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October 2024 Newsletter
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October brings the last of my garden’s summer produce, pumpkins, apple picking, cozy sweaters, and warm comforting soups and stews! It’s the season for crisp air, the crackle of bonfires, and gathering with loved ones under the stars. There’s something magical about these autumn moments—the warmth of the fire, the scent of leaves, and the joy of cozying up with a cup of cider in hand. It’s a time to savor the beauty of the season and the simple pleasures that make life feel a little fuller.
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Cozy and Comforting
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Nothing heralds in the cooling temperatures like a warm, hearty meal full of flavor. This Whipped Cottage Cheese and Burst Tomatoes is mild and creamy, balancing the sweet, juicy pop of the tomatoes. Together, they offer a light and satisfying contrast of creamy and tangy flavors. My version of Moroccan Cauliflower, Chicken, and Apricot Tagine blend warm spices with savory chicken and cauliflower, while apricots add sweetness and olives bring a salty, briny bite. It’s a mix of rich, sweet, and savory flavors (and it can be made vegetarian, if so desired). My White Bean Soup with Chili Pepper Oil Drizzle is a velvety and comforting soup, with a smooth, mellow flavor. The chili pepper oil adds a spicy, smoky heat that cuts through the richness for a balanced finish.
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Whipped Cottage Cheese and Burst Tomatoes
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Moroccan Chicken, Cauliflower, & Apricot Tagine
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White Bean Soup with Chili Pepper Oil Drizzle
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Tip of the Month
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Make Your Own Garlic Breadcrumbs
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This is an all-purpose breadcrumb recipe which can be adjusted for vegan or gluten free diets. Use it to add crunch and flavor to the top of casseroles and pasta dishes.
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Pumpkins-a-Plenty!
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What’s better than warm autumn spices mixed with sweet and or savory pumpkin? Not much, and here are three of my favorite recipes using pumpkin. In this Pumpkin Espresso Martini, the bitterness of espresso mixes with the spiced sweetness of pumpkin, creating a smooth, cozy twist on a classic martini. My Savory and Sweet Pumpkin Pancakes are a blend of sweet pumpkin and savory spices, offering a balanced, warm flavor and fluffy texture. Bonus, it can be made gluten free. My Creamy Mac ‘n’ Not Cheese dish is rich and creamy with savory, nutty notes, delivering the comforting taste of mac and cheese without dairy.
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Savory and Sweet Pumpkin Pancakes
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Creamy Mac ‘n’ Not Cheese
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Product Spotlight
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KitchenAid 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
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I love this mixer. It’s small enough to fit on the counter, and large enough to tackle all your holiday backing plus it’s on sale now!
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I am an Amazon Affiliate seller, and Very Smart Ideas contains affiliate links.
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The Garden’s Last Gasps
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As the seasons shift from the warmth of summer to the crispness of fall, our kitchens follow suit, blending the vibrant flavors of late summer with the comforting heartiness of autumn. These dishes help us embrace the transition, keeping the lightness of summer while introducing the richness and warmth we crave as the days grow shorter. It’s a delicious way to savor the best of both worlds, easing into fall one meal at a time. For a vibrant mix of sweet and sour flavors with a touch of umami, try my Vietnamese Tomato Salad. It pairs fresh, juicy tomatoes with a bright, tangy dressing. For a great mix of summer and fall, opt for the Fennel, Melon and Blueberry Salad with Balsamic Vinegar: crisp fennel, sweet melon, and blueberries combine with the tangy depth of balsamic vinegar for a refreshing, sweet-tart flavor. In my Squash with Lemon and Tahini dish, sweet and earthy acorn squash is balanced by zesty lemon and creamy, nutty tahini, creating a rich yet refreshing dish.
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Fennel, Melon, and Blueberry Salad with Balsamic Vinegar
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Squash with Lemon and Tahini
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"And all at once, summer collapsed into fall."
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