Cheers to you all! IT’S FALL YA’LL!

Let’s be honest:
I’m currently at our Texas house, where we’re celebrating, y’all, it’s finally in the 80s.

That’s right. Practically a cold front.
I mean, it’s not quite sweater weather yet… but hey, we’re getting closer. And until I can wear flannel without breaking a sweat, I’m making up for it in the kitchen.

I’m on a full pumpkin kick especially in my iced coffees and teas. Because even if it feels like late summer, my taste buds are in full-blown fall mode.

Now, before I get into the recipes I’ve been loving lately, let me just say this:
My famous chili is coming. And yes, there’s a secret ingredient that takes it from good to “where has this been all my life?!”

Spoiler: it’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and ridiculously addictive.
Keep scrolling, you don’t want to miss it.

1. Pumpkin Banana Bread: Fall in a Loaf

Can’t choose between banana bread and pumpkin bread?

Good. Don’t.
This one is moist, rich, spiced just right, and tastes like your favorite fall candle (but like, in a good way).

Try this version:
👉 Pumpkin Banana Bread – Lil’ Luna
Or go for this cozy twist:
👉 Banana Pumpkin Bread – Allrecipes

Pro tip: Add chocolate chips. Always chocolate chips.

2. Cowboy Stew + Cornbread = Big Fall Energy

You know that first truly chilly evening where you want to cancel plans and eat something that feels like a hug? This is that.

A chunky, meaty, flavor-packed cowboy stew, served with golden sweet cornbread.

✔️ Texas Cowboy Stew – House of Nash Eats
✔️ Cornbread Cowboy Casserole – Front Range Fed

Scoop, dunk, repeat. Thank me later.

3. A Meat Dish That Tells Summer to Go Sit Down

Fall is meat season. Period.

Whether it’s roast chicken thighs, cider-glazed pork, or melt-in-your-mouth short ribs, you need at least one dish that makes you forget summer salads ever existed.

Use this spice combo: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, onion, salt + pepper. Roast it, rest it, devour it.
Pair with roasted veggies or mashed sweet potatoes. Chef’s kiss.

4. My Famous Chili, The One With the Sweet Twist You’ll Dream About

Okay, THIS is the one.
The showstopper. The potluck winner. The thing your neighbor will “just stop by” to ask for.

My signature chili with a secret twist.
And yes, I’m a meat and beans girl. No apologies.

The magic is in this unexpected ingredient:

Semi-sweet pork and beans. ✨
Yep. That little hit of sweetness plays beautifully against the spice.
It’s smoky, sweet, savory, and just the right amount of bold. Trust me—you’ll never go back.

Amy’s Famous Sweet-Heat Chili

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or chuck for extra richness)
  
• 1 can kidney beans (drained)
  
• 1 can black beans (drained)
  
• 1 large can semi-sweet pork and beans (the secret sauce!)
  
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
  
• 1 large onion, diced
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 can diced tomatoes
  
• 2 tbsp chili powder
  
• 1 tsp cumin
  
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
  
• Salt & pepper to taste
  
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, jalapeños, corn chips
  

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot. Drain excess fat.
   
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
   
3. Stir in the tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and that glorious can of pork and beans.
   
4. Sprinkle in your spices—chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
   
5. Let it simmer on low heat for at least 30–40 minutes. The longer it sits, the better it gets.
   
6. Serve hot with all the toppings your fall-loving heart desires.
   

✨ Bonus tip: Double the batch and freeze some. It only gets better the next day.

Final Thoughts

Fall might be taking its sweet time here in Texas, but that’s not stopping me from eating like it’s crisp outside.

Whether you’re baking a cozy loaf, stirring a bubbling stew, or spooning up sweet-and-spicy chili perfection, these recipes are here to carry you straight through autumn (and maybe into winter if the weather ever cooperates).

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” – Proverbs 31:25

Now light your favorite candle, throw on that flannel (even if it’s just for the vibe), and get cooking.

Best,
Amy