My favorite season is officially here, dear readers. As of September 22nd, my dreams of pumpkin patches, falling leaves, and once again making homemade chili will soon become a reality.
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” I can watch this soon.
As I left for lunch this afternoon, the temperature gauge in my car read a mere 74 degrees. Yes, it is true.
Looking at the forecast, I see only the 70s and 80s as highs for the next ten days. For those of you in destinations such as the Northwest or New England, this may not seem like something that would entice you to dance as you make your way to the garage in the morning however; if you spent your summer in Fort Worth, Texas, you understand my urge to pada beret across the lawn.
Cosby spent the weekend in the windows, excitedly watching the trees move with the Autumn breeze. He seemed just as giddy as I, flittering about inbetween naps on my laptop. Perhaps he too will be moved to dance. It truly is a delightful season.
In the spirit of Autumn, I would like to discuss some of my favorite foods of the season.
Apples!
Pumpkin!
Mushrooms!
Pecans!
Squash!
Pears!
I know there are more but these truly are my favorites. Baked apples, pumpkin pie, mushroom risotto, squash baked with brown sugar and pecans, pears delicately placed on salads. I think I just felt a tingle.
The flavors of the season are warm, tart, sugary, and spicy. They prepare us for the cold, the eggnog, the gingerbread. They fill us up just a wee bit more than the lighter fare of the summer. We can handle it now. We are not covered in sweat or overly concerned with upper arm jiggles.
I started a menu for the week at our house, gently nudging us toward the Fall. It isn’t cool enough for too much warmth in the kitchen and no one wants to indulge too quickly. However, a little tender pork loin, baked squash, potatoes with olive oil and goat cheese, and a fresh apple pie seem like a great way to celebrate the dip in temperatures, as well as the pumpkin patch I noticed driving today.
Happy Autumn, everyone!
Yippee!
Happy Autumn!! I’m so excited about it as well. The crispness in the air and the way the shadows of the leaves on the trees change as they do is AWESOME. :)
I think this might be my favorite autumn/fall post you’ve written – I want apple cider now!!