Brrr, it's cold and rainy outside today. Fall weather has suddenly arrived! So it's back to some warm and comforting dishes. I love hash brown potatoes in any recipe. Hash Brown Beef Bake (pictured) is just one of the delicious dishes in this collection. Try any of these and warm up inside and out with an easy homemade dinner.

_{Photo © 2008 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Comfort foods are, by definition, warm and filling recipes, not spicy, but mild and delicious. Creamy Italian Chicken (pictured) is one of my favorites. It's simple and satisfying; kids love it. Don't expect it to be a highly flavored gourmet treat. We all need more comfort foods about now, and making them with just five ingredients makes it easier on you.

_{Photo © 2008 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

My Got $10? Make a Meal! series has a new twist added: feed six people for $10! Alas, with this much food, I've had to stop including desserts. But you'd be willing to go to, say, $12 for dessert, right? Make Brown Sugar Shortbread, and maybe drizzle the cookies with a bit of melted chocolate. At any rate, enjoy the meal!

_{Photo © 2008 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

As the days cool down and the pace heats up, a good diet is even more important. Keep your family interested and very well fed by signing up for my recipe of the day newsletter for October. You'll love the quick and easy, inexpensive, hearty meals.