Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf

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If there's anything most people know about me it's these two facts...

First, I adore creating, eating and sharing healthy food.

​Secondly, Fall is one of my very favorite times of the year.

​So, it's only natural I go a little crazy in combining these passions. If I'm not outside enjoying the gorgeous weather (finally!) I am in the kitchen cooking and baking with all of falls best gifts. 

Gifts like squash, pumpkin, spices and root veggies. This season I'm also into incorporating mushrooms! As a big fan of the online magazine, Healthy Living Made Simple, it's their super food of the month, so I got inspired to pick some up.

I ventured to our local Sam's Club to get some of these fantastic fungi to whip up something hearty, healthy and yummy. I also love that I can buy my produce in bulk there since I stick to natural healthy foods as my everyday staples and can always use large quantities of what I find there. 

Healthy Living Made Simple is my go-to when it comes to tips on my family's health and wellness, and as a journalist, you know I totally eat up good information, especially when it's combined with my love of food.
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I haven't gotten out much since little man arrived, with him still being just 5 weeks old, so I had so much fun planning a tailgate themed party while Mr. Charming and I were out shopping. Being a Sam's Club member for nearly 10 years now, it's a great place to stock up on my healthy eats.

I mean. Their produce section is dreamy. With so, so many options!
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After grabbing my mushrooms and other fall vegetables to make my tailgate dinner spread, we headed over to pick up our grilling supplies and grabbed a couple of other fun items that make heading outside to nosh super convenient. 

I loved finding fashionable cooler totes, a rolling cooler for drinks and an easy pop up tent to keep baby in the shade while we take in games during dusk. 

Look at those striped cooler tote bags! *swoon* 

Another perk to shopping at Sam's Club are the free health screenings they offer at their pharmacy the second Saturday of every month. Visit your nearby club on October 8th to check up on your health and then stay and shop to stock up on products that will give you a healthy boost. From fresh produce and heal;thy eats to vitamins and natural beauty products, it's a one stop shop to keep up with your wellness. As a nutritionist who promotes natural health care to her clients, I love Sam's Club's holistic approach to health items. 

After grabbing some healthy eats, and tailgate essentials, it was time to head home and whip up a fall recipe for our neighborhood tailgate block party. 

I was craving something hearty and healthy and wanted something festive to plate for our friends and family, so I tossed some colorful fall vegetables and herbs in with wild rice and the mushrooms I picked up at Sam's Club. 

Served alongside some grilled brats, it made a filling meal bursting with a variety of flavors and color.

​You can grab the easy recipe below for your next event! 
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Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf

Ingredients:

• 2 TBSP Olive Oil 
• 1 C. Cubed Butternut Squash
• Sea Salt
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper 
• 2 C. Wild Rice
• 4 C. Vegetable Broth
• 1 C. Assorted Mushrooms, Chopped 
• Fresh Thyme Sprigs 

​Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 
2. Cube 1 butternut squash, toss with 1 TBSP. olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 
3. Arrange squash on baking sheet and roast in oven for 25 minutes or until tender. 
4. While the squash is roasting, heat 1 TBSP. olive oil in a large pan and saute wild rice for 1 minute. 
5. Add the vegetable broth to the rice and bring to a boil. 
6. Cover and reduce to a simmer on low and cook for 30-45 minutes or until broth is gone. 
7. Chop the mushrooms and set aside. If you prefer cooked mushrooms, cook in a large skillet with oil until browned, about 8 minutes. 
8. Once the rice is done, fluff with a fork and toss with mushrooms and squash. 
9. Plate with fresh thyme and serve with grilled brats for a complete meal. 

For more on Healthy Living Made Simple, as well as access to more delicious recipes and health and wellness tips for the whole family visit: 
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Healthy Living Made Simple Magazine

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Happy Fall Feasting! What are some of your favorite fall side dishes for the season? Share in the comments below.