It is fall in North Idaho…or maybe it’s winter.  From the view out of my window, I would have to say…it’s wintery looking.  Today, snow is flying!  It makes me want to stay cozy, and bundled in my house.  It makes me want to blast some great music and cook comfort food.  So that’s exactly what’s on the agenda today.

First up a Chicken Pot Pie!  Hold up…all of you veg-heads out there.  Before you start getting all up in my business, about the fact that I am a vegetarian, and chicken pot pie contains….well…chicken.  Yes!  You are correct.  But as a Mama of kids that love my cooking, who have moved out of our house, and do not get home-cooked meals very often, unless it is “home-cooked” Ramen noodles, on OCCASION I cook for the offspring no longer gracing our presence on a daily basis.  And today…this one is for our daughter.  She LOVES chicken potpies.  I am still scratching my head, and clueless as to why.  But if Ramen is your way of life, think of the step-up she will be getting today!  A HUGE step up.  Because unlike her other “store bought” pies, this will be “real” food, from my kitch, and made with tons of love.  She will think she hit the jackpot!!

For our dinner, I found a new recipe I am trying out.  A Pumpkin Sage Pasta.  Still lovin’ the pumpkin, and usually do until AT LEAST the New Year.  It is just the epitome of fall for me.  I love the taste, and the smell it gives my house as I cook it!

Pumpkin Sage Pasta

Pumpkin Sage Pasta

4 ounces whole-wheat pasta

3/4 cup vegetable broth

3/4 cup canned pumpkin

1 to 2 tablespoons minced fresh sage

1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Pinch of dried oregano

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegan Parmesan for garnish (optional)

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over low heat until thoroughly warm, about 5 minutes. Taste, adding more sage if desired, plus salt and pepper to taste.

Cover and let sauce rest for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge and sauce to thicken slightly. Toss cooked pasta with pumpkin sauce and taste, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with vegan Parmesan if desired.

Yield: 2 servings.

Orig rec: http://happyherbivore.com/cookbook/everyday-happy-herbivore/