I fell in love with fall when I first went to New York in my early 20s. The crisp, fresh air and those endless blue skies are like food for the soul, energizing and invigorating.
In addition, the autumnal calendar is filled with feasts and reasons to celebrate. From apple picking and fall foliage tours to more serious pursuits like barrel-jumping, corn-husk matches, and tailgating, every week there is an exciting excuse to invite friends and celebrate the day. Fall is the most fun season of all.
On that note, I’m inviting friends to celebrate with me ... I haven’t decided on the exact reason yet, but I feel I don’t really need one. Actually, as I write this, having just ordered my first cord of firewood, this idea comes to mind: Let’s celebrate the lighting of the first fire of the season. It seems fitting to make a cozy, comforting, and nurturing dinner to match.
My favorite dinners always include a dish that everyone is familiar with, whether it’s a creamy soup, classic mashed potatoes, or a decadent dessert. These old-fashioned, home-cooked comfort foods bring back memories from long ago, providing a point of connection to help break the ice at the table and make all the guests comfortable.
Meatloaf is perhaps the ultimate in comfort food. I make mine free-form, wrap it in bacon, and cover it in tomato sauce before baking so it’s browned, crunchy, and flavorful.
Gnocchi alla Romana was a favorite of my mother, who often served it as a filling crowd-pleaser for buffets and large events. These Roman-style gnocchi are made with semolina flour, shaped into delicate, creamy rounds, and baked with plenty of cheese.
Finally, creamed spinach, a classic side, can be made in myriad ways, ideal for weekend dinners and elegant suppers.
I love this menu when serving a crowd, as these dishes can all be prepared ahead of time and then reheated in the oven.
