Labor Day has come and gone and those lazy Summer days have magically transformed into the pre-holiday countdown. In many parts of the country the arrival of Fall is heralded by the beautiful changing of leaves and a refreshing dip in the temperature, but in other parts of the country, like here in sunny South Florida, the change of season is not as discernible.
In these warmer climes it helps to usher in this oh so savor-worthy season with certain distinct rituals. Here are my 5 fabulous things that are sure to put you in the Fall frame of mind:
Butternut Squash Bisque, Porcini Mushroom & Barley Soup, Quick Coq au Vin and Pumpkin Pie Trifle are just a few recipes that beautifully showcase some of the favorite flavors of Fall. Simply pick a recipe based on one of your favorite flavors and practice up. By the time the holidays roll around you'll be ready to bring a delicious side dish or dessert and who knows, you might even feel like hosting the holiday meal yourself!
Rosé is the quintessential Summer wine and since 99% of rosé produced is best consumed upon release, NOW is the time to drink up! Maybe an "End of Summer Rosé Soirée" (yes, I used to have pink hair!) is the way to go depending on how many bottles you have left. But, in addition to drinking that rosé while it's fresh and delicious you also need to make room for those wines best suited for Fall such as Viognier and Pinot Noir, and let’s not forget those deeper, full-bodied rosés.
There's nothing like witnessing the changing of the leaves from vibrant green to magnificent shades of red, gold and brown to put you in the mood for Fall. And while we’re all a little reticent to hop on a place right now given the Coronavirus crisis, a great region for leaf peeping might be a quick road trip away! So pack your cozy sweater and comfy boots and head to one of the many U.S. regions known for fabulous Fall foliage. Some of our favorites include Boston, Massachusetts; Cashiers, North Carolina; and Boulder, Colorado (for more information, please click here).
Do you like to dress up for Halloween but usually end up throwing together a makeshift costume at the very last minute? Well forget that ratty old witch's hat and plan to host your own Halloween Costume party this year! With COVID still looming, keep things small and intimate but even planning something small will still get you in the spooky spirit. Put the word out now using these super fun, stylish invitations and have fun planning your costume in addition to all the party details. And NO Halloween party is complete without this deliciously gruesome recipe for Savory Severed Arm in Marinara Sauce!
Perhaps one of my favorite things about this time of year is the music. Whether you're driving in the car, making dinner in the kitchen, or taking a brisk walk be sure to keep your favorite Fall playlist on the ready. Some of our favorite songs for the season include Lady Gaga's "Orange Colored Sky"; Vince Guaraldi's "Great Pumpkin Waltz"; and "Autumn in New York" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.
I hope these suggestions help make your transition into Fall more enjoyable. What are some of your favorite things that put you in an Autumn state of mind?
And if you’d like to receive a decadent morsel of deliciousness in your inbox every Saturday, please sign up to receive my free, weekly newsletter, “The GG Guide to Wine + Food” by clicking here. It’s a treasure trove of seasonally-inspired, Sommelier-selected wines, recipes, pairings + travel tips. xo
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Stephanie Miskew
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