AUTUMN RECIPES

Autumn is finally here!  My favorite time of the year.  Perfect for cooking those comfort foods that warm your tummy.  Here are two recipes in celebration of the season.....

Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Ingredients:
1 Tb. vegetable oil
1 c. onion, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeds removed and minced
1/2 c. green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 c. yellow bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 lb. lean ground turkey
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
2 c. pumpkin puree
1 1/2 Tb. chili powder
1 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
*Optional:  shredded cheese and sour cream

Directions:  Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Saute onion, jalapeno, bell peppers and garlic until tender.  Stir in the turkey and cook until evenly browned.  Pour meat mixture into a slow cooker.  Mix in the tomatoes, pumpkin puree, and spices.  Cover and set on low, cook for 4 hours.  Scoop into individual bowls. *Optional:  top with cheese and sour cream.

Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. baby carrots, cut in 1" pieces
1 onion, half diced and half cut in wedges
2 Tb. olive oil
Salt, pepper and Italian seasoning, to taste
1 lb. lean ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 c. GF beef broth
1 tsp. cornstarch
1 Tb. GF soy sauce
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. ground thyme
1 c. frozen peas
3 c. mashed potatoes

Directions:  Heat oven to 425 degrees.  Place carrots and onion wedges in a baking dish, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs.  Roast for 20 minutes.  Meanwhile, brown the ground beef, diced onion and garlic in a large skillet.  In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch, beef broth, soy sauce and spices.  Pour liquid over meat and simmer over medium heat until rich and bubbly.  Add peas and roasted vegetables to the meat mixture.  Pour into a casserole dish or large baking pan.  Top with prepared mashed potatoes.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown.