A Chill in the Air

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I may be jumping the gun here, but fall really seems to be in effect here.

It’s chillier than it has been, a little overcast, and feels like it’s football tailgaiting weather <— which for me is my cue to head to the mall, not tailgate.  Priorities.

San Diego

Lots of you were so surprised from my last post that I have only turned on my A/C once, for an hour, all summer.   Trust me, I don’t like to suffer and am all for turning on my A/C when needed but I actually turn on my seat heaters in my car at night.  Laugh if you will, but my seat and I are happy being toasty.

Coastal Southern California is extremely temperate.  For about half the year, it’s in the high 60s/low 70s and yes we have our spikes to 80 or 84F, but not too often.  In the winter, the daytime highs drop to the 50s/60s and in the evenings it can get into the 30s/40s.

But it’s moderate here, 50s-70s, for much of the year and we have lots of clear (and sometimes crisp days).

Palm treesEveryone thinks it’s always bikini and shorts weather here.  Wrong!  You’d freeze!

The ocean and coast really moderate the weather here so unlike my Minnesota and Chicago roots, we do not have those cold colds, and those hot, humid, and sticky hots.  I also lived in North and South Carolina and San Diego doesn’t get anywhere near as hot (or humid) as those places.

It almost feels like I should break out my slow cooker or at least put a pot of soup on the stove

Spicy Vegetable, Corn, & Bean Soup

Spicy Vegetable, Corn, & Bean Soup

All my soups are dump it in one pot, boil for 45 minutes, and soups ready.

Spicy Vegetable, Corn, & Bean Soup in white bowl with spoonI don’t sautee, then add, then transfer, pureee, none of that.  No time to be bothered.

Or maybe a pan of Salsa & Cheezy Baked Beans & Veggies would hit the spot.  And make planned leftovers.

Salsa & Cheezy Baked Beans & Veggies on foil lined pan

A one pan, use what you have on hand, vegan meal that impresses nonvegans and football fans alike

Plated Salsa & Cheezy Baked Beans & VeggiesAnd use up all your odds and ends potatoes, carrots, and random veggie drawer surprises in the process

For dessert, it’s time to break out the homemade Dark Rum Caramel Sauce and apples I’m thinking.

Overhead of Dark Rum Caramel Sauce on plate with apples

I’m glad you liked my Friday Favorites Post

And Katie just told me that my White Chocolate Vanilla Marshmallow Cake Bars

Two stacked White Chocolate Vanilla Marshmallow Cake Bars on plate Are on the Most Favorite of the last 7 Days first page of FoodGawker.  Thanks to everyone who’s gawked.  I’m flattered.  One of my sweetest, richest desserts that I hope you make, not just gawk at.

And thanks for the entries on the $150 Anderson Seafoods Giveaway I just started!

Questions:

1. What foods are you excited to make now that there’s a little chill in the air, or there will be a chill in the air soon?

2. Weekend Plans?

I’m working, hopefully spending some time working on recipe development, maybe taking my camera out to play, and will be spending time with my BFF

Young girl laughing

Enjoy your weekend!

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Comments

  1. I am having trouble posting a comment on your PB post – but I want to tell you that I had PB on my hamburger yesterday, and it was FABULOUS!!!

  2. Summers are so short in Saskatchewan … we will have a major chill in the air around the end of September (or earlier) and it will last waaaaaaaay tooooooo looooooooooooong!

  3. The chill in the air gets me excited to start craving more warming foods. Although I hate soup, so it’s more things like roasted veggies and chili.

    Hoping for a relaxing weekend! And it’s looking like it might actually come true!

  4. I’m excited to get back to soups! They’re one of my favorite meals in the winter, but summer always feels to warm for it. And I’m excited for all the holiday pies and treats come November!

    Every stinkin’ time you talk about the California weather I get so jealous. I need to live in a temperate climate!

  5. I’ve been to San Diego a couple of times throughout the year. The weather was different, but for a Canadian it was still AWESOME! I made a batch of spiced date balls last night… mmm pumpkin spice is the perfect way to ring in Fall.

  6. I am such a heat-lover! I totally agree with you that I don’t even like the AC. I am freezing 9 months of the year, I WANT some intense heat while I can! ;)

    Have a fabulous weekend!

  7. I agree with you on California weather! I don’t miss it at all. Everyone thinks it’s all nice and toasty year round and I found myself in sweaters most days. I’m lovin the weather here in Florida! :)

  8. Woohooo! If you are heading into fall, that means spring is on the way over here! Of course.. it’s snow forecasted for the next few days, however, I’ll try not to think too hard about that. Those marshmallow cake bars are totally happening in my kitch this week.

  9. Skylar gets more and more beautiful every time I see a new pic if that’s even possible!

    It looks so gorgeous there. It’s my perfect weather! I totally knew that it’s not always bikini weather. I learned that when Pam Anderson used to sport Uggs in August (before she realized her PETA activism and Uggs were a conflict of interest ha oye). Anyway…I would totally move there if my entire family could come because it’s like paradise compared to HOT HUMID summers and BONE CHILLING winters here in Philly :(

    Have a great weekend!!!

  10. It really does feel like fall in southern California lately! I hope it lasts through the next few months- I remember October being really hot a few years ago!

  11. Fall. Yep. Its here for sure. I’m wearing a fleece and yoga PANTS. But I’m also chronically cold, so that’s that.

    Congrats on being most gawked at! Something tells me this isnt’ the first or the last time that will happen. ;)