When we woke up this morning, it finally felt like fall in Austin. There is a steady breeze, the air smells different, and it’s actually bearable to be outside. It’s a special time of year to be in Texas. Between the trees beginning to turn, and college football season – the entire state seems to be in a happy state of mind.

A few things we love about fall are of course the fall fashion trends, the comfort food and fall dining. Whether it’s an at-home dinner party, or a night out on the town, there’s something for everyone. The thought of comfort food had us instantly perusing the web for the best fall recipes and here are a few we’re going to try over the next few weeks.

Creamy mustard chicken

Prep time // 15 min
Cook time // 1 hour 5 mins
Total time // 1 hour 20 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients
– 8 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
– 6 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 5 tablespoons Crème fraîche
– 1 cup chicken stock
– 10-15 sprigs thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 small onion, sliced
– 1 small shallot, sliced
– parsley, for garnish
– salt, pepper
Instructions
1. Heat the oven to 350 F.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper and rub with mustard.
3. In a Dutch oven or a big oven-proof skillet melt butter on a medium high heat. Add chicken and brown from both sides.
4. Transfer chicken to a plate.
5. Add shallot and onion to the same pot and sauté for about 5 minutes.
6. Add chicken stock, scraping the brown bits off the bottom of the pot.
7. Add thyme and bay leave and bring a mixture to a boil.
8. Add Crème fraîche and transfer chicken back to the pot.
9. Braise in the oven for 50-60 minutes.
10. Garnish with parsley.
11. Serve hot with rice, pasta or roasted potatoes and crusty bread!
Notes
Adapted from norecipes.com // Recipe from: Lavender and Macarons

Chicken & seafood paella

Serves 4

Ingredients

– 4-6 strips of thick bacon, sliced into 1/4 inch strips
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 cup leaks, white and light green parts, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
– 8 oz chanterelles, roughly chopped
– 1 tsp fresh thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 tbsp flour (optional)
– 3/4 cup dry white wine
– 4 cups chicken stock
– 1 tsp sea salt
– 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 lb baby yukon gold potatoes cut in half
– 1 cup cream
– 1 tbsp raw honey
– 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
Instructions

1. In a large, dutch oven, cast-iron, or soup pot, over medium heat, fry the bacon pieces until slightly crispy. Add the butter, leeks and celery. Sauté the leek mixture for 5-7 minutes until the leeks and celery begin to soften.
2. Turn the heat to medium-high and add the chanterelles, thyme and bay leaf. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms begin to darken around the edges.
3. Add the flour and stir to incorporate. Sauté with flour for 1 minutes longer.
4. Deglaze the bottom of the pan, by slowly pouring the white wine in and scraping the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the wine reduces by half.
5. Add the chicken stock, potatoes, salt, pepper, nutmeg and cayenne. Bring to a boil. As soon as the stock begins to boil, turn heat back down and simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
6. Add the cream and raw honey. Heat through.
7. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Notes

*The inspiration for this recipe came from Ashely Rodriguez of the blog Not Without Salt. Recipe from The Modern Proper.

The perfect fall tablescapes

Tables for fall entertaining

From Jean-Marc Fray

If you’ve just purchased a new home, or you’re looking for a new table to be the centerpiece of your home, we recommend some of our beautiful tables shown below. We have a wide variety of tables and chairs from a variety of eras. If you don’t see what you’re looking for right in the gallery, our in-store designer can help you source the perfect piece! Visit us in the heart of Austin, here on our site, or on 1st Dibs.

French Antique Art Nouveau “Guinguette” Folding Table

See product page

Antique French Solid Oak Monastery Table

See product page

Mid-Century Ico Parisi Style Dining Table

See product page