Fall Feast, Autumn Harvest

        Autumn's Here!! My favorite time of year! This time of year produces a lot of wonderful ingredients that compliments this beautiful fall weather. Pumpkins, squash, broccoli, and beets are some of the vegetables that are picked during this season, as well as cranberries, apples, pears, and grapes are some of the fruits that are harvested this time of year. Pairing a roasted duck or rack of lamb with some pick of the season roasted root vegetables of squash, pumpkin, asparagus, and apples topped with some honey, rosemary, and garlic and adding some homemade red mashed potatoes with the skin on and a glass of a bold, smoky Cabernet Sauvignon to "round-out" this fall-inspired meal, ending it with a cranberry, pear, and apple tart topped with a dark rum caramel sauce. Making recipes from this selection of produce can be a great way to incorporate some family time and create lasting memories associated with this brisk, crisp, lively season. 

During this time, I've noticed my fondness for game meats. Venison bison, quail, duck, Cornish hens, rabbit, and other types of game can be roasted or broiled  along with other veggies to compliment the weather and the feel of the season. When I choose my meats (preferably organic or a really good quality from the Farmers' Market), I like to know that it's the freshest and at the prime of the season, just like m produce selection. Proteins can be chosen at any time of the year, seeing that their shelf life can exceed two weeks, but by purchasing frozen vegetables or frozen meats, you can keep "peak season" freshness well past their season. 

 This autumn season when you plan your "Autumn Feast" check out the produce that is rarely on display or is not in the front of your produce section. This tells you what's in season at that time and chances are, you can also get them at a bargain price. As far as the produce, be sure to speak with your butcher or the "man behind the meat counter" for any help or tips to picking out the produce that would pair well with the pre-selected produce. Jump in a pile of leaves, wrap up in a warm blanket by the fireplace, or just sit & share a cup of hot cinnamon apple cider (with just a dash of dark rum!!), and enjoy all of your "Tasty Bites"!! I've provided a link below to inspire you for your next dinner party or fall family gathering

Best Dishes & Autumn Wishes

Chef Tara L. Browning

P.S. -Autumn Recipes For You And Your Family To Enjoy!!  http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/season/seasonal_favorites_fall/