Can you feel the heat of the summer sizzle away as the crisp fall air sweeps in? We’re loving it. While summer is filled with bright, bursting energy, the slow-down of this auburn-hued season brings with it a slowness that is perfect for relaxing gatherings with friends.
It’s a time before the holiday rush when our get-togethers can just be about that – getting together and catching up on life, looking toward the future, and making big plans. And what better way to get into the spirit of the season than with a fall-themed dinner party? The fall harvest is abundant, with delicious fruits and vegetables just waiting to be the centerpiece of your dining table.
And, of course, what would a dinner party be without a crisp can of WYNK? We’ve put together a few of our favorite recipes highlighting seasonal ingredients and paired them each with a WYNK. Get your besties on the line and prepare to wow your guests with a seasonal menu. Choose one or make them all and serve as courses!
Maple Glazed Salmon with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
*serves 4
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon filets
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, and olive oil. Place salmon filets in a shallow dish and pour half of the mixture over them. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- While the salmon is marinating, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet.
- Place the marinated salmon filets on another baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast both the salmon and Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly caramelized.
- While roasting, brush the remaining maple glaze onto the salmon filets halfway through cooking.
- Serve the maple-glazed salmon over a bed of roasted Brussels sprouts.
Enjoy with a chilled Black Cherry Fizz for a sweet and tangy contrast! Or, try out these mocktails:
Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto
*serves 6
Ingredients:
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh sage leaves, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- In a separate pot, heat the chicken or vegetable broth over low heat.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
- If using, pour in the white wine and stir until mostly absorbed.
- Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more. This should take about 18-20 minutes.
- When the rice is creamy and cooked to your desired level of doneness, stir in the roasted butternut squash cubes, Parmesan cheese, and chopped sage.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve with a zesty Lime Twist for a refreshing contrast to the creamy risotto! Or, make these mocktails:
Spiced Pumpkin Chili
*serves 6
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and chicken broth.
- Add the chili powder, ground cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Let the chili simmer over low heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.
Pair with a bubbly Mango Seltzer for a tropical twist on a classic chili night! Or check out these fresh mango mocktails:
Dinner With a WYNK
Are you feeling inspired to put on your favorite sweater, whip up a tasty dish, and hunker down for dinner and game night? It’s sounding better and better by the moment! Grab a Variety Pack of WYNK (or two) and get this on your calendar.