Fall flavors to start enjoying now
Autumn is in the air, and with the season comes the bounty of its harvests! For home cooks and bakers, the autumn season is rife with fresh produce and flavors that evoke the feelings of cozy nights, crisp mornings and all things fall. Sphinx Date Co. suggests the following fall flavors to start enjoying this season.
Apples and pears—these fruits are so versatile, they can be paired with both sweet and savory flavors. Think apple crumble, pear slices served with baked brie or slivers of either on a grilled panini with arugula, Swiss cheese and tomato, finished with a balsamic drizzle. Chef’s kiss!
Pumpkin—Of course, pumpkin is going to top this list! This gorgeous gourd shows up in all types of products today, well beyond pumpkin spice lattes. However, few things beat a classic pumpkin cream cheese roll or good old pumpkin pie.
Cinnamon—A baker’s best friend in the fall season. Cinnamon can spice up a chai latte, apple cider, coffee cake or apple pie.
Dates—Fresh dates are so versatile. They can be enjoyed plain or in a variety of dishes, from salads and sides to mains and desserts. Consider adding them to a pumpkin smoothie for a wholesome and delicious boost of nutrients. Or add diced dates to an autumn salad featuring roasted beets or butternut squash (more on that one later...). Dates are also a great accompaniment to rice or pasta dishes, as well as in roasts.
Maple—Like dates, maple syrup is an excellent substitute for refined sugar in a variety of recipes, and it adds a warm, unmistakable flavor. Maple scones are a delicious way to wake up on a chilly fall morning. It can also be enjoyed as a vinaigrette to drizzle over roasted vegetables or a hearty salad.
Butternut Squash—Is there anything cozier than sipping soup on a cloudy fall day? Butternut squash soup is hearty, delicious and quite simple to make at home. Top with a drizzle of cream and a few toasted pepitas for a meal that warms the soul.
Sweet Potato—Another fall flavor that can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. A simple baked sweet potato can be topped to the heart’s desire as a side dish with a steak dinner, but it can also be added to that aforementioned roasted veggie salad or side dish. Of course, sweet potato pie and sweet potato casserole are the stars of the show come holiday hosting time.
Pecan—It’s nearly impossible to talk about holiday pies without mentioning pecan! But aside from pie, pecans are scrumptious flavor bombs that add texture and crunch to desserts, salads, side dishes and more. Consider adding it to a baked brie wrapped in phyllo dough or as part of a fall trail mix.
Cranberry—Cranberries don’t get the credit they deserve. They are flavorful, nutritious and add a beautiful pop of color to fall recipes. Think cranberry orange muffins, dried cranberries on a green salad or a cranberry chutney on turkey sandwiches.
As fall continues, experiment with these delicious flavors of the season. And don’t forget Sphinx Date Co. for all your dates, nuts and other pantry provisions.