With fall in full swing, our family at Cantera Apartments in El Paso  is spending lots of time in the kitchen preparing some of our favorite fall recipes. We think they are so tasty that we’ve chosen our second blog of the month to share them with you.

Cheers!

Make it YUMMY … all season-long!
Squash Soup with Curried Brown Butter Recipe
Ingredients:
•    3 slices bacon, diced
•    1 sweet onion, diced
•    4 garlic cloves, minced
•    kosher salt and pepper
•    4 to 5 cups cubed butternut squash
•    4 cups stock chicken or vegetable stock
•    ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
•    creme fraiche or plain yogurt, for topping
•    chopped fresh cilantro, for topping

Curried Brown Butter:
•    4 tablespoons unsalted butter
•    1 teaspoon curry powder
See the full recipe here from HowSweetEats.com.

Roasted Vegetables
 
Ingredients
•    2 cups cubed butternut squash
•    2 cups halved Brussels sprouts
•    2 cups cauliflower florets
•    2 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
•    1 to 2 turnips, cut into 1-inch pieces
•    1 small red onion, cut into wedges
•    1 cup halved red radishes or cubed daikon radish
•    Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
•    Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
•    2 tablespoons chopped rosemary or 12 chopped sage leaves, optional
•    Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing, optional
•    Lemon wedges, for serving, optional
Click here for the complete recipe from LoveandLemons.com.
 
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Ingredients
•    3 cups grated fresh zucchini, about 3-4 medium zucchini
•    1 ½ cup granulated sugar
•    2 large eggs
•    2 teaspoons vanilla extract
•    1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
•    3/4 cup butter melted¹
•    3 cups all-purpose flour² properly measured
•    2 teaspoons baking soda
•    1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•    1 ½ cups mini semisweet chocolate chips
These make super delicious hostess gifts for the holiday to come.  Get the full recipe from Ihearteating.com.

The post Fabulous Fall Recipes appeared first on Cantera Apartments Blog.

Earlier this month, we shared a list to start this season off right.  The list was so well read that we decided to continue the trend.

To ease you into the Autumn season, our family at Cantera Apartments in El Paso are sharing some additional ideas to prepare for the changing of the season. 

Try Canning!

After you have selected some of the seasons’ finest fruits, it’s time to savor and save the flavors for those holiday feasts to come. From plums to peaches to all the prunes in season, preserving those seasonal favorites is a classic way to spend a fall day. 

To get you started, we found a super simple website that lays out the basics of canning from the folks at SeriousEats.com.

Some of the best recipes can be found at BallMasonJars.com.  Some of our favorites that are a little out of the ordinary yet ideal for fall feasts include:
Habanero Apricot Jam 

Carrot Cake Jam 

Spiced Tomato Jam

And this ‘must-make’ seasonal favorite: Apple Butter

Make an Apple Pie

While we are on the subject of easing into Autumn, the seasonal aroma of a fresh baked apple pie is sure to set the scent that fall is in the air.  We have found that some of the best recipes for fall flavors are on TasteofHome.com; not just for the recipes, yet for the history and research that their team goes through to ensure each recipe is as close to perfect as it can be.

And just when you thought you only needed ONE recipe, the website offers 25, yes 25, recipes for the perfect apple pie.

Get a Head Start on that Halloween Costume

Although Halloween is a month away, some of the best values for Halloween costumes can be found right now.  Here’s a quick list of top spots to find the largest selection of ready-to-wear costumes in El Paso:
Spirit Halloween 

Party City – The Fountains at Farah 

Party City – El Paseo Marketplace

If you’re feeling a little more daring, hit the thrift or consignment shops to get your creative juices flowing.
Estella’s Thrift Shop 

Second Chance 

Family Thrift Center 

Girl Bye Vintage

Ride into the Sunset

Soon, the expansive lands of El Paso will be overflowing with the colors of the fall season.  And as soon as those temperatures cool off, it’s the perfect spot to head into the hills on horseback.  If you have yet to experience El Paso on horseback, this company offers one of the reasons to head to the trails this season.
El Paso Valley Trail Rides and Horseback River Rides

Nestled in El Paso’s beautiful Upper Valley, El Paso Valley Trail Rides will take you on a private guided stroll between its pecan orchards and the magnetic Rio Grand River – with no horseback riding experience necessary. They strive to offer a safe and memorable experience and provide “a lifetime of memories on horseback.”

Here’s a review from one of their guests: This was such an amazing experience. I wanted to find something that my kids would enjoy but would also be relaxing for me and my husband. The staff/owners and even their doggies were so sweet and made us feel at home. The views were breathtaking and the stories they shared were memorable.

The post How to Ease into Autumn in El Paso, Texas (Continued) appeared first on Cantera Apartments Blog.

Preparation

1. Microwave 8 cups water and 1 Tbsp. kosher salt at HIGH in a large microwave-safe glass bowl 2 minutes. Submerge noodles in water; let stand 20 minutes or until tender. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, toss together pineapple and next four ingredients; add table salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Whisk together hoisin sauce, next four ingredients, and two Tbsp. water. Combine drained noodles and two Tbsp. hoisin sauce mixture in a medium bowl, tossing to coat.
4. Divide lettuce among 4 bowls. Top with noodles, pineapple mixture, brisket, and peppers. Drizzle with desired amount of remaining hoisin mixture. Sprinkle with herbs, and serve immediately.
Texas Caviar Rice and Beans
 
Ingredients
 
1 (15.8-oz.) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/3 cup finely chopped roasted red bell peppers
1/4 cup finely chopped poblano pepper
 
Texas Vinaigrette, divided
2 (8.8-oz.) pouches fully cooked basmati rice
   (Note: We love Uncle Ben’s microwave rice products)
1 1/4 cups halved grape tomatoes
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded pepper Jack cheese
3/4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
2/3 cup thinly sliced celery
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
Tortilla chips
Garnish: sliced pickled jalapeño peppers

Preparation

1. Stir together first 4 ingredients and 1/4 cup Texas Vinaigrette in a microwave-safe glass bowl; let stand 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Microwave at HIGH 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring at 30-second intervals.
2. Heat rice according to package directions; fluff with a fork. Divide bean mixture, rice, tomatoes, and next 4 ingredients among 4 to 6 individual plates. Serve with tortilla chips and remaining vinaigrette.
 

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