confessions of an autumn lover

 I really love autumn. Everything about it. The changing colors of the trees, the crunch and crackle of leaves as you walk through them. The nip in the air as you step out the door. Wearing cozy sweaters and scarves, drinking tea and making savory soups. 

I'm sad to see it fade into winter. The skies have been grey here more often than blue. There are still lots of leaves on the trees but more and more are sent swirling to the ground when a wind comes up. I've been savoring every moment, not knowing when it's going to end. Playing in the leaves with Kilmeny, going for a spur of the moment walk, drinking in the air with great delight. And then there are all the delightful food related autumn gifts. Oh my. Scones and breads, soups and stews.

Apple-picking, pumpkin selecting, stocking up on squashes and parsnips. Love every moment of it. But I had an epiphany this week. 

I don't really like pumpkin. I actually said it, out loud. I like the idea of pumpkin. I see recipes for pumpkin soup, pumpkin scones, white pumpkin hot chocolate and I think 'ooh, that sounds good'. They all sound so autumn-ish, the perfect addition to a cool day. Don't get me wrong. I made some pumpkin soup and it was actually really good. I made lots so we can enjoy it in November as well. I enjoy a slice of pumpkin bread slathered with butter and a mug of hot cocoa. But the pumpkin cinnamon rolls I made? Not so good. Not like I had hoped. I much prefer cinnamon rolls, warm and sweet. Same with pumpkin spice latte, the idea sounds lovely but I don't really care for the taste.

I still get excited when I see the bins of pumpkins everywhere this time of year- orange and white, big and small. I have lots of decorating ideas with the pumpkins but then you have to do something with them and therein lies my dilemma. 

Apples on the other hand are the epitomy of autumn to me. Whether they're handpicked or not, they are delicious any way I've had them - sweet or savory, raw or cooked. We have them in our morning oatmeal with a little bit of cinnamon, they make a great afternoon snack and apple pie is simply lovely.

And then you have sweet potatoes. I bought several to make into food for Kilmeny and thought I would bake some up for our supper one night. But then I thought about sweet potato fries and changed my mind. Oh boy. We loved those things. It was a completely new experience and it was a delish one. We will definitely be eating them this way again. Cut into wedges, tossed with olive oil, sea salt and freshly ground pepper, I baked them for 25 minutes and we ate the whole pan. In a hurry.They were that good. Kilmeny won't be the only one eating sweet potatoes around here anymore. 

October is nearly over but I have apples in my pantry and freezer and a delicious new scone recipe to try. I don't think November will be all gray. =) 

Tell me, what are your favorite autumn treats?  

   all photos credit of my wonderful husband who lets me use his amazing shots on my blog, these were taken at the Jean-Talon market here in Montreal