The fall is arguably the best time to scroll through those autumn-themed pins and to whip out those aprons. But it is also a common time that people put on extra weight! Instead of giving up your favorite fall treats all together, we want to provide you with some healthier versions of our favorite fall recipes including a skinny spin on some classic, fall-time cocktails!

Keep in mind, we know elements like sugar and other processed chemicals are not-so-friendly ingredients for our weight and especially for our hair, skin, and nails! Hence, it is my aim to come up with tasty recipes that contain naturally-occurring ingredients over processed ones. We want to provide our body with the most vitamin and nutrient-rich food available so that the body has an easier time distributing those vitamins where we want them to go most (eh hem, hair, skin, and nails).
I dare you to try these recipes and see if anyone if your family notices a difference:

“Pumpkin Pie” (Paleo-friendly)

Pie crust:1 ½ c. almond flour
1 egg
2 tbs. butter
Combine mix and shape into pie pan. Food processor or blender may be helpful to create a more consistent, fine texture.
Filling:1 small can pumpkin puree, unsweetened
½ can coconut milk
½ c. honey or agave sweetener
2 eggs
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Combine filling ingredients in a large mixing bowl (or use food processor or high-speed blender for a quicker, thicker mix!) then distribute on top of pie crust.

Bake for 45-55 minutes at 350 degrees. Check the center for completion!
Pair with coconut-milk ice cream, homemade whipped cream, or cottage cheese.
If you need any more reasons to hop on the pumpkin train, read this article: The Superfood to Know- PUMPKIN EDITION

“Apple Crisp” (…also Paleo-friendly)

Apple crisp is TOO delicious to pass up this time of year, but I just cannot get over the fact that there is so much flour and sugar in the typical recipe. So I’ve found a paleo-friendly, healthier version to satisfy my fall craving for this traditional sweet treat! Enjoy!

Apple Filling:
4 cups of sliced apples
¼ c coconut milk (or almond milk)
2 tsp. lemon juice
2 tbs. maple syrup, honey, or agave sweetener (optional)
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp. allspice
Crumbly Goodness:
¼ c. coconut flour
¼ c. almond flour
Note: Just invest in both of the above products. Used together, they are a perfect substitute for most flour-containing recipes.
1 tbs. chopped nuts (pecans are my favorite)
1 tbs. coconut sugar
1tsp cinnamon
3 1/2 tbs. coconut oil
Pinch of sea salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 8×8 pan with coconut oil, ghee, or butter. Combine “filling” ingredients in a mixing bowl, and then distribute evenly into pan. Combine “crumbly goodness” ingredients in a bowl with your hands, and even sprinkle over the filling mixture. Bake in oven for about 20 minutes.

Serve warm with coconut-milk ice cream, whipped cream, cottage cheese, or any other ice cream variation. Serve with hot tea, apple cider, warm milk, or one of our fall cocktails.
For a super-super-quick version, I sometimes warm up sliced apples or pears in the microwave and then top with nuts, cinnamon and cottage cheese on top.

Best Cold-Weather Soup EVER

1lb Italian sausage (I like a spicy sausage!)
2 large yams (or sweet potatoes), unpeeled, chopped into cubes
1large sweet onion, chopped
4-5 bacon slices, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups kale or 2 cups Swiss chard, or spinach
2 (8 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 quart water
1cup heavy whipping cream (Use milk instead for a lighter version)
1 c navy beans, or your favorite bean (optional)
Gluten-free pasta (optional)
1 c. corn (optional)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Top with Parmesan (optional)

Directions:
Start off by cooking the bacon pieces in a sauté pan, and keep to the side.
Take a large soup pot and sauté the Italian sausage in olive oil with the chopped garlic and onions.

In the same pot, add chicken broth, water, and stir. Add yam cubes, spinach, and beans (and corn if desired). Cook until yams are almost soft. Add cream (or milk). Add pasta (if desired) and turn off heat when it is done cooking through. The yams should be soft by then. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with bacon pieces and Parmesan cheese. Serve with warm wheat bread and pumpkin butter.

If you cannot tell, this recipe has a fabulous flavor base from the bacon, sausage, onion, garlic, and chicken broth. After that- it’s all you! You can add, subtract, or customize the other ingredients to your liking, even making it creamier or less creamy. My boyfriend, who is 100% Italian, even approves of this, so it’s a definite winner in my book! Bon appetito!

Baked Brie Appetizer

Baked brie recipes are lifesavers when you don’t want to bring the standard wine bottle over someone’s house for a party. And who doesn’t like warm, fancy French cheese anyway?
For the fall, try this variation with warm pumpkin butter and nuts. The sweet, nutty flavors complement the flavor of brie perfectly.

Pumpkin butter topping:
1 c. butter (2 sticks)
¾ tsp. cinnamon
6 tbs. pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
4 tbs honey, maple syrup, or agave sweetener
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ c. walnuts (or nut of choice)

Spread pumpkin butter and walnuts on top of brie, and warm in oven at 350 for about 20 minutes or until brie is melted sufficiently. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon to finish off and serve with pear slices, apple slices, or table crackers. Pair with your favorite red wine or one of the fall cocktails below!

Black-spirited: The Skinny Espresso Martini

Espresso martinis are a fabulous way to put a nightcap on any night out, but in the cooler months, they just seem so appropriate!
Try out this combination:

Espresso or coffee (chilled or hot)
Flavored vodka (try vanilla or marshmallow)
Splash of Bailey’s Irish Cream
Vary your ratio of coffee to vodka depending on your preferred drink-strength. Shake well and garnish with a few coffee beans. Voila, and the night has only begun!

Apple Cinnamon Toddy

I think this is the ultimate fall drink guys. It goes by many names, but you’ll know it when you taste it. The recipe can be varied to your liking, but if you’re trying for the first time, try out this combination:

1 c apple cider (either instant mix or homemade)
2 oz spiced rum (or if you prefer: honey whiskey)
Small slice of butter
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Whipped cream for topping

Though this particular cocktail isn’t the healthiest recipe we’ve ever posted, it sure is full of all the spiciness and warmth that you could hope for this fall. Share these recipes and let us know what your favorite fall traditions are on our social pages!

Happy fall!
Catherine C., Lashing Out