October is upon us! If you’re wondering what to cook and bake this month, let’s turn to the October fan favourite recipes from 2021, plus two more choices that I especially enjoy.
Ah, October, the month of colourful falling leaves, golden light, brisk evenings, country drives, pumpkins and more. This is the time of year where I really settle into comfort cooking in anticipation of the cold times ahead. And of course, in Canada October means Thanksgiving (on the second Monday of the month), when we pause to express our appreciation for all we have and each other.
October Fan Favourite Recipes
There are certain recipes on the blog that are perennial favourites with my readers, and I won’t be repeating those every month here. After all, there are lots of other favourites that deserve to be in the spotlight! October fan favourite recipes in 2021 included:
With my Flemish background, I grew up eating the classic Belgian meatballs called frikadellen. They’re made with a blend of pork and beef, and one day I was inspired to transform them into burgers. What can I say … that was a very good decision, and many of you seem to agree.
Red Lentil Coconut Dhal is a recipe that I’ve made over and over, and it’s gotten raves from the people I’ve served it to as well as from some of you who read the blog. It’s fragrant, flavourful, creamy, and very satisfying. It also happens to be vegan, if that’s important to you or the people you’re cooking for.
Queen Elizabeth Cake is a classic but simple date-based cake, that may have been first created for Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 coronation or possibly for the 1937 coronation of her father, King George. But what makes it so special for me, apart from that to-die-for candy-like coconut topping, is why the recipe is part of my family history. I discuss that in the post, but if you’re not interested in that, just use the Jump to Recipe button at the top to get right to it.
Urban Cottage Life’s Top Choices for October
My Thanksgiving table always includes Metje’s Green Beans made in Belgian style with butter, onion, and a touch of vinegar. Metje is the Flemish word for grandma, and that’s what my children and now my grandchildren called my mother. It’s a simple and tasty recipe, and it also sparks talk of my parents around the table. Such is the evocative power of family recipes.
October is the month most associated with pumpkin here, and pumpkin pie always makes an appearance. What makes my pumpkin pie my pumpkin pie is the Urban Cottage Life signature Pumpkin Spice Blend. It’s the flavour of autumn around here, and I use it in many dishes. You can adjust the recipe to make as much as you think you’ll get through in the next two to three months so it’s always fresh, aromatic and flavourful.
Looking for More October Cooking & Baking Ideas?
Let’s explore pumpkin, shall we? How about Curried Pumpkin Coconut Chickpea Soup, Pumpkin Oat Muffins, and Pumpkin Maple Bread Pudding with Sweet Pumpkin Butter Sauce?
