Savoring the Season: Autumn-Inspired Recipes and Preserves
As the vibrant colors of fall begin to paint the landscape, the team at Crooked Pines Farm is busy preparing for the season ahead. Autumn is a time of abundance, when our fields and orchards overflow with a bountiful harvest. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the wonders of farm nature and engage in educational activities with little ones, while also preserving the flavors of the season through homemade recipes and preserving techniques.
Let’s dive into the delicious world of autumn-inspired dishes and preserves that will have your family and friends savoring the flavors of the season.
Hearty Autumn Meals
As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal to nourish the body and soul. At Crooked Pines Farm, we love to showcase the seasonal produce in our autumn-inspired main dishes.
One of our family favorites is a Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Lasagna. We start by roasting cubes of butternut squash until they’re tender and caramelized, then layer them between lasagna noodles, a creamy béchamel sauce, and sautéed kale. The result is a dish that’s both hearty and nutritious, perfect for a cozy autumn evening.
Another autumn staple is our Apple Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder. We slow-cook the pork in a flavorful blend of apple cider, onions, and garlic, allowing the meat to become meltingly tender. Serve it over a bed of mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables for a truly satisfying meal.
Warming Soups and Stews
As the temperatures start to drop, nothing hits the spot quite like a piping hot bowl of homemade soup or stew. At the farm, we love to showcase the bountiful autumn produce in our seasonal offerings.
One of our most popular recipes is our Butternut Squash and Apple Soup. We roast the squash and apples until they’re soft and caramelized, then blend them into a silky-smooth soup. A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg lends warmth and depth of flavor, making this the perfect starter for a cozy autumn meal.
Another farm favorite is our Beef and Barley Stew. We sear cubes of beef until they’re golden-brown, then simmer them in a rich broth with carrots, celery, onions, and pearl barley. The result is a hearty, comforting stew that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
Autumn Baked Goods
No autumn celebration is complete without the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the air. At Crooked Pines Farm, we love to incorporate seasonal ingredients into our sweet and savory baked offerings.
One of our go-to recipes is our Apple Cider Donuts. We start by making a yeasted dough infused with apple cider and warm spices, then fry the donuts until they’re golden-brown and toss them in a cinnamon-sugar coating. These donuts are a true taste of autumn and a family favorite at our seasonal events.
Another autumn delight is our Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bread. We blend pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg into a soft, yeasted dough, then swirl it with a cream cheese filling. Sliced and toasted, this bread makes a wonderful breakfast or afternoon snack, especially when topped with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Preserving the Harvest
As the bounty of autumn fills our fields and orchards, we’re busy preserving the flavors of the season to enjoy long after the leaves have fallen. At Crooked Pines Farm, we believe in making the most of our harvest through various preserving techniques.
One of our favorite projects is canning homemade jam. Whether it’s our Spiced Pear Jam or our Cranberry-Orange Relish, the process of water bath canning allows us to capture the essence of autumn’s bounty in a jar. These jams and preserves are not only delicious on toast or scones, but they also make wonderful gifts for family and friends.
We also love to dehydrate our surplus of apples, pears, and berries. These dried fruits make for healthy, portable snacks and can be used in baking, oatmeal, or as a topping for yogurt and ice cream. The kids especially enjoy helping with the dehydrating process and then designing custom dried fruit blends.
Additionally, we’ve had great success with fermented autumn vegetables, such as pickled carrots, beets, and radishes. Not only do these fermented treats add a flavorful crunch to our meals, but they also provide beneficial probiotic bacteria that support gut health.
Autumn Fun and Learning
As the seasons change, Crooked Pines Farm is a hub of activity and exploration for families. We believe that autumn is the perfect time to immerse little ones in the wonders of nature and the magic of the farm.
One of our most popular educational offerings is our farm nature trail. Kids can follow the winding path, spotting migratory birds, pollinating insects, and the vibrant fall foliage. Along the way, they’ll learn about the important role these organisms play in the health of our ecosystem.
Another favorite activity is our pumpkin patch. Families can wander through the patch, selecting the perfect pumpkin to take home and transform into a jack-o’-lantern or use in seasonal baking. We also offer pumpkin painting and pumpkin carving workshops, where little ones can let their creativity shine.
For those who love to get their hands dirty, our gardening workshops are a must. Children can learn about seed germination, transplanting, and mulching, and even plant their own autumn-themed container garden to take home.
No matter how you choose to spend your autumn at Crooked Pines Farm, one thing is certain: you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the season, a belly full of delicious homemade treats, and memories that will last a lifetime.
