By Julia Howard
The whoosh of fall is here. It’s the time of year when we trade beach bags for light jackets, mums and pumpkins replace annual outdoor flowers, and summer salads give way to warm, comforting meals. While our lives are busy with obligations and activities, here are some ideas to slow down and get in the season’s spirit.
Fall Decor
The season’s harvest of pumpkins and gourds of all shapes, sizes, and textures encourages creativity in indoor and outdoor decor. Hardy fall plants such as mums and flowering kale offer a fresh burst of autumnal color to front steps and window boxes. You can also find cut flowers and stunning dried wreaths at the Wednesday and Saturday farmers’ markets.
Warm Meals
Cooler temperatures call for soups, stews, and oven-roasted meals that have the benefit of warming the house without turning on the heat. Fall produce such as squash, Brussels sprouts, and freshly dug potatoes are ideal for roasting with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stew meat, chicken, lamb, pork, and beef roasts are fall favorites. They are easy to prepare and result in flavorful meals.
Pumpkin Spice Everything
Love or loath, pumpkin spice is everywhere this time of year. Local producers do it right and use natural ingredients. From classic pumpkin pie by The Food Florist to pumpkin spice chèvre by Nettle Meadow, pumpkin spice products are aplenty at the farmers’ market. Are you looking to replicate the classic pumpkin pie spice yourself? Try Muddy Trail’s pumpkin streusel muffin mix and pumpkin pie seasoning (which is also excellent in pancakes on lattes, etc.).
Seasonal Comforts
Warm up with Feathered Antler’s soft knit hats and cozies as the temperature dips. Kim Dolan Designed has hand-dyed plush sweatshirts and long sleeve shirts. Kokinda Farm makes corn toasty warming pads perfect for relaxing and warming cold bed sheets. You can find comfort in a hot cup of locally roasted coffee or a custom tea blend from Something’s Brewing. Or maybe a Slate Valley Farms’ maple syrup drizzle on a steamy bowl of oatmeal. However you find comfort, fall encourages the pursuit.
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at High Rock Park. The farmers’ market will move to the Wilton Mall on November 5. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
