Autumn is a time for curling up away from the onslaught of cold, turning to warm dishes and heartier food that we’ve missed throughout the summer months. When the weather starts getting chilly, we begin craving more substantial meals, the kind of stick-to-your-ribs tasty food which warms you up and provides you with energy for all kinds of outdoor activities and excursions. But what we’re not looking for are big, complicated dishes that take hours and hours to make. Most of us want ease, flavour and nutrition.

If you’re on the same kind of wavelength as us, there is no need to scour through your cookbooks relentlessly. These autumn dishes ideas might be just what you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re in the mood for a creamy pasta or a rich, indulgent cup of hot chocolate, we’ve got you covered with a couple of our favourite seasonal recipes.

Welsh Rarebit

You may not realise it but you can turn the humble cheese on toast into something truly scrumptious. All you need to do is grab a saucepan, melt some butter and make a simple roux with flour. Cook this for a couple of minutes, stirring to prevent the roux from burning. Stir until you have a thick but smooth sauce. Add in some grated cheese and stir until melted. You could use a classic mature cheddar or a smoked applewood cheese. You should now have a thick paste. Mix in some mustard and Worcestershire sauce and season the sauce well with black pepper and if you like a bit of spice, some chilli flakes. Lightly toast and butter your bread (thick, white bread works well), then pile up the cheesy mixture on each slice. Cook under a hot grill for a few minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.

Eggs Benedict

This is a gorgeously indulgent breakfast, perfect for a lazy Sunday treat. Making eggs benedict is so much simpler than you imagine – It just takes a little planning and know-how. Also perfect for a special meal for someone you love. There is a real elegance to this dish, you have warm, crispy bacon, hot buttered toasted English muffins, eggs poached to your desire, and a warm, creamy, Hollandaise sauce. Split the muffins, toast them and warm some plates. We recommend doing your Hollandaise in a blender for ease, to start, blend hollandaise and melt 10 Tbsp unsalted butter. Pop 3 egg yolks, a tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender, blend on medium to medium-high speed for 20-30 seconds. Turn the blender down to the lowest setting and pour in the melted butter, while continuing to blend. Taste for salt and acidity and add more salt or lemon juice to taste. Transfer it to a container you can use for pouring and put it in a warm place on or near the stovetop. Place some thick cut ham or crispy bacon on your muffins, pop the poached egg on top, then drizzle the Hollandaise on top. Serve with a watercress garnish – et voila!

Fondue

How did this 1970’s classic ever fall out of fashion? Pick up a fondue set at the charity shop and dig in. This recipe is perfect for autumn and is delicious served with crudites, crusty bread, roast or boiled potatoes or cured meats – anything you fancy really! This recipe outlines how to make cheese fondue at home, from any kind of cheese to use to what to dip in fondue. Spoiler: homemade cheese fondue is so, so easy. You’ll certainly feel inspired to throw a fondue party once you know this recipe. Rub the inside of the fondue pot with the halves of garlic. Add in a small glass of white wine and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the pot and heat until boiling. Lower the heat and slowly stir in the cheeses until melted, stirring it constantly. Add to the cheese mixture and cook gently until the mixture is smooth – don’t let it boil or it will burn. Using the fondue prongs, dip the bread and crudites into the cheese and enjoy!

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

This beautifully creamy mushroom pasta is perfect for days when you need a huge bowl of comfort. Cream or creme fraiche, parmesan, white wine, lemon zest and fresh parsley make this a rich and flavorful dinner. Heat olive oil and butter in a saucepan. Fry diced white onion over low heat for 10 mins or until translucent and fragrant. Add in chestnut mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for a further 2 minutes. Add a glass of white wine and bring to a simmer, reduce the liquid. Add double cream and bring to a low simmer, then add lemon zest and parmesan. Season with salt and lots of black pepper. Meanwhile, cook the pasta following the labelled instructions. Reserve 100ml of the pasta water. Toss the pasta in the pan with the creamy sauce and enough of the reserved water to loosen. Stir in the parsley, divide into bowls and top with additional parmesan cheese, if you fancy!

Spiced Apple Warmer

Also sometimes referred to as mulled apple juice, this recipe is delicious and warming, also a great non-alcoholic alternative if you’re currently doing Stoptober. Some of the most delicious recipes are the ones that use everyday ingredients that you already have at home and with a few easy steps, transform them into something incredible. This spiced apple juice recipe is just that. All you need to do is heat up in a saucepan some apple juice just store-bought apple juice and add in some brown sugar, sliced lemon and orange, a cinnamon stick and a dash of nutmeg. you can quickly whip up a warming and spicy beverage that the whole family can enjoy!

Rich and Indulgent Hot Chocolate

Sounds pretty basic right? Just a cup of cocoa? But there is so much more to it than that and you can make this an indulgent and delicious drink to be savoured. And just as a disclaimer – this one is a treat for all, not just the kids! Pour milk, double cream and chopped chocolate into a pan. Bring gently to the boil, whisking until glossy and smooth. Serve in individual cups or mugs topped with mini marshmallows and a little grated chocolate.

Freshways – We Provide Wholesale Food And Dairy Across The UK

Do you like the sound of some of these autumn recipes? We are proud to say they all contain fresh ingredients stocked by Freshways. We are dedicated to providing every one of our clients throughout London, Wales and the UK, with the freshest milk and dairy products available. From wholesalers and manufacturers right through to small businesses such as bakeries, cafes, hotels and retailers, we are the reliable dairy products supplier in the UK. We pride ourselves on being an independent and family-run business that offers only the highest quality dairy products. For more information about our products, simply get in touch with a helpful member of our Freshways team today