Fall Pot Roast

• Fall foods are perfect for Sunday dinners because they're generally warm, hearty and contain full-bodied flavors. To make a pot roast, preheat the oven to 200 degrees F and place a fry pan on high heat for two minutes. Rub a 2 lb., blade-cut chuck roast with 2 tsp. each of kosher salt and cumin. When the pan is hot, brown the meat on both sides and remove. Add 2 tbsp. of vegetable oil to the pan. Add one medium onion (chopped) and five cloves of smashed garlic. Stir until the onion is softened, then add 1 cup of tomato juice, 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup of dark raisins and 1 cup of broken cocktail olives. Bring to a boil and allow the mixture to reduce by half. Place one half of the mixture in a baking pan and add the chuck roast. Pour the remaining liquid solution over the meat and bake for three to three and a half hours, or until a fork pushes into the meat with ease. Remove from the oven and allow the roast to rest for half an hour.

Winter Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken and dumplings are a popular Southern meal that is perfect for easy Sunday dinners. Add 1 tbsp. of butter to a large pan over medium heat and add chicken breasts (allow one breast per person). Allow the chicken to brown on both sides, then remove. Add 2 cups of chicken broth, five stalks of celery (chopped) and one medium onion (chopped). Allow the mixture to boil, then reduce, cooking until the vegetables are tender. Add chicken and another cup of chicken brother; cover and allow to simmer for 45 minutes. Place a large pot of water on the stove and bring to a boil. In another bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and seven eggs. Add 1 tbsp. of water--or more, if the mixture is not sticky. When sticky in texture, add dough by tablespoons into the boiling water and allow it to cook for three minutes, or until the dumplings float. Drain and add 1 cup of sour cream, salt and pepper. Serve chicken over the dumplings and enjoy.

Summer Hamburger Recipe

• Nothing says summer and family like an outdoor barbecue. If you don't have a grill, use a community grill in a park, or consider purchasing your own; by mid-July, many stores offer grills at discounted prices. Purchase pre-cut watermelon, disposable plastic wear and buns, or encourage family members to each bring something. To make hamburger patties, combine 1 lb. of ground beef, one small onion (chopped), one egg, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of bread or cracker crumbs, 1/2 tsp. of garlic salt and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Mix together and make patties. Prepare the hamburger patties ahead of time so you can mingle with your guests.