I don’t know about anyone else, but in the hot weather, I do not like to cook, and for all practical purposes, I don’t.

But, let the thermometer dip down to the 80s and I get hungry enough to get inspired and start exploring new recipes. I especially like to make soups and desserts in the fall.

I have found the recipes in the Relish magazine distributed in The Post-Searchlight to be especially good. I have tried many and never had a bad result.

This week I made the sausage, white bean, kale soup featured in the latest issue and loved it.

I also start thinking pumpkin recipes in the fall. Last weekend I made pumpkin muffins from a Southern Living recipe that were a huge hit at the office, as well as at home. They have a streusel topping, but the next time I think I will drizzle them with cream cheese icing. Everything is better with cream cheese icing, don’t you think?

I must not be alone in this habit, as I am noticing more and more recipes from Facebook friends, and I am copying more and more of them.

Unfortunately, with this increasing appetite, I also experience increased weight gain. So now, I have to devise a plan to offset that. I know it should include exercise, and I am noting many invitations to join this plan and that at a reduced cost. I would happily take advantage of the reduced fees, but would I take advantage of the facilities?

My experience tells me, probably not. I will be too busy at home cooking to go exercise.

It’s a real conundrum. Maybe there is a dancing while you cook routine out there somewhere.