August 7, 2013 By divas can cook 183 Comments
Filed Under: Other Stuff, Food Articles

CHEESY Fall-Inspired Lunch Ideas

Are we almost halfway through the summer already? Fall will be here before you know it! I’m really looking forward to that special, cozy feeling that comes with fall-time. Comfy sweaters, colorful leaves, pumpkin spice, bonfires and crisp mornings. And let’s not forget about those favorite fall food & drinks like apple cider and hearty soups. Today we’re cooking up some of my favorite quick and easy fall-inspired lunch ideas, all enhanced with Cracker Barrel’s flavorful, award-winning cheese! Cheese just makes everything better and it’s one of my go-to comfort ingredients. First up….

Grilled Cheese, Roasted Turkey and Pear Sandwich

Did you know that pears are a fall fruit that are just as versatile as apples? I was introduced to pear cider last year and simply fell in love. Their sweet and fragrant flesh pairs great with many different cheeses. In this recipe I’m using Cracker BarrelSharp Cheddar cheese. This cheese has a buttery finish and creamy, slightly fruity taste, which goes perfect with the pear and roasted turkey.

(photo from crackerbarrelcheese.com)

Got a few seconds for a quick cheese survey?

Mini Sausage & Kale Pizza

Kale has received a lot of hype over the years, thanks to the kale chip movement. I still have visions of my grandmother out in her summer garden trying to hurry and get the kale seedling in the ground in time for a late fall crop. One of my favorite ways to use kale is by making mini sausage and kale pizzas. My 5-year-old loves this recipe and, of course, I love that he’s eating kale. To take this pizza to the next level, I used Cracker Barrel’sAged Reserved Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheese on half of them and Cracker Barrel Mediterranean Herb Cheddar Cheese on the other half. The winner in my house, by one vote, was the Mediterranean Herb with its creamy texture and flecks of rosemary, basil and oregano. I never measure the toppings for this recipe. Just throw on as much of the toppings that you like!

(photo from http://www.crackerbarrelcheese.com)

Cheddar Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash just says Autumn to me! In the fall-time there is nothing like the smell of roasted butternut squash drifting through the house. This cheddar butternut squash soup freezes and reheats well, so I usually make a big batch and freeze the leftovers. I decided to go with Cracker Barrel’s award-winning Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese for this soup. The cheese lends a nice tangy flavor and a perfect creamy texture.

(photo from :http://www.crackerbarrelcheese.com)

I almost forgot to mention the BEST part – BlogHer is giving my readers a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card! To enter the sweepstakes, all you have to do is tell me: What are some of your favorite fall foods?

Sweepstakes Rules:
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 8/8/13 – 10/31/13.