In modern culture ‘Basic’ implies that everything we do as individuals must be extraordinary and original if it is to have any meaning and value to us and others, right down to our coffee of choice. If we do anything remotely ‘standard’ there is this implication that we are boring and uneducated, we are #basic. But that really isn’t the case, sometimes we want to just do something because we LIKE it. It is something that makes us feel good, or happy, or whatever. These choices have little impact on others so why even go there in saying they are boring and made with little thought? Even more important is that what the word basic has come to identify isn’t even the original definition of basic. So let’s take a moment and take back the word basic, shall we?

Basic implies that something is fundamental or essential, it is needed to make whatever the subject is ‘awesome’. Autumn is one of those seasons in the USA that has taken on a ‘Basic’ tone in the social media world. Pumpkin anything is basic, leggings are basic, autumn decorating is basic. But I don’t see them as basic because they’re boring or standard. They’re basic because they’re some of the things that make the season GREAT, some of the fundamental things that let us recognize this seasonal transition for those that are lucky enough to experience it and those #basicbitches milk it for all that it’s worth.

With this in mind here are some of my basic essentials for an awesome gluten free autumn:

Slow Cooker: Slow Cookers are always an essential, but in the fall they are great because you don’t have to waste time indoors cooking and can instead get out there and enjoy those brisk walks and take in the fall foliage. As an added bonus you’ll come back inside to am amazing smelling house and food that is warm enough to ease the chill but not so hot to scald your mouth. You can also make your own slow cooker potpourri.

Rain Boots: It’s been rainy here in the Northeast, and usually is in autumn, so rain boots are imperative for all that outdoorsy goodness. You need to keep your feet warm and dry. Bonus points if they are lined, or if they don’t have cracks in them like mine.

Pumpkin Seed Snacks: Although hard to come by, I love switching my trail mix out for some Pumpkin Seed snacks in the fall. They are best when you’ve gutted them yourself while making a Jack O’Lantern, and I love following one of my older recipes for Sweet and Spicy oven roasted pumpkin seeds.

Tea: This is the ULTIMATE autumn essential, especially for those of us that don’t like Pumpkin Spice Lattes  like myself. So grab a mug and try some of these flavors: Pumpkin Spice Rooibos from Trader Joe’s, Celestial Seasonings Cinnamon Apple Spice, and autumnal seasonal teas from local shops. My top picks this year are Cinnamon Apple Green Tea Blend from Clipper Ship Tea Shop in Northport NY and Trans Siberian Chai from Saratoga Tea and Honey Company. Obviously if you are a loose leaf tea drinker an awesome tea strainer is essential, as are adorable mugs. And here’s another idea, take your tea to the next level this autumn by making it a tea cocktail with Owl’s Brew tea cocktail mixers.

Candles and decorations:  As the days get shorter I like adding some light through candles and lights. As I type this I have five seasonal scented candles burning, two strings of orange lights strung up across my tv stand, a set of ‘spooky shape’ lights on in the hallway, and a large ceramic pumpkin light on one of the side tables. This doesn’t include the various fall foliage and other pumpkin related things throughout the house, or my seasonal autumn throw pillows or kitchen towels. Seriously, decorating for the dark days really makes things more tolerable and fun!

Hard Cider: If you are an alcohol drinker be sure to get your hands on some autumn inspired hard ciders. My favorite is Woodchuck’s Pumpkin Reserve which makes for an amazing ice cream float. Another great seasonal cider is Angry Orchard’s Cinnful Cider.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake Mix: This mix kicks pancakes and waffles up a notch with  hints of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and allspice. It is simply delicious, and makes great waffles. Try topping it with some grated chocolate. And while we’re talking of having a Waffle Maker is another fall essential, because there’s nothing better than warm food with minimal effort.

This Pumpkin Chili recipe from Thug Kitchen. Hell, they’re cookbook in general is a fall must have for some really homey recipes. The pumpkin chili is a hint of pumpkin with a nip of spice, and went perfectly with a square of Gluten Free Jule’s Cornbread on the side.

Roasted Corn on the Cob: I’m a Long Island girl through and through, the first word I was able to read was ‘CORN’ on a large farmstand sign and that basically says it all. Autumn in New York is prime time for grabbing some roasted corn on the cob at Fall festivals and events, and the two go hand in hand. With the exception of the spices that may be available the corn can be buttered or unbuttered and is usually cooked in the husk at a stand dedicated strictly to corn only, so cross contamination isn’t an issue.

Horror Movies with a side of air popped popcorn: Okay, the popcorn doesn’t have to be air popped but that’s just my preference. I like my popcorn with a bit of curry spice, or garlic and Parmesan. For a lighter more fall like taste try some cinnamon sugar popcorn, or popcorn with some pumpkin spice mix seasoning. However you take your popcorn let it be on the side of some horror movies, at least for the month of October. Check out this list for some suggested movies to quench your horror thirst, many of which can be found on Netflix.

 

Now, if loving the above makes me #basic than so be it, because I’m having a good time over here!

What are your basic essentials for an awesomely gluten free autumn?