Craving Fall flavors in Florida is sometimes difficult especially when the temperature outside is 95 degrees.  Ugh…but we turn down the AC, and cook.

A simple risotto with one sweet potato (chopped and roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees).Melt three tablespoons of unsalted butter and add a large, finely chopped shallot.Add salt and pepper, and cook until translucent.Add in a cup rice, stirring to coat the rice with the butter.  Cook until a bit browned.For my liquid I use 2/3’s cup chicken stock and 1/3 cup wine (warmed – not hot or cold).I also added four cloves of roasted garlic (smashed).  It adds a nutty flavor and isn’t in your face garlicky.  Add about a half of cup of liquid at a time, and stir until adsorbed.Continue this process until the rice is tender (about twenty minutes) with adding the liquid until the three cups are in the rice.When the rice is done, add in the cooked sweet potato.  Stirring gently. Then my favorite part gets added – the Parmesan cheese.  I like large bites of cheese, so I add in slices instead of grating it into the rice.David’s plate below.  I served this with a roasted pork loin with fig-balsamic sauce (recipe coming soon).And my plate (note the extra Parmesan cheese!).  I love this…and even though I am not supposed to eat rice, I think that this is okay (especially since the amount is less than a half of cup).  I do concentrate on eating the protein first especially since my gastric sleeve surgery.

What flavors are a must for you in Fall (even when the temperatures aren’t agreeing with you or Mother Nature)?

Blessings.