Fall is my favorite time of year. The leaves are changing colors, the mornings are crisp while the afternoons are comfortable, and the smells of pumpkin pies and homemade applesauce fill the air. Our minds start to transition from shorts and tank tops to pants and sweatshirts while our appetites transition from hamburgers on the grill to chili on the stove. Hearty meals become a staple in my house, and one of my favorites, especially this time of year is the Guru’s Witchy Boo Guru Stew. This mix of veggies, meat, and peanut butter (yes you read correctly…Peanut Butter) brings fall flavors, colors, and taste to a head. With a mix of cabbage, squash, beef, and more this fall feast, served over rice, is a hearty meal that is guaranteed to satisfy….and it’s Orange! But not only are hearty meals a common place at our dinner table like plastic pumpkins are in a craft shop, but delicious desserts earn their stripes during the fall as well. Whether it’s a tasty homemade apple pie that just came out of the oven, or a succulent pumpkin spice cake this time of year it’s fun to bake. And it’s especially fun to bake as a family. Kids can join mom and dad in the kitchen and prepare pumpkin shaped cookies, apple dumplings, or even desserts as simple as caramel covered apples. And the great thing about this family bonding time, is usually it’s prefaced by a weekend outside hitting up apple orchards, pumpkin patches, or your local farmers market. So this fall, take time to be outside with your family, then spend time together inside  by letting your taste buds reap the rewards of being outside!

The Guru’s Stew Over Rice

Ingredients:

2 pounds cubed beef

1 medium onion

1 large garlic clove (minced)

5 cups of water

2 beef boullion cubes

2 cans of stewed tomatoes (pick the basil, garlic, and oregano ones for more flavor)

1 can of campbells tomato soup

1 small butternut squash (peeled and cubed)

2 cups of chopped cabbage

1/2 cup of SMUCKERS NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER 

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning 

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of pepper

Brown beef in large pot with onion, and garlic.

Once beef is browned add enough water to cover beef (about 3 cups). Add beef boullion cubes. Simmer on low until fully cooked (1 hour). Add cans of stewed tomatoes. Simmer for 45 minutes.

Add 2 cups of water, tomato soup, squash, and cabbage. Stir, and simmer for another 60 minutes or until squash is soft. Finally, add peanut butter, Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Add cayenne pepper for a little extra kick (optional) Let simmer for 20 minutes Stirring occasionally.

Another Family Favorite: 

 Pumpkin Spice Cake