fall is here

Fall really is bittersweet for me. I love it because it's a time to make some of my most favorite dishes but on the other hand it's the end of my garden season. Currently, my herbs are trying to stick it out, I can tell that they are on their way to dying off for the season which leaves me wondering what I can do with them all. I know the usual: dry them, freeze them, pesto, etc. but I like them so much better when they are freshly picked. I will say though, my chickens are enjoying this whole process because every time something is on it's way out, I give it to them to eat. They also love that I allow them free reign of the garden, you wanna eat it, go right ahead. Anyways, last weekend I had the pleasure of apple picking for the first time this season and sitting at home I have roughly twenty pounds of apples. I already made a wonderful sauteed apple pie which is currently adorning my countertop, waiting until it gets dispersed to the neighbors, something I frequently do when I bake.

My fall offerings are some of my favorite foods. Last night I came up with a spiced macadamia nut biscotti which I thought was pretty fantastic. It tasted almost like gingerbread but a little more subtle. Then there is my pumpkin and sage ravioli which I only make this time of year. I like to use freshly pureed pumpkin, nothing out of a can. I take the pumpkin, cut it in half and roast it with lots of bold favors and a little bit of brown sugar. Combined with lots of fresh sage and just a hint of ricotta...yum. From there, you let it swim around in a little sage brown butter sauce and you have yourself a wonderful meal that is simple in nature but so divine.

What I love even more about fall, however, is the surroundings. Outside my bedroom window is this bright fantastic tree with these big red leaves that almost looks like it's on fire. Every morning upon waking up I take a second to look at it. I urge you all to take a moment and look around at fall, it goes away so quickly. One day the leaves are turning and about to fall and the next snow is gathering on the ground. Take some time out and cook your favorite meal as well while it is cool but not freezing and most of all: enjoy fall flavors. They are so delicious!

local finds that made my day.

Yesterday my husband and I decided to get out of the house, since the day prior we spent lounging around. I also, needed the day away from my kitchen. Cooking & baking sometimes has a way of getting to you, especially after piping many many macarons. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and it was hot which is a nice surprise in the end of September. We started our journey with some apple picking because honestly, there is no better way to make pies then with something you pick yourself. We gathered two large bags of apples, about fifteen pounds or so and made our way out and about once again. While driving, Josh spotted an alpaca farm with a large sign that boasted an open house. Personally, I can not think of anything better because I LOVE me an alpaca. They are beautiful animals with some real charisma. What I was not expecting, however, was the warm and wonderful greeting we received from the owner, Roberta. She came outside immediately when we pulled up with a warm smile on her face. She urged us to come inside so that she could show us what she was all about. We walked into a gorgeous, rustic in appearance shop with yarn in bright colors all over the place. Roberta uses her alpacas to gather their wool, spin it (on a device that is more than authentic) and then create truly beautiful pieces of art: yarn, hats, boots, whatever her heart desires. She also sells items from Peru, locally raised beef & will be expanding in the future with eggs and other items. After we were done looking around in the shop we were taken outside to see the animals, which were kept in the cutest barn I have ever seen with lots and lots of free range space. Her daughter, helped my daughter to feed to animals and was more than willing to answer all my questions, some of which I am sure sounded quite dumb. After we were done there, I went back inside the shop to buy a few items and continue talking with Roberta. I was amazed at what she was doing here, which in my humble opinion, is really great things. Roberta was willing to talk with me about my future ventures and appreciated my "use local, buy local, be local" approach. It's a place I will be visiting often to visit the animals I can't own myself & to snatch up some great gift ideas for the holidays. It has a really warm feel to it and I urge everyone to check it out.

Rumination Farm
8 Weeping Willow Way
North Yarmouth, ME
207-829-8478

After the alpaca farm we had a little lunch which gave us the energy to keep moving. Our next discovery was Jordan's Farm, a well stocked farm stand with all sorts of delicious and fresh items. However, that was not the highlight of my experience there. Right next to the farmstand was a little tiny house, it almost looked like a fancy shed and it was labeled "The Well." I thought to myself, maybe a coffee shop or something, so I went inside and asked. What I found in there was a one person, tiny, yet extremely well stocked kitchen. Cooking up a storm was the owner of this little place, Jason Williams. He was obviously busy but was more than willing to chat with me about what he was up to in this little place. It's a gourmet restaurant that has no seating inside, only outside, weather permitting you come with friends and family, bring your own drinks if you want something other than water and iced tea and just eat great food. Because Jason has minimal overhead, he can charge much less for amazing five star meals. And the setting is much more laid back and comfortable. Jason buys everything local and most of what he cooks comes right from the farm stand he is located next to. He has a deep seeded buy local philosophy that takes center stage in his food.

The Well
21 Wells Road
Cape Elizabeth, ME
207-831-9350

I was so inspired by what I saw, I left feeling revived, refreshed and ready to get back in the kitchen.
Check these places out, you will LOVE THEM!