5 Quick & Healthy Fall Recipe Ideas for Aging Loved Ones

This fall, why not spend an afternoon baking and cooking fall recipes with your loved one? From Hemp & Maple Pecan Oatmeal to Butternut Squash Risotto, we’ve pulled together plenty of quick, easy, and delicious fall recipes.

1. Hemp & Maple Pecan Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a fantastic breakfast option. Paired with protein powder and pecans for added protein, this breakfast recipe will have you feeling ready for the cool mornings.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup plan quick oats
• 2 tbsp hemp seeds (divided)
• 2 tbsp vanilla-flavoured protein powder
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice mix
• 10 chopped pecan halves + 6 whole pecan halves
• 2/3 cup boiling water
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

How to Make It:

1. Between two bowls, add the oats, ½ of the hemp seeds, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, chopped pecans, and ½ of the maple syrup.
2. Boil water and add to the oat mixture. You may add more water if you like thinner-consistency oatmeal.
3. Stir and let thicken. Top each bowl with the remaining hemp seeds and whole pecan halves, and drizzle with the remaining pure maple syrup.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes

2. Pumpkin Pesto

Pumpkin and Pesto – who knew? This recipe is a seasonal twist on classic pesto. Serve it on toasted baguette slices, crackers or pita wedges.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil

How to Make It:

1. In a food processor, combine basil, parsley, pumpkin, walnuts, the 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, the honey, garlic, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
2. Cover and process with several on/off pulses until coarsely chopped. With processor running, add oil in a thin, steady stream. When necessary, stop the processor and scrape down the side of the bowl.
3. Transfer pesto to a serving bowl. If desired, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese. Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, and/or pita wedges. Makes about 1-3/4 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

3. Easy Butternut Squash Risotto

With sweet butternut squash and tangy cheese, how could you go wrong? This risotto recipe is like no other. You’ll just have to try it for yourself.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large shallot, minced
• 2 tsp ginger, minced (optional)
• 1 ox can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and stringy flesh. Place the squash halves (cut sides down) on plastic wrap in microwave. Cook on HIGH 10 minutes or until cooked through. Scoop flesh into medium bowl, stir until smooth and set aside.
2. Microwave rice according to package directions, omitting butter.
3. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot and optional ginger; cook 2 minutes, stirring. Add rice.
4. Alternately stir in squash and broth, 1/2 cup at a time; wait until each is absorbed before adding more. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Serve in bowls; garnish with cheese, if desired.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 14 minutes

4. Slow-Cooker Meatballs

Crockpots are a staple item for most Canadians, especially in the winter. This an easy and delicious take on meatballs that can be served on buns, pasta or even zucchini noodles!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 oz. Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chopped parsley
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 7 clove garlic, minced
• 2 lb lean ground beef
• ½ lb Italian sausage
• Canola oil
• 1 medium sweet onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 small bunch fresh basil

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Combine panko, Parmesan, parsley, milk, egg, and 3 garlic cloves in a bowl; let stand 10 minutes. Add beef and sausage; gently combine using your hands. Shape into 36 (1- to 1 1/2-inch) balls. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly grease with canola oil. Place meatballs on baking sheet and bake until browned, 15 minutes. Drain well.
2. Combine onion, olive oil, Italian seasoning, red pepper, and remaining 4 garlic cloves in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, stirring once, until onion is tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Combine onion mixture, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sugar in the bowl of a 6-quart slow cooker. Gently stir meatballs into sauce.
3. Cover and cook on low, until the flavours are combined, 8 to 9 hours. Stir in basil.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 9h 30 minutes

5. Roasted Chicken, Apples and Onions

This easy chicken dish is the perfect fall family dinner!

Ingredients:

• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 Gala or Pink Lady apples
• 1 bulb fennel
• 1 lemon
• 2 sprig fresh Rosemary
• 2 small onion
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Pepper
• 4 small Chicken Legs

How to Make It:

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees F. On a large, rimmed baking sheet, toss the garlic, apples, onions, fennel, lemon, and rosemary with 2 tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Transfer half the vegetables to a second large rimmed baking sheet and roast the vegetables for 10 minutes.
2. Rub the chicken with the remaining tablespoon oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Nestle the chicken pieces among the vegetables and roast for 15 minutes. Switch the positions of the baking sheets and roast until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are golden brown and tender, 15 to 20 minutes more.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Fall is a time to come together. Whether you’re cooking, eating, or socializing with loved ones, we encourage you to slow down as the seasons change and spend time doing things you love. For many of us, that includes eating delicious, seasonal recipes!