With summer sadly behind us, it’s time to focus on the fall. As the air gets crisp, the days get shorter, and the sweaters get comfier, fall flavours are all the rage. If cinnamon’s calling your name and pumpkin sparks joy for you, we’ve got you covered with some of the best bites of fall.
Pumpkin spice—love it or leave it, it’s everywhere this time of year. But beyond lattes and pie, pumpkin is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile ingredient that’s readily available on store shelves. If your sweet tooth is driving you crazy with cravings, try pumpkin scones, tarts, or even chocolates for a sweet after dinner treat or coffee time pick-me-up. If you’re more of a savoury soul, try creamy and comforting pumpkin soup that’s sure to warm you up on cold days. Or bring on the carbs and comfort food with a pumpkin risotto.
Easy Pumpkin Soup
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- ½ cup croutons
Method:
- In a skillet, cook bacon until slightly crisp. Remove bacon from skillet but keep the grease.
- Add onion to skillet and cook to soften. Once opaque, stir in garlic. Cook for a couple of minutes, then stir in the brown sugar.
- Add the chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil then reduce to low heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add pumpkin and cream and heat through. Discard bay leaf and using a hand blender, puree until smooth.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon parsley and pour into soup bowls. Garnish with cream, croutons and crumbled bacon and remaining parsley.
Autumn and apples. They just go together. And while we all love a flaky apple strudel or a fresh apple fritter, apples and cocktails are a classic combo that’s just as good, if not better. Cap off a crisp autumn evening with a sparkling dry cider or warm up with an apple hot toddy.
Apple Hot Toddy
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 ounces apple bourbon or apple whiskey
- 5 ounces apple cider, to taste
- Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Method
- Heat the cider and warm the mug of your choice by filling it with hot water and letting it sit.
- Dump out the water and coat the bottom of the mug with honey.
- Add the bourbon or whiskey to the mug.
- Fill with hot apple cider and stir well.
- Garnish with cinnamon stick and enjoy.
From Cobs Bread to Purdys to Fairway Market or Signature BC Liquor Store, Westshore Town Centre has you covered for your fall flavour fest. Enjoy fall to the fullest, and bon appetit!