Next up in our series The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Fall Season is one of our personal favorites: incorporating seasonal ingredients into your life!
There’s something so special about fall. The crisp air, the golden leaves, and the cozy feeling that comes from settling into a home after a long day. One of the easiest ways to welcome the season is by filling your home with warm, comforting scents and flavors. And the easiest way to do that is through food– even if you aren’t cooking a meal.m
Create a cozy simmer pot
One of the simplest and more delightful ways to bring the essence of fall into your home is with a simmer pot. Imagine a gentle warmth spreading through your space, carrying notes of cinnamon, clove and citrus. But don’t limit yourself to just aromatic blends. You can create edible summer pots using ingredients like apple cores, orange peels and warm spices, which can then be strained and used as a base for mulled cider.
But basically, just bring apple/orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and water to a boil. Then turn down the heat to a gentle simmer and let the aroma over low run wild through your home!
Visit your local farmer’s market
One of the joys of fall is the opportunity to explore local produce abundance. Farmer’s markets not only provide fresh, seasonal produce but also supports small farms, artisans, and local businesses. Visiting a farmer’s market encourages mindfulness, connection, and creativity in the kitchen.
Seasonal ingredients to look for October and November include:
- Apples
- Pumpkins & Winter Squash
- Root Vegatables (like carrots, beats, turnips, and sweet potatoes)
- Greens
- Pears
- Corn
- Onions & Garlic
Curating a seasonal dish
Sure, you could just make a simmer pot… or you could actually make a meal without those seasonal ingredients. Nothing is cozier than a meal at home after spending the entire day cooking it!! Team PINCK challenges you to create a comfort meal (or dish) from scratch this season!! Simply, choose one of the ingredients listed above, find a recipe on Pinterest, and make it one Sunday afternoon! Make a weekend out of it but having friends join you at the farmer’s market, or for the meal you make!!!
Here are a few seasonal recipes MPR has tried (and trust us, if she can make it so can you):
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
- Pork Chops with Apples & Sage
- Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
- Apple Cider Chicken
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Apple Crumble Muffins
The magic of fall is in the details—the scents that fill the air, the vibrant produce made by nature, and the flavors that appear on the table. This season, take a little extra time to create these moments for yourself and your loved ones. Explore, cook, and savor the season—it’s amazing what a few thoughtful touches can do to make everyday life feel truly special.
Stay tuned for Step 4 of our series in the Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Fall Season coming live this Thursday morning!
