An Autumn Tapestry

As autumn begins, nature pulls back its curtains to reveal a spectacular show of color and richness. Autumn in New England is famous for its resplendent foliage as billions of leaves make the pilgrimage from green to a kaleidoscope of vibrant oranges, reds and yellows. Fall is marked by deep, saturated colors, warm, cozy clothing, hearty, savory foods and the smell of spices and toasty fires. Transitioning from summer to winter, amidst the symphony of colors, autumn is a time of harvest and family fun. It may very well be my favorite season.

If I had to describe fall and all that I love about it, these are the words that I would use:

wearing scarves

warming drinks ~ hot cider, hot tea, hot chocolate

apple picking: apple cider, apple pie, apple crumble, apple sauce, apple spice cake, caramel apples, apple cider donuts, candy apples

leather boots

gourds

wool shirts, socks, sweaters, scarves

homemade soups and stews (Pumpkin Soup recipe below)

worn-out jeans and old sweatshirts & hoodies

pumpkins: carving, decorating, pumpkin latte, pumpkin patch, jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin seeds

layering clothes

plaid flannel shirts and hiking boots

stepping on crunchy leaves

fairs

the smell of fresh cut firewood

football

fall spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice

flannel sheets

corn stalks, hay bales and scarecrows

hay rides

baking

snuggling up with an extra blanket

candy corn

wearing moccasins

chilly nights

road races

pinecones

outside fires and inside fires

big, bulky sweaters

foggy mornings and windy days

yellow, red and orange leaves

cinnamon and pumpkin scented candles

picnics

the smell of burning leaves

sleeping with the windows open

making s’mores, roasting marshmallows

hiking

As September comes to an end, fall is just springing into action. Today is the first day of fall ~ let the show begin! Let the pictures tell the story…

Happy Fall!

Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:
1/4 c. butter
1 c. chopped onion
1 garlic clove
1 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8-1/4 tsp. ground coriander
3 c. chicken broth
1 (16oz) can of pureed pumpkin
1 c. half and half

Directions:

Sauté onion and garlic in butter until soft. Add curry, salt and coriander. Cook for 1 minute. Add broth then low boil for 20 minutes. Stir in pumpkin along with half and half. Cook 5 minutes. Blend until smooth.  Can prepare in advance and reheat, but be careful not to boil. (find recipe here)

Happy Fall Y’all!