October 2, 2010

Delicious Autumn

Local Apples

Oh Autumn.  How I've missed you!

Yes, I love the fresh produce of summer:  cherries, tomatoes, basil, peaches, apricots, zucchini, nectarines, melons, all best served with a minimum of fuss.  And I love the simplicity of summer "cooking."
But I have to admit that by the time August 15th rolls around I can hardly face another salad.  I long to get the Le Creuset out of storage and do some serious cooking!

French Road Sign

Then comes autumn!  Give me braises.  A bubbling pot of minestrone.  Tarte Tatin and poached pears.  Homemade sausage, pepper and onion pizza.  Pumpkin, Brussels sprouts and Savoy cabbage.  Long simmered lamb curries.  Confit de Canard and Cassoulet.

I plan on savoring every moment.  And every bite.

Cassoulet Hot Out of the Oven
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18 comments:

Unknown said...

Get the Le Creuset out of storage and do some serious cooking!

Autumn is my favourite time of year as well!

Betty Carlson said...

I agree, I quite like autumn food and making nice hot dishes. I also have some cooking mojo back, so hope to make a few nice things over the next few months.

Nanette said...

I gladly give you autumn, apples, rain, pears, scarves, coats, gloves and soup!

Just give me some sunshine, already!!!

Richard said...

We've already started on the pot-au-feu!

Graham said...

Re. fruits I'm going to hang on to summer as long as possible. I love pears, apples and the orange family but they're going to have to sustain me until April/May - along with dates, prunes, quinces and the occasional pineapple.

Unknown said...

What beautiful photos! I love this time of year.

Amanda said...

After the heat of summer, fall is always welcome with its nice change of pace.
I was at "Sur la table" today. The salesperson was pushing for Staub instead of Le Creuset. I have few pots of the last one so I didn't want to spend more money on Staub.
I noticed that "William Sonoma" likes Staub too, having more of them in their stores than Le Creuset. I told the saleswoman that I didn't want to buy anything made in China; she said it was the concern of most choppers now days.

Jennifer said...

Keith
Oh, I already have!

Betty
Enjoy the mojo! Your family must be happy. :)

Nanette
A fair trade. Sending the sun right on down to you. Happy spring!

Richard
Funny, I was thinking about making Pot au Feu this weekend too. How was it?

Graham
I miss the peaches and nectarines in the winter, but love citrus as well. For me, ripe garden tomatoes are the hardest to give up.

Katie
Thanks. I love it too!

Nadege
Never owned Staub, and I rarely see it for sale here. Of course, there aren't any kitchenware shops in the neighborhood! :)
Sur la Table is my favorite store!

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

We started with soups and casseroles and winter warmers a few weeks ago ...

lady jane grey said...

I'd love autumn - but it's here now, with rain, wind and 10°C and I'll be crying for my beloved summer (or at least spring) for another 6-7 months...

Diane said...

I love autumn and winter foods I just hate the cold though :-( Diane

Jennifer said...

Anne
I hope you're enjoying them!

lady jane grey
It's always difficult when the seasons change so abruptly, and I hate it when it is really, really cold. But I love the cool weather, wearing sweaters, scarves, boots and eating rich autumn food.

diane
I don't like the bitter cold either, though it can be beautiful when everything is covered in frost and the sun is shining.

Cynthia in the French Alps said...

I love this time of year in the French Alps since it's harvesting time. I'll like it even more in two weeks when the vineyards turn their autumn colors. And then it will be time to start cooking from my French Alps Cookbook - I call it French comfort food. Love the photos.

Anonymous said...

You've made me hungry for Fall too! (Good thing, because it's definitely here.)

spacedlaw said...

What a wonderful looking cassoulet!
I am also thrilled by the appearance of new local apples.

Jennifer said...

Cynthia
The leaves are just starting to turn here and it is gorgeous!
It must be so beautiful up in the Alps.

camille
Yes, it definitely arrived quickly this year!

spacedlaw
That was taken a couple of years ago at Camp Cassoulet in Gascony. I haven't made one yet this year though we had some at our friend's house last weekend. A dish I look forward to every year!

emiglia said...

Wow... that photo is absolutely amazing. I want cassoulet now!!

Jennifer said...

emiglia
It was the best cassoulet ever! Cooked in Gascony with friends. Doesn't get much better. :)