AUTUMN IN THE BUDZI NAS LAS: SIMPLE RECIPES FOR COLD DAYS

Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy warming and aromatic dishes - especially while staying in a cozy cottage. Here are some simple recipes for autumn dishes that you will prepare with ease. What's more, these dishes will fill your interior with a pleasant, soothing aroma, and their preparation will become part of a relaxing autumn ritual.

1. Aromatic pumpkin soup with ginger and coconut milk

Creamy pumpkin soup is the queen of autumn dishes! Pumpkin is full of vitamins A and C, which boost immunity - just in time for colder days. The addition of ginger not only adds a unique flavor, but also has warming properties and aids digestion.

What you need:

• 1 small pumpkin (hokkaido will work perfectly because you don't need to peel it)

• 1 can of coconut milk - gives a velvety texture

• 1 small onion and a clove of garlic

• Ginger (fresh piece or powdered)

• 500 ml of vegetable broth (you can have it ready or prepare it from a cube)

• Salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste

• Pumpkin seeds or croutons for garnish

How to prepare:

1. Cut the pumpkin into pieces.

2. Fry the onion, garlic and ginger in oil until soft and aromatic.

3. Add the pumpkin and broth, and cook for about 20 minutes until the pumpkin is soft.

4. Blend the whole thing to a smooth cream and add the coconut milk. Season with salt, pepper and

a little nutmeg.

5. Serve with croutons or roasted pumpkin seeds - ready in 30 minutes!

Fun fact: Pumpkin is a very low-calorie vegetable and is a source of fiber, which makes the soup filling but light.

2. Hot chocolate with a hint of cinnamon and orange

There is nothing better for long autumn evenings than a cup of homemade, aromatic hot chocolate. Chocolate boosts the mood, while cinnamon and orange peel add a festive touch and have warming properties.

What you need:

• 500 ml of milk (cow's milk or plant-based milk, such as almond milk)

• 100 g of dark chocolate

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

• The zest of half an orange (preferably unwaxed)

• Optional: whipped cream and a pinch of chili for the brave

How to prepare:

1. Heat milk over low heat, add cinnamon and orange peel.

2. Add crushed chocolate and stir until it melts and the drink becomes smooth.

3. Remove the orange peel, pour the chocolate into a mug and, if you like, garnish with whipped cream and a pinch of chili.

Fun fact: Chocolate contains substances that increase the level of endorphins, known as “happy hormones”. Combined with aromatic cinnamon and orange, it is a real pleasure for the senses!

3. Mulled wine with spices and fruit

Mulled wine is a classic autumn and winter drink, perfect for evenings by the fireplace. Preparation is quick, and warm wine with spices not only warms you up, but also puts you in a magical mood.

What you need:

• 1 bottle of red wine (preferably semi-sweet)

• 2-3 orange slices and 1 sliced apple

• 3-4 cloves, 1 stick of cinnamon

• 1-2 tablespoons of honey or brown sugar

• Optional: star anise for additional flavor

How to prepare:

1. Pour the wine into a pot and add the fruit and spices.

2. Heat over low heat (don't boil!), stirring, until the wine is hot and all the flavors combine.

3. Add honey or sugar to taste and serve hot.

Fun fact: Spices like cloves and cinnamon have antibacterial and warming properties - perfect for cold days!

4. Baked apples with cinnamon and nuts

The smell of baked apples filling the whole house is something that is immediately associated with autumn comfort. This dish is easy to prepare, and

What you need:

• 4 large apples (preferably harder varieties, such as Granny Smith)

• A handful of walnuts or almonds (chopped)

• 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

• Spoonful of butter (optional)

How to prepare:

1. Hollow out the center of the apples, leaving the bottom - you can do this with a teaspoon or a special dribbling tool.

2. In a bowl, mix nuts, cinnamon, honey and nutmeg, if any. Fill the apples with this mixture.

3. Arrange the apples in a baking dish, you can add a piece of butter on top of each apple.

4. Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for about 20-25 minutes, until the apples are soft.

Fun fact: Apples are rich in pectin, which aids digestion and regulates blood sugar - a healthier way to get something sweet!

5. Autumn toast with mushrooms and rosemary

Mushrooms are a true symbol of autumn, and their intense flavor blends perfectly with aromatic rosemary. This is a simple recipe for a filling breakfast or dinner, which you will prepare quickly and without problems.

What you need:

• 250 g of fresh mushrooms (e.g. mushrooms or forest mushrooms, if you have access)

• 1 clove of garlic

• A sprig of fresh rosemary or a pinch of dried rosemary

• A few slices of bread (preferably country bread)

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare:

1. Heat olive oil in a frying pan and add chopped garlic and rosemary to release their aromas.

2. Add the chopped mushrooms, salt and fry until the mushrooms are soft and lightly browned.

3. In a separate pan (or in the oven), fry or toast the bread, then top with the mushrooms.

4. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and serve warm.

Fun fact: Mushrooms are a rich source of vitamin D and are a natural probiotic, which has a positive effect on our immunity, especially during the fall and winter seasons.

6. Pumpkin pancakes with maple syrup

Pumpkin pancakes are a breakfast option that tastes special and is easy to prepare. Pumpkin gives them moisture and spices add warmth and flavor. Perfect for chilly mornings!

What you need:

• 200 g of pumpkin puree (you can prepare it in advance by roasting the pumpkin and blending the pulp)

• 1 egg

• 50 g of whole wheat or whole wheat flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 tsp. cane sugar or honey

• Pinch of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg

• Milk to get the right consistency (about 100 ml)

• Maple syrup to pour over

How to prepare:

1. In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, egg and sugar.

2. Add flour, baking powder and spices, then slowly pour in milk, stirring until you get a smooth batter with the consistency of thick cream.

3. Fry small pancakes in a lightly oiled pan until golden brown on both sides.

4. Serve with maple syrup and optional nuts or fruit.

Fun fact: Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, which affects skin and eye health, as well as supports immunity.

Autumn recipes prepared in a cozy bungalow are the perfect way to create a warm, homey atmosphere and enjoy seasonal flavors. Creamy pumpkin soup, aromatic toast with mushrooms, sweet baked apples or warming drinks such as hot chocolate and mulled wine will fill the interior with soothing aromas and become part of autumn rituals. All recipes are simple and do not require specialized equipment. Tasty, healthy and full of autumn spices, these dishes are not only filling, but also mood-enhancing, making the time spent on an autumn getaway even more special.