I’m excited to share some of my favorite fall recipes with you. Southeast Louisiana does not enjoy the four seasons as do many other parts of the country. We are accustomed to 1 1/2 – 2 seasons with prolonged, hot, and humid summers and short, cold, and damp bone chilling winters. Spring and fall are fleeting. Each day that we wake up to cool, crisp temperatures is always appreciated and noteworthy. We like to cram our festivals and as many outdoor activities as possible into these brief bursts of beautiful days.
Every year something happens towards the end of September and in early October. You have to wait patiently for this almost indiscernible change. One morning when you least expect it, the air begins to bristle and become crisp and a little breezy. The sky is clear and appears to be a brighter yet more gentle blue. Could it be? Yes, the passing of summer has begun. Fall is finally arriving.
I am already searching the nurseries and the farmer’s markets for the sumptuous colors of autumn flowers, fruits and vegetables. I welcome the vivid russet, saffron, scarlet and rich golden hues that nature has to offer. I am dreaming of longer nights, shorter days, and comfort food, of course. I can’t wait for the butternut squash, sweet potatoes, collard and turnip greens, satsumas, kumquats, and pumpkins to announce the arrival of fall . I can already smell the dark rich stews and colorful fall vegetable soups simmering on my stove.
Paging through my recipe collection, I found a few of my favorite fall recipes that I wanted to share with you.
Yes, it is gumbo season. My cast iron dutch oven is calling for a rich roux and flavorful stock. Try my Seafood Gumbo or my Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo.
Looking for a vegetarian full meal soup? My traditional Italian version of Minestrone or the Butternut Squash or creamy Cauliflower Soup will meet those criteria.
I was also thinking that Caponata or Ratatouille would be a great way to show off the fall vegetable crop featuring dark purple eggplant and colorful golden and saffron colored squash.
Dessert? Try my Apple Crisp as the perfect ending to your fall feast.
Yes, fall is in the air. Bring it into your kitchen and simmer it on your stove with these fall recipes!
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