By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Although the temperature highs here in Houston haven’t dipped below 85, I have my home decorated in colorful fall reminders. Perhaps the gold and orange will usher in cooler temps. I also have my list of favorite recipes and new ones to try out on my husband before presenting them to guests.

Whether it’s a breakfast item, a soup that is pure comfort food, a mix of roasted vegetables with a hint of cinnamon, or a sweet new baked item, I’m ready to spend time in the kitchen.

Tis the Season to Cook and Bake

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I’m always looking for an excuse to make anything with pumpkin or squash. Panera Bread has a fabulous Autumn Squash Soup, and I found this recipe online which is delish. http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/2014/10/18/panera-breads-autumn-squash-soup/

This weekend I tried a new recipe, Apple Cream-Cheese Bundt Cake, and it has a praline topping. The prep took a while, but so worth it. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/apple-cream-cheese-bundt-cake

And what is better than a loaf of freshly made bread? Yum. I found this recipe while searching for a copycat of Whole Foods’ Seeduction Bread. This recipe is amazing. http://www.food.com/recipe/seeduction-bread-copykat-whole-foods-recipe-465838

I have bunches of tried and true dishes that I can’t wait to make and many more yet to try!

A couple of weeks ago, I was chatting online with writer friend Nancy Mehl. She mentioned a favorite recipe that her husband loved, Essie’s Cobbler. I read her post again and recalled having a recipe by the same name. Have no idea how old. When we compared ingredients, they were identical 🙂 So I’m sharing it with you.

Essie’s Cobbler

Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup soft butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup sifted flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
#2 can drained peaches – or any kind of drained fruit but keep the liquid. (I always add a little more fruit)
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup fruit syrup drained from can

Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Sift dry ingredients together and stir into batter and sugar mixture alternately with milk. Beat until smooth. Pour into greased casserole dish. Spoon fruit over batter and sprinkle with sugar. Pour fruit syrup over top.
Bake 45-50 minutes.

Gotta eat this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.