Celebration!

Today is the first day of Autumn, so it makes sense that today's prompt is Autumn equinox eats. Before I speak of food, I would just like to put in my protest of fall. It's not that I don't enjoy the coziness of fall, it's just that after fall comes winter, and I just loathe and detest winter. But I guess I shouldn't ruin the beauty of Autumn by dreading winter, right?
So, I did some research on Autumn equinox celebrations and food, and what I came up with is that Autumn equinox meals are kind of the bridge between lighter summer fare, and the heaviness of winter food. It's food for warming our bodies, and preparing us for the harshness of winter(!!) This is that time of year when you still have some lingering late summer produce, but also the squash and root vegetables are coming! I made two meals yesterday that I would think would be welcome at any Autumn equinox gathering! Fist I made sweet potato and red lentil stew loosely following this recipe. I cut the recipe down, and I didn't add the Tuscan kale as I am out. NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Anyway, this soup is really delicious, and I really recommend the recipe.

I always add extra crushed red pepper because I need spice. I also love sweet potatoes with spice. The red lentils break down and become creamy, it's just really comforting.
For my second meal, I decided to make something that I struggle with. A delicious, comforting vegan pot pie. I have tried to make this several times, at least once was an EPIC fail, and the other times it just turned out too bland, too thick, or too runny. I don't know what made me want to try again, but I am so glad I did, because I totally NAILED IT!!! I of course didn't write anything down, because I really didn't have high hopes. I figured it would be edible for me, but not something anyone else would want to cook. But I made a pot pie that could solve the worlds problems! Toot toot! I know that I used three cups of stock, and one fourth cup flour to thicken, and I used two potatoes, one can of chickpeas, on cup frozen peas and corn(combined) one onion, some shredded carrots, and I used poultry seasoning and rosemary.(a very popular equinox herb), and salt and pepper to taste.

Ingredients

I used a frozen puff pastry for the top. I was very surprised at how easy it is to find vegan puff pastry. It's easier than finding vegan bread!! I wouldn't want to eat this dish every day as it is very rich, and seriously lacking flair and spice, but it was creamy and comforting, and seems like a great dish for getting our bodies ready for the dreaded W word.

I lit an orange candle as orange and yellow candles were mentioned frequently in my research. I think any non-vegan would feel very satisfied with this meal. I still have another sheet of puff pastry, and some phyllo dough leftover from my tomato tarts, so I can't wait to experiment with these surprisingly vegan items. Food in little packages is very fun!
I am super duper beyond excited for tomorrow's prompt! It might turn out to tie with the vegan inspiration prompt as my favorite prompt so far. Just leaving you with a little cliffhanger!
Happy Wednesday!
I also added celery to my pie, as you can see in the picture! Man I wish I wrote down the recipe!