I’ve been dreaming of this Fall Cookout trip for months now, and piece by piece, my imagination took life, thanks to wonderful sponsors. Thank you for supporting brands that support Love is in my tummy. [ this post contains affiliate links]
Have you ever dreamt of something for so long, that when it finally came to pass, it surpasses anything that you’re imagination could have possibly conjured? This Fall cookout weekend was one such experience for me. After months of dreaming, weeks of planning and days of packing, I finally found myself on the road from my home in Georgia to a beautiful cabin in the woods, a few hours from the beautiful Smokey Mountains National Park.
My husband and I spent our anniversary weekend, nestled in the mountains in absolute solitude (and no cell reception either). We spent our days cozied around the fire, lounging, cooking and dining. And when the nights grew too cold and too dark to endure, we retreated to the warm comfort of our ephemeral domicile, and caught up with the latest season of Stranger Things.
If that wasn’t idyllic enough, on our first morning there, it snowed! In Fall! You all know how I feel about Fall and snow, but the two of them together at the same time, I nearly lost my mind! Follow me along on Instagram, where I go in detail about the highlights of this trip, one memory at a time.
But for now, they say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Enjoy this visual essay here, and know that this Fall Cookout weekend was everything and more. I hope it inspires you to head outside, and make the best of what each season has to offer. Who knows, Mother Nature might throw you an extra snow day or two.
And for those of you who thought that grilling is only for meat lovers, here’s proving that Vegans too can enjoy the taste of fire and smoke! Everything cooked by fire tastes infinitely better than any other alternative.
MENU
[Breakfast]
Banana Pancakes w/ Cardamom Jaggery Syrup {V + GF} – Recipe at the end of this post
Coffee {V }
[Lunch]
Grilled vegetables w/ coconut cream curry marinade {V + GF}
Red Pepper Pasta {V + GF}
[Dessert]
Apple crumble pie {V }
Featured here: Holli Zollinger Throw Blanket from Deny Designs, Minos Coffee Set (Moka Pot + Creamer Pitcher + Sugar Bowl), Roro Thai handcrafted Wood Plates, From World Market: Rose Gold Twig Flatware, Taper Candles, Ceramic Pumpkin Dish, Soapstone Pan.
When you make these (which I really think you SHOULD!), be sure to SHARE YOUR PHOTOS with me through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I’d love to see what you cook from here!
Gayathri says
This looks absolutely fabulous and how much did you pack to assemble for such beautiful layout. Very impressive.
Tina Dawson says
Ha ha! I almost packed up my entire kitchen for this, but it was totally worth it!
Noor says
This looks and sounds like my ideal weekend! Lovely!
Tina Dawson says
It was absolutely a brilliant weekend! Thanks!
Shashi at SavorySpin says
Wow – what a delightful venue – and that is one GORGEOUS table for a camping trip – definitely some gorgeous glamping! And such a tasty menu – so glad y’all enjoyed yourselves … leafing through your pictures, you make me wish there were more! 🙂
Hope y’all have a wonderful weekend, Tina! When y’all are ready to make the drive out to Athens, y’all must join us for a meal!
Tina Dawson says
You are too kind Shashi, and you were definitely missed on this trip! We’ll make the next one even better!
Shinta Simon says
This is what eating in paradise must be like! Your pictures are stunning, to say the least. I absolutely love that table setting. The recipe is also right up my alley, what a fantastic way to use jaggery ! Oh and Happy Anniversary!
Tina Dawson says
Thanks Shinta!
Christina says
OMG, I can’t stop looking at your photos. Incredible, simply incredible! As soon as I stop gawking at your photos I’ll read the actual recipe because it sounds amazing, even though I don’t know what jaggery is.
Tina Dawson says
Jaggery is unrefined palm sugar. It is a lot more nutritious than cane sugar and is used extensively in Indian cuisine (particularly in the South). You should find it in any Indian grocery.
Sonal says
Absolutely loved the post Tina! Loved everything about it!! Well you practically worked on your vacation too ?… but worth all of it!!
Tina Dawson says
I wouldn’t have it any other way Sonal! I loved every second of the trip!
Soniya says
What a gorgeous post!! Simply fell in love ❤️ looks like you guys had a amazing time!!
Tina Dawson says
Thanks Soniya! We had a fabulous time, can’t wait to go back out again!
Meera Seetharaman says
What a gorgeous set of photographs Tina. Loved each and every one of them. The planning for the vacation especially the food/photography must have been very detailed I think. Just viewing the pictures makes me feel calm, peaceful and happy. I can imagine how wonderful it would have been for you. It is a very beautiful post. Loved it!
Tina Dawson says
Thank you so very much Meera! It was a lot of planning, and I was thoroughly stressed out the whole time, but it turned out much better than I imagined, and for that I am ever so grateful!
Beth says
What a fun outing! You certainly set a prettier table for camping than I ever did! It’s so fun to be in a place without cell phone service too! These pancakes look amazing! What is jaggery? I’m intrigued!
Tina Dawson says
Jaggery is unrefined palm sugar. It is very rich in nutrients, so is a better sugar to intake.
Kate | Veggie Desserts says
Oh my goodness! I need to up my cookout game. You do it so WELL! Lovely recipe and amazing setting. So wonderful to get snow 🙂
Tina Dawson says
Thanks Kate! It was such a fun outing, I cannot wait to go back out for another cookout!
Lisa | Garlic + Zest says
Happy Anniversary! What a beautiful way to celebrate together — and it really looks like you two had a great time. Kudos on your gorgeous table settings too! I just asked on Facebook how many people used paper plates on a daily basis and aside from a staggering amount of comments — found out that nearly half of people DO. Daily! I’m not one of them — but you went all out with real plates, even in the woods!
Tina Dawson says
Oh I nearly packed up my entire kitchen for this trip. And we left no waste behind. A little more effort, but easier on the planet. It was a very easy trade-off!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
That looks completely idyllic where you stayed. I can’t even tell you how beautiful your photos are. I’ve never made pancakes outside. It looks like fun and delicious! I can’t wait to try your recipe, but probably not outside 😉
Tina Dawson says
Ha ha ha! They taste great irrespective of where they’re cooked Elaine! I hope you like them!