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August 22, 2016

5 summer into fall perfect vintage comfort food recipes


This past week has been a bit of a bumpy ride for me as a result of the routine medical procedure (mentioned here) that I had at the hospital last Monday. I have a follow-up doctor's appointment later this week to find out more about how it went and what the next course of action will be in regards to the particular chronic illness of mine that such was for, and that's weighing on my mind a fair bit at the moment.

I'm always an optimist though, and after fourteen years of being a multiple severe chronic illness fighter, I've been down similar - and much worse - paths many a time before, so I'm just thinking positively, hoping for the best, and reminding myself that anything can be tackled in one way or another.

Thankfully I've had our upcoming trip to Edmonton to help divert my thoughts from my health this month and that has been quite a blessing for sure. And this past weekend, I took a stab at answering the 40 Random Beauty Questions tag here, which was oodles of (distracting) fun as well.

Before delving further into today's post, I wholeheartedly want to thank all of you who have left caring blog comments and/or sent well wish filled emails my way in recent days. They truly mean so much to me.

While last week wasn't a ton of fun and this week won't likely be worlds better, I really am doing positively and can feel my body recovering more and more from last Monday's procedure with each passing day. Thus, I expect this week to be "life as usual" on all blogging fronts.

As we head into the final month of summer and the weather is starting to shift (we had, for example, some pounding rain and strong wind here last night that felt and sounded more like November, than August!), many of us are starting to rouse our ovens from hibernation and are thinking to hearty, delicious comfort foods once more.

Between the season and the fact that I'm in recovery mode right now on the health front, comfort foods are definitely on my mind as we kick off the second to last week of August. As such, I wanted to share a fun little selection of five different mid-century vintage comfort food dishes I've come across lately online that all fit that bill for me.

Of course what constitutes a comfort food will differ for each of us and there are probably dozens, if not hundreds, of recipes that I'd put under that header myself.

These five have common elements that are often seen as being part and parcel for a comfort dish (such as simmering, baking, or fragrant, inviting aromas), and as they suit the tail end of summer and certainly all of the fall (and winter) awesomely, I thought that today would be a great time to share them here with all of you.



1. Bold, flavourful, and a cinch to multiple as many times over as you need, Chili con Carne is a fabulous dish that, arguably, tastes even better a day or two after it was made. If you're not a meat eater or simply prefer your chili without the carne, ditch it and up the quantity of beans (or a vegetarian/vegan ground meat substitute) instead.

This particular chili recipe calls for Campbell’s Tomato Soup, but of course it can be made with tomato sauce or even simmered (diced) stewed tomatoes instead, if you’d prefer.

Though not overly traditional, I'm also partial to adding some sweet bell pepper to my chilli as well. And on the toppings front, sour cream and a sharp cheddar or Monetary Jack cheese are musts for me. It's hard to go wrong, too, with a hefty slab of corn bread served up on the side.



2. One of the very first things that I rush head first for the moment we start to get even the tiniest hint that fall is on its way again, is pumpkin (canned, fresh and frozen alike). Each year I make up at least one or two classic spiced pumpkin cakes or batches of cupcakes (on top of other pumpkin standards like pie, muffins, and soup) and they have become a lovely family tradition around our home (we always invite my folks 'round to tuck into such with us).

This delightful Pumpkin Cake recipe from 1948 is somewhat similar to the (albeit it GF and EF) version that I make, though I add more spices, including a couple teaspoons of cinnamon, and frost mine with a rich cream cheese icing.

Pumpkin Cake is an awesome, beautifully scented dessert and one that I find compliments nearly any autumn time meal to a tee.




3. Another fabulous vintage dish that lends itself to being multiplied is the classic Swedish Meatball. Easily, made, too, if so desired with alternative ground meats such as turkey, chicken, or (lean) pork, Swedish Meatballs are great as appetizers, starters, or as the heart of a meal itself.

If opting for the latter, they're especially nice served on a bed of hot buttered rice, noodles, (cooked) spaghetti squash, or fluffy mashed potatoes. They also freeze wonderfully, which makes them a great choice for busy fall evenings when you might not have time to prepare dinner from scratch.



4. There's just something about the scent of bread baking that fills the soul with comfort and happiness. It's almost a primal feeling for many of us, as we knowing that this glorious smell has indicated that nourishing subsistence was coming humanity's way for thousands of years now.

Today’s bread recipe isn't quite that ancient, but it is a few decades old and calls for the inclusion of a hearty breakfast cereal that dates all the way back to 1897.

This quick, easy and delicious recipe for Grape-Nut Bread is a wonderful a base for savoury or sweet toppings alike, and is wonderful enjoyed on its own, too - perhaps with a steaming mug of pumpkin spice latte, spiced apple cider, or hot cocoa.



5. As touched on a time or two before here over the years (such as in this 2014's vintage recipe post for Honey Pound Cake - itself a marvelous yesteryear comfort food), I know that raisins aren't exactly everyone's cup of tea.

If, however, like me, you flip for them, then this recipe for a classic - and, IMO, far too infrequently seen these days - Raisin Pie is bound to have you swooning up a storm.

I love raisin pie so much, I'd say it's in my top ten (or perhaps even top five) favourite pies of all-time. Sometimes I'll make it with a mix of regular raisins (like those here) and golden sultans, too, and frequently dish slices of this awesome pie up with a generous scoop of vanilla, butterscotch ripple, or cinnamon ice cream.



{To learn more about a specific vintage recipe image used in today's post, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}





Though you could of course serve all five of these dishes together as part of one big meal, you certainly do not have to in the slightest (aka, this list isn't a menu plan per se, just a fun assortment of lovely, stick-to-your ribs mid-century foods).

Each of them shines on its own and can usually be modified/adapted to suit your tastes and/or dietary needs, as required (save perhaps if you need to make the Grape-Nut Bread GF, as Grape-Nuts themselves contain scads of gluten; in that case, I'd probably make a similar style of GF bread using real chopped nuts and/or a similar style of gluten-free breakfast cereal, such as Crunchy Flax from the brand Enjoy Life, instead).

Over the years I've shared quite a few other vintage comfort food posts here as well. So definitely check out the vintage recipes section for scads more ideas on that front, if you are looking to put together a larger meal, dinner party, or holiday feast, or would simply like some further old school culinary inspiration.

While the past few days haven't been the best ever for me, it's wonderful to have so many things in my life - from the gift of sweet online friends to our upcoming travels to the fact that fall is just around the corner - to help keep my spirits up, no matter what the universe throws my way.

When the seasons start to change hands once more and a familiar nip returns to the air, what are some of your favourite - vintage or contemporary - comfort foods to whip up for these gorgeous, all-too-short days of summer into autumn?

64 comments:

  1. Speedy recovery my friend. I'm well acquainted with the after-procedure ick, and hope you feel like your old self soon! Best wishes always! Juliana

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    1. Thank you deeply, dear Juliana. I'm sincerely sorry that you've had to face so many medical challenges throughout your life as well.

      Tons of hugs & endless understanding,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. Good morning friend! Each one of these looks so good! How wonderful that autumn is once again almost upon us. I am looking forward to more autumn posts, I really enjoy how you incorporate seasonal topics into your writing! I hope you are feeling well. XOXO.

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    1. Thank you so much, dear April - that is an awesomely touching compliment. I've always felt happiest when living closely in tune with the seasons and really enjoy weaving the same thing into my blogger. I'm positively bursting with ideas for fall related entries this year and will be churning them out in quick succession from early September onward. It's going to be a blast! :)

      Many hugs & happy tail end of summer wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. Amazing post!
    I really hope you will feel better very soon! Sending you the best wishes! <3

    xx
    Sandra

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    1. Thank you sweetly, honey. I really appreciate your caring well wishes.

      Many hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. still crossing all fingers and paws for your health!!!
    <3 <3 <3
    as our temps are lower now your recipes came at the right moment! esp. a chili will be very welcome at the moment!
    big hugs and much love!!! xxxxxxxx

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    1. Thank you so much, my beautiful friend - that really means a lot to me. My followup appointment is tomorrow and I'm quite the bundle of nerves right now. Just thinking positive and hoping for the best possible outcome.

      It's love that the weather is starting to mellow on your end. Funnily enough, it's actually been quite nice here lately - of course, Murphy's Law, I've not been well enough following last Monday's procedure to get out of the house and enjoy it. I have been keeping the blinds open and soaking it up (along with Miss Stella, naturally :)) that way though. Even just seeing and feeling it through the window is an awesomely welcome change after four long, rain soaked months.

      Tons of hugs coming right back at you,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. I'm so looking forward to that 'comfort food' time of year! I've never had pumpkin cake, but it sounds lovely so it's about time I tried it. Sorry to read that you're having a difficult time with your health, hope you soon feel a little better and that all goes well. I think the universe owes you for all the positivity you put into it! With very best wishes. Samantha x

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    1. It is, IMO, addictively delicious. My family loves it so much, that I've now taken to making it during the winter months, too, and really like to serve it at dinner parties in new year. If you like cream cheese frosting, pumpkin is especially amazing topped with such.

      I really want you to know that your incredibly kind words touched my heart and mean a lot to me. Thank you very, very much.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Sending lots of good thoughts your way! I hope you do get lots of comfort food and time to rest!

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    1. Thank you sweetly, my lovely friend. As we're finally getting a bit of sunshine here, I'm suddenly in a BBQ mood again - but you know, I've long viewed most barbequed dishes as comfort foods in their own right, so I think they still fall under that blanket header. :)

      Lots of hugs & tail end of August wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Oh Jessica, I really did not know it!
    I hope you are feeling better. Please, take a long rest or don´t worry if you cannot answer emails, posts, etc...
    You will need it in order to go to Edmonton.

    A big hug and lots of love from Germany.

    Eva (from Luxembourg/Germany)

    (P.S.: the meatballs... oh! soo funny. I cooked meatballs during the weekend but the recipe is a bit different, spanish way with garlic, eggs and parsley! the Sauce was done frying in extra virgin olive oil tomatoes, red and green peppers, onions, carrots and a bit of garlic... adding later on 1 glass of white wine, salt and black pepper :-p)

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    1. You are such a caring soul, Eva dear - thank you very much for your immensely sweet comment (and latest email).

      Yum! Your Spanish meatballs sound marvelous - and closer to many Italian versions. Thank you for sharing your delicious recipe with us. I bet they tasted incredible!

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. These look so tasty Jessica! I love comfort food more than any other category. Hearty, stick-to-your-ribs, usually warm out of the oven. :)

    I hope everything goes well for you medically speaking, and that life comes back to a new normal.

    Oh, a book rec that you might appreciate. There's an absolutely adorable book published 1917 called "A Thousand Ways to Please a Husband with Bettina's Best Recipes" (project gutenberg listing here: http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=42868 )

    It's a combination of novel and cookbook. Every chapter is a different day in newlywed Bob and Bettina's life in their bungalow, and they end every day with a menu for a meal and the recipes involved. Bettina is a perfect housekeeper, and drops little gems of wisdom for all of her friends throughout the book. It's a strange little book, but really quite sweet. So if you want to read something adorable AND think about tasty food, I'd recommend this one. :)

    Tegan

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    1. Hi sweet Tegan, what a fabulous book recommendation. I really look forward to tucking into it (pun intended :)) very soon.

      There was a certain sense of opulence, and yet, to our modern eyes, often homey-ness as well, to cookbooks from the Edwardian era (as well as the 1920s) that I just adore. I currently reading a slim little cookbook that was produced by the Girl Guides here in BC back c. mid-1920s and was really struck by that combo throughout its pages.

      Many sincere thanks, too, for your caring well wishes.

      Big hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. I hope your recovery goes as smoothly as possible!

    When the weather gets cooler, I'll be able to indulge in one of my prime comfort foods, mashed potatoes with gravy. I use a mushroom gravy these days, and make my mashed potatoes with coconut milk and olive oil instead of butter and dairy milk. I also like to put tempeh and chickpeas in the gravy to substitute for meat. I'm already indulging in another longtime comfort food, pierogi with sautéed mushrooms, though I doubt my Hunky (Slovak) ancestors ever had pierogi stuffed with spinach and feta! Vegan chili is also a mainstay.

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    1. Thank you sweetly, honey. Physically, I'm doing somewhat better this week, but my nerves are feeling the anticipation of tomorrow's followup doctor's visit and (moreover) the ramifications that certain results could have on my life. It'll be okay though, one way or the other, and I'm just going to keep thinking super positive thoughts no matter what.

      I'm a huge fan of mashed potatoes, too. They could happily be a food group unto themselves in my book. Thank you for sharing your version with us. Pierogi is an amazing food. I was brought up on them and super missing being able to safely eat most versions these days. I've experimented a fair bit with GF and EF versions, but haven't quite hit on a recipe I'd serve to company, if you get my drift, yet. It's definitely something I'll keep returning to though, as I crave pierogis on a very frequent basis.

      Many hugs & happy tail end of August wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Yummy, I want to make that pumpkin cake! I hope you are feeling better soon!
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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    1. Thank you sweetly, my dear. I hope so as well, especially with our exciting road trip to Edmonton fast approaching in precisely a week's time.

      Pumpkin Cake is incredible. If you like cream cheese icing, I hugely recommend making it was a generous layer of such on top. It's mine, Tony's and my parent's fave way to eat this fragrant fall dessert.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. One of my dad's favorites was a sour cream raisin pie. That pumpkin cake sounds so good to me right now, I'm dying to get baking again! :)

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    1. Yum!!! I've had that a few times before, too, and absolutely love it. Sour Cream Raisin Pie is such a homey, old school classic. Thank you for the lovely reminder of that spin on this dessert, dear Laurie. I might just have to whip one up around Thanksgiving time. :)

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. Wow that pumpkin cake looks so amazing!
    Also, I'm sorry you're having a rough time, I wish you everything nice. Rest and take it easy and I hope you feel better very soon!
    Much love,
    Mona

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    1. Thank you very much, honey. You are such a sweet, lovely person. I'm starting to feel a bit better physically after last Monday's procedure. Now I just have to get through the mental side of things with the stress of tomorrow's followup appointment and moreover, the potential impact of what certain findings (from last week) could have on my health and future. Whatever will be, will be though, and I'm thinking positively as always and really hoping for the best.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. I hope you are feeling Ok, no, not Ok, great, dear Jessica! I hope you don't have to go to hospital so soon and I am glad that you could distract yourself with the tag and also thinking of your trip to Edmonton, and being grateful to so many things. I guess this is the key of everything, I firmly believe so! Be sure I think of you and wish always the most positive things for you! I love raisins, by the way! And pumpkin pie, you can bake it? Wow! I never did, but I love pumpkins, so I have to try this recipe! Thanks for that and I wish you beautiful week! Hugs and regards!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. Hi sweet Denise, thank you very much for your caring well wishes and lovely comment. Yes, indeed, there are few things I haven't made with pumpkin over the years, as, thankfully, it's one of my few "safe" foods (ditto for its close peer, the classic squash). Pies are awesome, but so are cakes, cupcakes, muffins, scones, cookies, pancakes, waffles, bread puddings, you name it! If you have access to canned pumpkin puree or are keen to make your own, I highly recommend giving this cake and/or pumpkin pie a spin. They're sooo delicious! :)

      Tons of hugs coming right back at you,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Dear Jessica, Sorry to hear you are having a difficult time after your medical procedure. I hope you will be feeling as well as possible soon! :) :)

    Oh, no...I don't want summer to end yet. But, of course, it would be a nice change from the heat and humidity.

    I put sweet bell peppers in my chili too.

    Best wishes,
    Dee

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    1. Thank you so much, dear Dee. I'm doing a bit better physically this week, which is awesome - and definitely needed as we get ready to embark for Edmonton in precisely a week's time.

      I don't want it to end either, especially since it scarcely ever really began here (this month has been the most summery of the lot so far). If it must though, at least we get treated to the joyfulness that is autumn and the many gifts that that gorgeous season brings into our lives. That certainly makes parting ways with summer more bearable.

      That's really cool! I haven't encountered many others who do the same. I also - and this one comes down via my mom and paternal grandma - love putting bell pepper into classic spaghetti (with or without meat) sauce.

      Many hugs & happy tail end of August wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. I'm so looking forward to Autumn! I'd be up for just about anything pumpkin or apple flavored. That cake looks so yummy! The raisin pie brought back a memory from when I made pies at a little bakery. Someone placed a custom order for a raisin pie & I had never even heard of such a thing before! haha! This recipe would've been mighty handy then. ;)

    I'm so sorry, but I just now read about your procedure! I'm behind on my blog reading with these crazy hazy {not so} lazy days of summer! I'm glad to hear you're doing well all things considered. I love your bright & optimistic outlook, sweet gal. I'll be praying for continued healing. <3

    Thanks for sharing these fabulous recipes!
    {hugs}
    Michelle
    Delightful Handwork

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    1. Same here - massively (plus, I'll let you in on a wee secret...I'm planning a huge post devoted to just to apple recipes for this fall). What a sweet, charming memory. I've never worked in a bakery, but one of my first jobs was a candy store and there, too, folks either loved or loathed raisin goods. It's really cool that some of your customers would request raisin pies. I home that this humble dessert makes a stronger comeback one day. It's so tasty and homey.

      Thank you deeply, Michelle. That's truly kind and touching of you to say.

      Many hugs & joyful wishes for these final balmy days of summer,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Jessica. You are in my thoughts! In the meantime, there is nothing to beat comfort food to cheer one up ... Many hugs xxx

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    1. There definitely isn't, sweet Ann, I completely agree. Though such may very from person to person, and country to country, we are universally soothed and uplifted by comfort food and it surely one of the most important elements of our collective human diet.

      Tons of hugs (and sincere thanks) coming right back at you,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. Autumn is definitely a season of pies for me. I also look forward to steamed puddings (sweet or savoury - a proper steak pudding is a real Sunday treat) and toad-in-the-hole. My food is much more British in winter.

    October means two things, Burmese food for Thadingyut, and a Halloween cake to take into work. I'm so glad Halloween and Thadingyut are a couple of weeks apart this year; it's a right pain when they're close together and I have to prepare all the food at once.

    I hope your appointment goes well. I admire the way you manage your ilnesses so well, you must have a tremendously strong and positive character.

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    1. Ooohh, you're making my mouth water, dear Mim. I adore those types of food, too (I've been wild for steamed puddings my whole life - a love that took root with my paternal grandma's wonderful - and very classic - Christmas plum pudding), and was got my first taste of toad-in-the-hole when living in Ireland many years ago now. It's such a fun, homey dish - and one, IMO, that needs to catch on more over on this side of the pond.

      Your beautiful words touched me a great deal. Thank you so much for what you said, my friend. I won't soon forget it.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. Sending you lots of love and positive thoughts for a speedy recovery and a positive outcome.
    I don't want Summer to end, it's been miserable and wet here over the past few days but today I've awoken to heat adn glorious sunshine. Doesn't it make everything feel better? xxx

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    1. Massively so! Sunshine is a panacea of sorts for nearly any woe or worry. We've finally been getting a bit of sun here (Murphy's Law, of course, given that I've not been well enough to go out again since last Monday) at long last and it downright glorious. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it lasts throughout our trip next week and straight on into early autumn.

      Many hugs & heartfelt thanks,
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. These all look very tasty. Particularly the cake

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    1. Pumpkin Cake rocks! It's become one of my absolute favourite desserts (autumn time or otherwise) over the years and I can hardly wait to whip up one (or more) this fall.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Those meatballs sound yummy, and I like the idea of adding bell peppers to the chili. I had never heard of doing anything like that before, but it sounds wonderful.

    Sarah
    www.sewcharacteristicallyyou.com/blog

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear. It's a really nice touch - especially for those who prefer a milder chilly, as the natural sweetness of the bell peppers helps to temper the heat of the chilies/chili powder itself (plus you get some extra vitamin C from the bell peppers, too).

      Big hugs & happy tail end of August wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. Oh man, that pumpkin pie looks like something else!
    I wish you all the best for your health, I hope you get better soon and tackle that disease!

    -Kati

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Kati. I really appreciate your caring well wishes.

      It's so awesome that we're heading into "pumpkin spice everything" season again. Were it kinder to the waistline, I'd happily eat pumpkin pie or cake every single day of the season. :)

      Many hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. I hope everything goes smoothly with you on the medical front and the waiting is not too bad either - I've been discovering just how dispiriting and draining waiting for results can be, quite apart from any associated medical issues.


    The recipes look good; I might try that raisin pie. I like the idea of the pumpkin cake but tinned pumpkin isn't easy to find here, you often have to look for a place that has USA imports.

    We are just finishing up the colder weather here - we've had a few days of brilliant sun if still chilly but today is back to rainy and cold so comfort food is back on the menu

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    1. Sweet Rhiannon, thank you very much for your deeply caring comment. I know that you've been through some extremely challenging times on the health front yourself lately and am truly sorry that such has been the case - and that you're still waiting to find some massively needed answers. You've been in my thoughts so much in recent weeks and will continue to be for a long time to come.

      Gentle hugs & many thanks for your wonderfully lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* I hear you there! Back when I lived in Ireland (2004 - 2006), I couldn't find tinned pumpkin anywhere - in in specialty food shops in Dublin, so I quickly got good at making my own pumpkin puree (both in the oven and in the microwave - the latter of which one of my grandmas taught me) from scratch. It's not that hard actually and the end product freezes really well, so if you make up a big batch one day, you can divide it up and freeze it for later use (in my experience, it keeps for at least a few months in the freezer).

      Huge hugs & heartfelt understanding,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. Pumpkin pie! I've never heard or seen pumpkin pie before, I wonder what it tastes like.
    I'm glad to hear that you are staying positive, you are one of the most positive people I know, and I'm not just saying that. Hope this week is better for you. Xxx

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    1. Most traditional versions are spiced with autumnal flavours like cinnamon and nutmeg (both found in the classic store bought "pumpkin pie spice" itself) and has a soft, silky texture and medium to firm degree of consistency. If you're able to get ahold of canned pumpkin puree where you live (or are up for making such from scratch yourself), I highly recommend giving pumpkin pie and/or cake a spin.

      Many hugs & thanks for your caring comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. Hi Jessica, I've so loved catching up with you after being away on holidays - love your pre autumn dress and cardi - and a snood! And nautical theme complete with nautical bracelet! The beauty post is fabulous, love the Maybelline adverts (how long has Maybelline been around?) and congrats on your recognition of all things vintage, including gloves!
    Hope you're feeling well after the procedure and looking forward to your own holiday with Tony. xx

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    1. Hi Elizabeth, thank you very much for your wonderfully lovely comment and for reading a number of my recent posts upon your return from holiday. You're such a sweet, fantastic person.

      Great question! The Maybelline brand is a venerable 101 years old, having been founded all the way in 1915.

      Thank you again & have a splendid tail end of August,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. 101 years old Maybelline! Thanks for that. xx

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    3. You're very welcome, Elizabeth. I have an occasional ongoing post series here called "Adventures in Vintage Advertising". Perhaps on of these days I'll shine the spotlight on the long and exciting history of this world famous cosmetics brand.

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  25. I have always loved Campbell soups but never thought I could whip up a Chili that fast with tomato soup- I might have to try this.

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    1. You definitely can! Chili made with tomato soup was a staple food for me when I young and living on my own, especially since it was quite easy on the pocketbook and one pot would last for a few days.

      Many hugs & thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  26. Ah, warm comfort foods - what a delightful way to kick off the autumn season a couple of weeks early! :-) And I do hope you're feeling much better by now, as well. These dishes all look yummy, but I'd be one of the ones having to alter the recipes to make them more vegan-friendly. Yum anyway, though! Well-made vegetarian chili can be every bit as good as the meat kind.

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    1. It absolutely can be, I completely agree. Plus, leftovers served on baked or mashed potatoes is a think of great culinary beauty (and wonderful filling power).

      Many hugs & thanks for your caring well wishes, my dear friend,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. I am sorry to hear that this previous week has been a bumpy one for you Jessica and that the routine doctor's visit was more complicated than routine. I hope everything gets back on track soon and that things go smooth. Love this post and it comes at just the perfect time. Comfort food is my favorite food and I love transitioning into Autumn! Only 66 days today until Halloween according to your count down. <3

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    1. Thank you deeply, honey. I just had my follow-up dr.'s appointment yesterday and the results were a bit surprising for all involved. Not horrific (thank goodness), but not perfect either. I'll be heading back for further surgery in the very early new year and then we'll continue to take things from there as needed. Honestly, given how south the results could have gone, I'm really okay with this outcome and adore that I get to enjoy the fall and early winter holidays before (for this particular condition at least) needed to head back to the operating room again.

      It's awesome that Halloween is really starting to round the bend again. I haven't quite settled on what I'm going as this year - perhaps I'll ponder it during the many hours of peaceful driving time we'll have en route to Edmonton next week. :)

      I hope that all is well on your end and that you're having a fantastic tail end of August.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. I sincerely hope you feel better soon and that you receive a positive outcome when you see your doctor *hugs* I so want you to feel both happy and healthy, you're one of my absolute favourite online friends xxx

    I love comfort food, mashed potatoes and gravy with peas and vegetarian sausages, yes please! I am also so very partial to chip sandwiches, yummy! As you can tell, I have no concept of low carbohydrate meals, hehe!

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    1. Hi sweet Melanie, thank you very much. In the end, I got an interesting sort of middle ground result. Not perfect, but not as bad in the here and now as it could have been by any means. I'll be needing a more invasive procedure again for this condition and already have my surgery date for it (in the very early new year - so luckily, not for a while still). So believe it or not, I'm fairly happy and will just cross each future bridge as they come.

      Yum! Those foods all sound delicious! Mashed potatoes are one of my favourite eats of all time. I'd happily make them a food group unto themselves! :)

      Many hugs & heartfelt thanks,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. Your attitude toward your illness is awesome. I really hope that this hurdle isn't too difficult but with that attitude I am sure it won't be! I am so happy that fall is almost here :)

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    1. Hi Holly, thank you very much for your kind, caring words. In general, I keep most of the happenings pertaining to my health to myself (with more than 15 different chronic illnesses, I could literally post multiple times a day on topics pertaining to my health, if so desired - which it absolutely is not in the context of this blog), but sometimes a mention occurs here and this time around, I felt it was needed, as I had a feeling this was just the start of my current dealing with this particular condition. I was right, as I'll be needing a more invasive surgery for it again in a few months time, but luckily for now, unless something drastic arises, I can carry on with life and work as usual.

      Me, too! This afternoon I've started packing for our upcoming trip to Edmonton and leaned heavily on fall colours for my on the road wardrobe this time around.

      Thank you again & have a beautiful weekend,
      ♥ Jessica

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  30. Great post, it's made me super hungry now though! I love comfort foods, mashed potato has to be involved somehow or my Mum's Lasagna! I love the Chilli con Carne and Raisins in cake. I used to eat loads of raisins as a kid!
    I've just been reading your comments above, I'm sorry to hear you have to have some surgery in the new year. I really hope you can enjoy the next few months as much as possible. Well done for being so strong and keeping on with your blog while you have chronic illnesses to deal with, I don't know how you manage! Take care and have a fabulous time in Edmonton, you deserve so much happiness and to be able to make wonderful memories. XxxX

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    1. Thank you very much for your deeply kind and compassionate comment, honey. I want you to know that it truly means a lot to me.

      Yum-yum! Great choices as some of your favourite comfort foods. I go weak in the knees for both of those as well. Mashed potatoes could easily - and happily - be a food group unto themselves in my books. :)

      Huge hugs & many heartfelt thanks,
      ♥ Jessica

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  31. I hope that you are recovering well from your surgery and that your results contain good news. I'm glad that you had your holiday to look forward to at this time. I do love a bit of comfort food in Autumn and winter and some kind of pie normally does it for me!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Kate. I really appreciate your caring words. I'm happy to report that I'm recovering fairly well from August's little procedure. The results of which were something of a middle ground in terms of what they could have been. I was honestly thinking they'd be worse, but by the same token, they could have been better (and they surprised both me and my main doctor that I work with for this particular condition of mine a bit). I'll be heading back in for more invasive surgery (again), but luckily, not for a while. My next surgery for this condition is slatted for early January 2017, which means that, thankfully, I'll get to enjoy all of the fall and then the Christmas holiday season before that happens.

      Same here! Pie is one of the best foods ever invented, IMO. Canadian Thanksgiving is less than a month away and I can hardly wait to tuck into pumpkin pie again for it. :)

      Many heartfelt thanks again,
      ♥ Jessica

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