If I had to choose my favorite season, it would be autumn.
Each year, I eagerly watch for the slightest change in leaf color as cool fronts make their way into North Texas. While out driving or taking daily walks through the neighborhood, I relish seeing gardens filled with chrysanthemums in shades of yellow, lavender, red, and russet, and I can never resist stopping at the sight of pumpkins of every shape, size, and color clustered on front steps.
Many years, I’m fortunate to experience autumn twice — once in our Colorado mountain home and again when we return home to Dallas. I love the season in both places.
At an elevation of 9,300 feet, the first signs of fall can often be seen and felt by mid-August. This year, aspen leaves started to turn gold much earlier than usual due to the extreme drought we experienced this summer, followed by heavy rain in late August.
From the Game
By the time we arrived home in Dallas in September, I was in full autumn mode. Within a week, I’d made a trip to purchase chrysanthemums, decorated the house indoors, and hung an autumn wreath on the front door.
I also love the seasonal menu changes that take place in my kitchen. Although we still love anything that can be grilled, hot-from-the-oven casseroles begin to make their appearance, especially as October draws near. One of my new favorites is a recipe I developed for season four of At Home with Christy Rost.
Three-layer ziti casserole will likely remind you somewhat of lasagna, but tube-like ziti pasta makes this casserole especially easy to assemble. Moreover, there are several make-ahead aspects that can be a great time-saver for busy days.
The flavorful sauce can be made two days in advance and is stirred together using one pound of ground chuck and pantry staples. Even the ziti pasta can be cooked, tossed with a tablespoon of olive oil, and chilled overnight. Layered with ricotta and parmesan cheeses and garnished with mozzarella, the entire casserole may be chilled overnight, frozen, or baked immediately. Hot, bubbly leftovers for a cozy night are as simple as the nearest microwave.
Christy Rost is a cookbook author, host of Celebrating Home cooking videos, and longtime Park Cities and Preston Hollow resident. Her ‘At Home with Christy Rost’ cooking series for Eat This TV Network airs on AmazonFire, AppleTV+, Roku, Samsung TV, and YouTube. Visit christyrost.com for details and recipes.
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