For as long as I can remember, fall has been my favorite season. As the leaves begin to change colors, pumpkin pie spiced lattes start emerging at coffee shops around town. Restaurants start serving savory stews prepared with root vegetables and herbs. It’s a season for comfort foods and here are some of my favorites.

Bagel Station’s Cinnamon Rolls

What’s better than an ooey gooey, fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon roll? Not much in my book, and Bagel Station knows how to do them right.

Casa’s Rotisserie Grilled Pork Chops

Savory and juicy pork chops are one of my favorite dishes as a chill settles into the air, and I especially enjoy this version from Casa’s. Two rotisserie pork chops, rubbed with Italian herbs and drizzled with Marsala wine gravy. Served with a mushroom risotto.

Cindy’s Diner’s Garbage

Breakfast food is the ultimate comfort food, and Cindy’s Garbage is one of my favorite go-to breakfast treats, especially in the cooler months. I douse mine in Louisiana hot sauce! Eggs, cheese, potatoes, ham, sausage, onions, green peppers.

Dash In’s Euro Grilled Cheese & Pesto Soup

Grilled cheese has long been one of my favorite cold-weather comfort foods. Dash In’s Pesto Soup and Euro Grilled Cheese is a match made in heaven. The Euro Grilled Cheese contains smoked Gouda, havarti and muenster cheeses with roasted red peppers on grilled sourdough. The Pesto Soup is a delicious blend of fresh vegetables in a basil pesto broth also topped with scallions and Parmesan cheese.

Firefly’s Hot Chocolate

To me, fall means hot chocolate, and my favorite comes from Firefly, which happens to be one of my favorite local coffee shops, too. Made with Ghirardelli Chocolate and brewed coffee.

Liberty Diner’s Old Fashioned Mushroom Meat Loaf

I grew up on my mom’s meat loaf and was pleasantly surprised when I discovered Liberty Diner’s Mushroom Meat Loaf. It’s as close to homemade as it gets. Tender, moist meat loaf served with a generous helping of mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy.

Noodle Bowl’s Rice Noodles with Shrimp, Beef or Chicken

With the first hint of chill in the air, I find myself craving a big serving of Noodle Bowl’s Rice Noodles. A seemingly bottomless bowl of fresh veggies and your choice of meat, it’s a great dish to warm your bones. Shrimp, beef, or chicken in a chicken broth, with thin rice noodles, bean sprouts, cilantro, watercress, white onions and scallions.

What are your favorite comfort foods?

About the Author:

Amber Recker is a non-profit leader, freelance writer, community volunteer, and food blogger. By day, she serves as the director of development and marketing for Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, where she handles fundraising, marketing, and public relations. In her spare time, she and her husband Jon spend time in the kitchen and maintain their food blog. They have two Great Danes, Lucy and Lenora, who keep them on their toes.

Amber’s website: www.thegingerkitchen.com