It’s official: The cooler temperatures are slowly inching their way into the nights and the days are getting just a wee bit shorter. Fall is quickly upon us and while part of me revels in it – there’s nothing like the home baked smell of fresh pumpkin pie and slow roasted turkey in the oven – another part is saddened to bid farewell to the luscious ingredients of Summer.
Sure, we still have a few weeks left of sunshine, shorts and Summer picnics on the beach but let’s be honest: We’re already seeing Halloween candy at the market, long sleeved sweaters in the shops and the berries are starting to decline at the farmer’s market.
Fall is on its way. And with it, cozy gatherings of friends, family and great food. To make sure you’re ready for it, I’ve compiled a 6 point list to help you get ready for Autumn and all the fantastic occasions it brings so you’re ready when the leaves officially start to fall. Here are 6 Ways to Prepare your Fall Kitchen.
As the days grow shorter (I’m sure you’ve noticed it, yes?) the first frost creeps up like your tomato vines. Everything is perfectly adorable and small and fine and then bam! Tomato city. The same goes for the first frost and you don’t want to lose any of your harvest (or flowers).
After the bountiful weeks of Summer produce (and all the canning, preserving and freezing that goes with it), you’re likely to be up to the roof in saved seasonal goodies. Make sure everything is labelled, in freezer safe and appropriate containers, and take inventory – don’t let all those treats go to waste over the colder months. Make sure you know what you have so you can plan your meals accordingly.
3. While you’re at it, re-stock your spice pantry.
With new produce coming into season and cooler temperatures outside, you’ll want to make sure your cupboards are loaded up with warm flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon, cloves, vanilla and everything else that feels cozy like sugar and spice.
Note: Spices and dried herbs actually have a shelf life between 6 to 12 months before they lose their optimal flavor. So out with the old, in with the new.
4. Get festive!
Find a whack ton of pumpkins and gourds and put them everywhere. In fact, I’m so obsessed with this idea, I’ve created a Pinterest board simply for that very purpose. If you don’t follow me there yet, no worries. You can do so now.
5. Figure out how to prepare Winter vegetables.
Just because the tomatoes, zucchini and fresh berries stop coming, doesn’t mean there isn’t new and exciting produce to be found, cooked and inhaled! Use the change in seasons as an opportunity to experiment with new textures, flavors and experiences. Some of these wow moments can come from ingredients like cauliflower, hearty leafy greens, tender mushrooms, luscious apples, sweet pumpkin or crunchy brussel sprouts!
6. House “Stuff”.
On the surface, this is probably the least fun out of all the Fall Kitchen “to do’s”. But underneath, you can save money this Winter by ensuring your house is operating at optimal efficiency. Check to make sure your eves are cleaned out, there aren’t any gaps between the windows, doors and seals, clean the microwave, oven & stove top, turn off the air conditioner & prepare the furnace, and get some energy efficient light bulbs. The best part? If you save money by investing in these things early in the season, you can spend more money on great ingredients and entertaining over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years!
Keep Eating! Keep Innovating!
Are you gearing up your Fall kitchen yet? What do you do to get cool weather ready? Share your thoughts below or on our Facebook page!
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