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Fall Flavors: LGBTQ+ Chefs Share Their Favorite Comfort Food Recipes

Writer's picture: Scott FullertonScott Fullerton

I love to cook! As the air turns crisp and the vibrant hues of autumn leaves create a warm backdrop, fall ushers in a time to savor cozy comfort foods that celebrate the season's flavors. Who better to inspire us with these flavors than LGBTQ+ chefs who bring their unique cultural heritage, experiences, and love of food to their kitchens? Here, I chose several LGBTQ+ chefs and opened their recipe books to share fall-inspired dishes perfect for the cooler months, from hearty mains to soul-soothing desserts. I think I am going to try to the Maple Glazed Brussel Sprouts tonight and make some of those Sage Breadcrumbs into Croutons if I can fall soups and salads.


Warm Up with a Bowl of Butternut Squash Soup

Chef Alex Zane, known for his creative takes on classic comfort food, shares his twist on butternut squash soup. This recipe incorporates coconut milk and a hint of curry to give the squash's natural sweetness a warm, spiced flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed

  • 1 can of coconut milk

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp curry powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent.

  2. Add curry powder and stir for about a minute.

  3. Add butternut squash and coconut milk, simmer until squash is tender.

  4. Blend until smooth, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh cilantro.


Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels sprouts get a fall makeover in Chef Morgan G., who pairs them with maple syrup and bacon to create an irresistible side dish. This recipe balances savory and sweet, showcasing the earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts and the smoky richness of bacon.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove and set aside.

  2. In the same skillet, sauté Brussels sprouts in bacon fat until tender.

  3. Drizzle with maple syrup, toss with bacon, season with salt and pepper.


Cozy up with Spiced Apple Crisp

For dessert, Chef Rachel L., celebrated for her modern twist on nostalgic flavors, brings us a spiced apple crisp recipe that captures the essence of fall. With cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of cloves, this dessert is perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients:

  • 5 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

  • 1/4 tsp cloves

  • 1/2 cup oats

  • 1/2 cup flour

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a baking dish, layer apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

  2. Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter. Sprinkle over apples.

  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes until topping is golden and apples are tender.


Pumpkin Mac ‘n Cheese with Sage Breadcrumbs

Chef Diego R., an expert in hearty comfort food, shares his pumpkin mac ‘n cheese with sage breadcrumbs. This dish is a creamy, cheesy delight with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, making it the ultimate comfort food for chilly fall days.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb pasta of choice

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a pot, heat pumpkin puree with milk and cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Toss pasta with pumpkin sauce. In a separate pan, toast breadcrumbs with sage until crisp. Sprinkle over pasta before serving.


The Essence of Fall on a Plate

Each of these recipes by LGBTQ+ chefs captures the soul of fall—warmth, comfort, and the joy of savoring seasonal ingredients. Whether shared over a cozy gathering or enjoyed alone, these dishes bring the rich flavors and heartfelt stories of LGBTQ+ chefs into your kitchen this autumn.

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