Oh Abundant Fall Produce
It’s that time of year again, where the family and friend gatherings start to double and everyone’s wondering what they’ll bring to the table this year. Maybe it’s your infamous mac-n-cheese with a nice crunchy breadcrumb topping, or a good ole apple pie. Or maybe you haven’t decided yet — one thing is sure; you mustn’t show up empty handed!
The beauty of November lies not only in the joy of gathering but also in the abundance of seasonal produce that fills our tables. As we embrace the cooler days and the warm, cozy evenings, nature offers us a harvest of ingredients to ignite our creativity in the kitchen. I love taking a moment to not only reflect, but celebrate the offerings that this season brings and explore lighthearted recipes that make the holiday gatherings truly memorable.
Apples: These crisp, sweet, and versatile fruits are the hallmark of fall. Whether you're picking them at the orchard or selecting the finest varieties at your local market, apples are the perfect canvas for both sweet and savory creations. From classic apple pies to cider-infused pancakes or roasts, they're a culinary staple for your November dinner parties.
Persimmons: With their vibrant orange hue and sweet, honey-like flavor, persimmons are a delightful addition to autumn dishes. Slice them into salads for a burst of color and sweetness or bake them into breads and muffins for a touch of elegance.
Pomegranates: These ruby-red jewels add a burst of juicy, tart flavor to any dish. Sprinkle their seeds (known as arils) over salads, use them to garnish roasted meats, or even create a pomegranate reduction to drizzle over desserts.
Kale: As the temperatures drop, hearty greens like kale come into their own. Sauté it with garlic and lemon for a simple side dish, or blend it into a creamy soup that warms the soul. Don't forget to make crispy kale chips for a nutritious and crunchy snack.
Kabocha and Butternut Squash: The earthy sweetness of these squash varieties is perfect for soups, stews, and roasted dishes. Purée them into creamy bisques or create a delightful butternut squash risotto with sage.
Pears: The soft, juicy flesh of ripe pears adds elegance to both sweet and savory courses. Poach them in red wine for a sophisticated dessert or pair them with blue cheese for an appetizer that's both simple and delicious.
As we gather at the tables for this season of thanks, don’t forget the deep connection between Thanksgiving and the bountiful harvest that was designed to sustain us through the colder months. We live in a society where it can be easily forgotten to celebrate the earth’s generosity, and honor the hardworking hands. It’s those hands that go into nurturing the land, so that we can reap its rewards.
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