resurface in the spring :)