Fall has arrived in Eastern Idaho! We’ve had a couple of warm days since the beginning of September.  But, since the first official day of fall it has been cloudy, windy, and rainy. This kind of weather makes me want to cozy up to warm, one dish, comfort foods.

My mom didn’t cook a lot when I was little.  It just wasn’t her thing. There are still many foods that remind me of her and my childhood.  One dinner she would make for us was Original Kraft Macaroni and Cheese with sliced hot dogs.  This was, by far, one of my most favorite childhood meals!  One of these days I am doing to re-create it.

This pasta dish reminded me of it a little because of the kielbasa.

I have a really hard time not including a vegetable in my pastas because I like to make them one-dish meals.  I couldn’t think of anything green that would be good in this pasta.  I kept having to remind myself that it was OK because I put a whole can of pumpkin in it!  And I am pretty sure pumpkin is good for you.  It turned out exactly how I pictured it in my mind. That doesn’t happen very often!  I’m glad it’s fall, I adore fall flavors!