The Best Things About Fall

So happy it's fall and the yummy fall recipes it is time to make!  This post is sponsored by Bush's Best Beans through the Women's Blogger Network. 

With fall now officially underway, it has me nostalgic for all things autumn!  These are are few of my favorite things about fall.

1. Leaves Changing
 

There is something so wonderful and fun about the leaves changing to brilliant colors of red, oranges and yellows and when they begin to fall, well it's just fun to play in them.   Yes, in SoCal we don't have a real fall, but we can take a quick drive up to the mountains to enjoy the fall colors in their splendor.

2. Football

I love college football and fall means Football Season, with weekends filled with cheering for our team and when we are lucky even attending a game.

3. Fall Recipes
 Anything pumpkin, and warm hearty dishes are perfect for this time of year.  It is finally cool enough to turn on the oven and cook some good comfort food.

A new recipe I have come to love is Mac and Cheese Black Bean Chipotle Dish.

There is something so comforting and classic about Mac and Cheese, and I love this twist, adding some Bush's Black Beans which makes it the ultimate fall recipe.

Bush's Beans are a great pantry staple, are inexpensive and can be picked up on any trip to Walmart.
I love adding hearty things like Bush's Black Beans to Mac and Cheese as it makes it feel more like a grown up dish.  So, you get the childhood comfort with an adult twist. 

(See Below For Recipe)

4. Cute Fall Clothes

With cooler weather it means it is finally time to break out the pants, sweaters and cute boots!  I love when the seasons change and it feels like I suddenly have a whole new wardrobe.

These are just a few of my favorite things about fall, not to mention all of the fall birthdays (including my own), Halloween and Thanksgiving.  It really is just a great time of year!

What is your favorite thing about fall?


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Mac and Cheese Bush's Black Bean Chipotle Dish 

Serves: 4  
Prep/Cooking Time: 30 Minutes  

Ingredients:
 2 t. cornstarch
 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
 2 eggs
 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
 1 can Bush's Black beans, drained and rinsed
 2 whole chipotle chilies packed in adobo, minced, plus 2 T. adobo sauce from can
 6 oz. American Cheese, grated or diced
 6 oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated or diced
 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
 4 finely sliced scallions

Directions:
  1. Cook pasta in large pot in salted water according to directions.  Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

  2. While pasta is cooking, combine cornstarch, milk, and eggs in medium bowl and whisk together.
 
  3. Return drained pasta to pot, adding reserved water, Bush's Black Beans, chipotle chilies, evaporated milk mixture from step 2, and cheeses.

4. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy and smooth.  Stir in cilantro and scallions, saving some for garnish.

5. Transfer to serving bowl, garnish with cilantro and scallions and serve immediately.