Oh man, if I thought the need for comfort food was high last week, this week takes the cake. The weather is finally starting to feel like fall, with warm days and cool nights and I am ready to tuck in to some cozy slippers, cardigans, and carbs. Yup, it’s a bit of a carb fest here on Good Food Reads way this week and I couldn’t be happier about it. I’m writing this post in advance, expecting that our newest family addition will be here by the time this post publishes and therefore featuring a bunch of slow cooker recipes…because slaving over the stove with a newborn is no fun, not even for this girl. What do you crave when the weather starts to cool? Do you have any go to meals that are easy to make when your hands are full and you are sleep deprived? Send us your Good Food Reads!

Whole Grain Spaghetti with Veggi-fied Meat Sauce (Cooking Light) is the perfect compromise. Extra veggies and whole grains pepper this classic dish that is perfect for the whole family.

Baked Chicken Chimichangas (The Girl Who Ate Everything). Because who doesn’t love chimichangas? I’ve never actually tried to make them, mostly because I don’t do a lot of deep frying. This recipe is a great baked alternative.

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup (Like Mother Like Daughter). There is little that warms my heart more in the fall and winter than a hearty soup. And one that can be made in the slow cooker? Even better. We will definitely be trying this in our house ASAP.

Crockpot Braised Beef Ragu Polenta (A Pinch of Yum). Another crockpot/slow cooker recipe that I’ve been saving for a while – and the time has come to make this one happen. The polenta does NOT go in the slow cooker, so you will need to whip that up just before serving, but seriously…are you not drooling over the gorgeous ragu?

Slow Cooker Barbacoa (Paleomg). One more slow cooker recipe, just because. I l.o.v.e. the barbacoa bowls at Chipotle. I think this recipe might be the perfect thing to try and replicate that at home!

Broccoli, Lemon, and Parmesan Soup (Food52). I can’t wait to try this soup. Such simple ingredients that should give amazing flavor!

Dijon Roasted Brussels Sprouts (Simply Scratch via Girl vs Dough). My love affair with brussels sprouts is ongoing and these sound amazing. My go to preparation is to roast them with pancetta and some balsamic, but I am going to have to give the dijon a try.

Potato Leek Pizza (Pioneer Woman). A nice change up from my typical mozzarella and prosciutto pizza.

Orzo Salad with Broccoli Pesto from Heidi Swanson’s Super Natural Every Day. I love the idea of broccoli pesto! How fun. And full of great nutrients.

Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars (Recipe by Oh She Glows, featured on A Pinch of Yum). Because this list seriously needed some dessert.

Well friends, that’s the list. I hope you found some kitchen inspiration.

Until next week…