The transition into the season of fall is beautifully illustrated by the changing of leaves to reds, oranges, and yellows. Dryness plays a pivotal role in this seasonal display as trees prepare to conserve energy for the winter months by drawing their moisture in away from the leaves and down deep to the trunk and roots. Fall recipes are the perfect way to support your body into the new season.

In Chinese Medicine, humans are seen as a microcosm of the macrocosm, making dryness the predominant influence in the fall on humans as well. Symptoms of dryness are mostly likely to develop within the organ networks associated with fall, the Lung and Large Intestine. Main symptoms include dry skin, lips and throat, dry coughs, constipation, and restlessness. Fall also brings immune system challenges as we are faced with a new onslaught of germs (often driven by being inside and the passing of viruses from kid to kid to parent to adult to kale at the grocery store that everyone has to touch…le sigh.)

One of the best ways to combat dryness and to give your lungs a boost is through diet. Pears, honey, walnuts, and sesame seeds can all be used medicinally to nourish the yin moistening fluids of the body to counteract dryness, strengthen the Lungs, stop a dry cough, prevent constipation, and ease restlessness and insomnia, which are more prevalent in the fall.

The warming spices make these recipes especially suited for the climate in the Northwest. Cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom all fire up the digestion and help nourish and support us in the cooler fall season.

Baked Pears. 

This fall recipe is one kids and adults alike absolutely love. I prefer mine less sweet so use way less honey. My teenager is all about loading it on so play with it to see what you like best!

Ingredients:

• 4 large ripe (yet firm) pears, any variety
• 4 teaspoons honey, or to taste
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp cardamom
• 3/4 tsp ginger powder
• 1/2 cup crushed walnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Wash the pears but leave the skins on.
3. Cut pears in half lengthwise.
4. Scoop out the seeds with an ice cream scoop or melon baller.
5. Toss walnuts with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger.
6. Place pears on a baking sheet and fill top with walnut mixture.
7. Drizzle with appx 1/2 tsp honey for each pear half.
8. Bake for 30 min or until soft.
9. Let cool to warm temperature.

Roasted Peanuts with Tangerine Peel

From Nutritional Healing with Chinese Medicine by my dear friend Ellen Goldsmith (shared with permission)

This fall recipe, from a Traditional Chinese Medical perspective, is meant to nourish, warm, and support the immune system. It is thought to be specifically good for the lungs, which can always use a little boost to stay healthy in the fall.

Ingredients

• 4 oz unsalted raw peanuts
• 2 TBSP coconut sugar
• 2 tsp grated ginger root
• 1/2 tsp grated tangerine zest (orange part only, leave the white part intact!)
• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions

1. Place a sheet of parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet or similar
2. In a medium skillet toast peanuts over low heat until slightly browned and slightly oily (typically 5-7 minutes). Careful not to burn them!
3. Turn off heat and add sugar, ginger, zest and salt, stirring until peanuts are coated.
4. Spread out on parchment paper and let cool completely.

You can store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Enjoy!