Fall Comforts

As the air cools and the days grow shorter, we find ourselves in the midst of one of the coziest times of the year—fall. It’s a season that invites us to slow down, gather with loved ones, and enjoy the comfort that only this time of year brings. Listen in as we dive into the heart of that comfort: from the emotional and scientific pull of comfort foods to simple activities that bring us together during this season. Fall comfort isn’t just about what’s on our plate—it’s about the people we’re with and the warmth we create, inside and out.

Recipes:

Chili Chicken Stew

Paradise Muffins

Apple Pie with Cheese Crust 

Transcript

Welcome back to another episode of Living a Simple Life with a Back Porch View. I’m Julie, and I’m so glad you’ve joined me today. Go ahead and pull up a rocker and get comfortable, as we talk about Fall from a Comfort standpoint. 

As the air cools and the days grow shorter, we find ourselves in the midst of one of the coziest times of the year—fall. It’s a season that invites us to slow down, gather with loved ones, and enjoy the comfort that only this time of year brings. Today, we’re diving into the heart of that comfort: from the emotional and scientific pull of comfort foods to simple activities that bring us together during this season. Let’s explore how fall comfort isn’t just about what’s on our plate—it’s about the people we’re with and the warmth we create, inside and out.

Since I’m hungry and have food on the brain, let’s start with a serving of that comfort food. 

There’s something almost magical about the foods we turn to when the weather cools down. As fall approaches, we instinctively crave certain tastes—hearty soups, warm breads, apple pie fresh from the oven. Even a mug of hot chocolate or a cup of hot tea. But have you ever wondered why these foods bring us so much comfort?

It all starts with the emotional connection we have to them. Comfort foods are often tied to our memories—especially those from childhood. Think back to the dishes that made you feel safe, loved, and at home. For many of us, those foods were part of family traditions: maybe it was a Sweet Potato Pie that made its annual appearance at Thanksgiving, or the smell of a pot of soup simmering in the kitchen on a chilly afternoon.

Nostalgia plays a huge role with comfort foods. When we eat those familiar dishes, we’re transported back to those moments, surrounded by the people we love. It’s like we’re eating a piece of our history. And during fall, a season already rich with tradition, these foods help keep us rooted and connected to those past times.

It’s not just nostalgia though—comfort foods have a way of soothing us emotionally. Life can be chaotic, especially in today’s fast-paced world. But a warm bowl of soup or a slice of pie can remind us to slow down, breathe, and take comfort in the present moment. These meals symbolize warmth, safety, and a sense of homecoming, even when everything else feels wonky.

And there is a science behind comfort foods. It’s not just in our heads—there are real biological reasons why we crave certain foods in the fall.

Many of the foods we associate with comfort—think mashed potatoes, fresh baked breads, and casseroles—are rich in carbohydrates. When we eat these carbs, our brain produces more serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate our mood and makes us feel calm and happy. This explains why we often reach for that extra slice of bread or that hearty plate of mama’s recipe for Spaghetti when we’re feeling stressed or low. Carbs give us a little mood boost, helping us feel content and settled.

But it’s not just about carbs. As much as I hate to say it, comfort foods are often rich in fats too, which trigger the release of dopamine, the brain’s pleasure chemical. This gives us that satisfying feeling of indulgence and joy when we bite into something delicious, like a creamy mac and cheese or a buttery slice of pumpkin bread. Huh. Well, for once, I’ve found my excuse to indulge in an extra homemade spiced oatmeal cookie.

Even the temperature of the food makes a difference. Warm meals provide physical warmth, which the brain associates with emotional warmth. Research shows that holding or eating something warm can actually increase feelings of trust and connection with others. So, when we enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or a steaming bowl of chili, we’re not just warming our bodies—we’re warming our hearts, too.

Knowing all of this, it’s no wonder that comfort foods are a form of self-care. As we head into fall, many of us start to feel the effects of less daylight, cooler temperatures, and more time spent indoors. The coziness of comfort food can help ease that transition, giving us something familiar to hold onto.

But here’s the key—comfort food is most powerful when it’s enjoyed with intention. Instead of eating mindlessly, try to slow down and savor the experience. Prepare meals that connect you with the season, using fall ingredients like apples, pumpkins, and squash. When you take time to make something from scratch, you’re investing in more than just your next meal—you’re nurturing yourself and your loved ones in a way that feels thoughtful and meaningful.

And sharing these meals with others can deepen that sense of comfort. Whether you’re inviting friends over for a potluck, making dinner for your family, or even dropping off a dish for a neighbor, food has a way of bringing people together. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone—we’re connected by the warmth of home and hearth.

Speaking of food, let me share a couple of simple fall recipes that are sure to bring comfort into your kitchen. These dishes highlight the seasonal ingredients we love and are perfect for cozy evenings at home or gatherings with friends. To get your copy, just check out the links in the shown notes. There you will find recipes for a delicious Chili-Chicken Stew, some Paradise Muffins to go along with it, and an Apple Pie with Cheese Crust to savor for dessert. 

But fall comfort isn’t just about food—it’s also about the traditions and activities that bring us together. So, let’s talk about some fun, cozy ways to celebrate the season.

One idea is to host a Fall Crafting Party. Candle-Making would be great for this. Fall is the perfect time to light candles and create a cozy atmosphere in your home. Provide a variety of fall scents—like cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin—and let everyone make their own candles to take home. It’s a fun and practical way to gather with friends and celebrate the season.

If candles aren’t your thing, you can invite friends or family over to make their own fall creations using natural materials like pinecones, twigs, dried leaves, and seasonal flowers. Wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces can bring fall into your home in a personal, creative way. 

Or, if those don’t work for you, choose a different handcraft you know they will enjoy making.  And you don’t have to be a crafting expert—just enjoy the process of creating something with your hands.

Another great fall tradition is organizing a Recipe Exchange. Invite your friends to bring their favorite fall dish, along with the recipe to share. It’s a fun way to try new foods and leave with a collection of comforting recipes that you can make throughout the season. 

In Episode 67, we talked about hosting a Holiday Planning Party. This is a great way to get ahead of the game when planning for your holidays and have fun in the process by inviting friends to help. 

Another fun, but different, consideration is to start a Gratitude Journal Group. Meet once a week or bi-weekly during the fall, where each person reflects on the things they’re grateful for. This simple practice helps to shift your focus toward the positive and can create deep, meaningful conversations within your group. Even better, you don’t have to stop with fall – you can do this for each season and keep the fun and gratitude going all year long.

If you do decide to do a group activity, be sure to serve some of those warm and delicious treats, as well. Make a pot of Spiced Tea or Apple Cider, and serve some delicious treats, such as a loaf of Strawberry Nut Bread. You just can’t miss with creativity and food – especially in the fall. 

I hope this visit inspired you to embrace the true comfort of fall. Whether it’s through the foods that warm your body and soul, or the simple, meaningful activities that bring you closer to the people you love, this season offers so many ways to slow down, reflect, and find joy in living a Simple Life.

Remember, comfort isn’t just about indulging—it’s about creating space for yourself to be present, to feel nourished, and to connect with what matters most. As you prepare your meals and gather with loved ones, make it even better by approaching this season with intention and gratitude.

Thank you for joining me today on Living a Simple Life with a Back Porch View. I hope you’ll find time to enjoy the comfort of fall in all its forms—and that this season brings you peace, warmth, and the simple joys of life.

If you want to learn more about living a Simple Life, just visit my website at www.thefarmwife.com/ . If you’re enjoying listening to these podcasts, please consider supporting the show by clicking the SUPPORT button in the show notes. When you do, you’ll be helping me continue bringing you fun and helpful ideas for living the Simple Life you love!

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Thanks again for stopping in. I will see you next week on Living a Simple Life with a Back Porch View. And while you are waiting for the next episode, grab that glass of refreshment, pull up a rocker, and sit back for a while. It’s time to relax and enjoy.