Sunday, November 1, 2009

Autumn Harvest

I hope everyone had a safe and spooky Halloween! Check out our Spooky Treats and Spirits here.
This week's cooking club theme is Autumn Harvest.
A celebration of the bounty of the earth, generally before the cold or cooler weather sets in. Autumn harvest may mean something different in your part of the world, and we look forward to learning about it!

Eat the Seasons lists the following produce as being in season in North America now:

VEGETABLES
bell peppers, beet, broccoli, broccolini, brussels sprouts, butternut squash, cauliflower, celery root, chard, collards, fennel, garlic, leeks, parsnip, potatoes (maincrop), pumpkin, rutabaga, salsify, spinach, sweet potatoes, sunchoke, wild mushrooms

FRUIT & NUTS
almonds, apples, chestnuts, cranberries, pears, persimmon, pomegranate
There may be more in your area, check your local resources if you are unsure.

"Our deep respect for the land and its harvest is the legacy of generations of farmers who put food on our tables, preserved our landscape, and inspired us with a powerful work ethic."
James H. Douglas

So come celebrate the fruits of the land's long labours and cook up an Autumn Harvest dish from one of Nigella's books or online recipes.
Be sure to post them on your blog by November 8th...and then link your I Heart Cooking Clubs post of the week's permalink with Mr. Linky, below, so we can all see your fabulous cooking club creation! Please leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.



17 comments:

Heather S-G said...

Oh, great photos!!! This could be my favorite theme yet..love harvest time :D That picture of Nigella holding the pomegranate is so cool...esp since that's what I'm gonna be using ;) ...may have to snag that pic!

Deb in Hawaii said...

Just posted yummy Pear & Ginger Muffins from Nigella Express. I made them a bit healthier and they are a perfect treat for an autumn harvest.

NKP said...

Awesome Deb! Ship one up for my breakie!
My harvest dinner is up, featuring Butternut Squash with Pecans and Blue Cheese. Yum!

Arlene Delloro said...

I'm not sure if I'm doing the "Mr. Linky thing" right, but I put up my autumn harvest post. Nigella's mini meatloaves with mashed turnips and sauteed escarole was a great meal. Love this new club.

NKP said...

Yep - the link is good! Love those mini meatloaves and mash!

Kim said...

Good morning! It's freezing here and I'm submitting ice cream :D I think I've lost my mind. It doesn't scream autumn harvest, but pomegranates are in season ;D

Heather S-G said...

Oh, me too!! My Pomegranate sherbet is up :D

NKP said...

Yes! Two time pomegranates! What a delicious day.

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

Here's my first post for the I Heart Cooking Clubs...I made Nigella's Spinach Salad with Pumpkin Seeds and Avocado, but ADDED dried cranberries and sliced pears. I also used a Cranberry Balsamic vinaigrette in replacement of her dressing. THIS IS SURE FUN! Hopefully, I'll be able to try one of her recipes that's a little more difficult. Bye for now....and yes, those pomegranates are just gorgeous, so I had to buy some to experiment with! Roz

Kim said...

Did anyone see that Nigella is going to be on Top Chef next week? The contestants will be cooking her breakfast in bed! Definitely one to watch :D I can't imagine Nigella as a judge though, she's just too nice.

Heather S-G said...

Cable! I WANT CABLE!

NKP said...

I wonder what year it will make it to Canada? ;-)

Joanna said...

I hope I did this right, as it's my first post here! It was difficult to find recipes for things in season without using something that others had alrady done (like squash and pomegranate) so I may have stretched a bit, but I did use produce from my local farmer's market!

And I can't wait for next week's Top Chef!

Deb in Hawaii said...

Kim--I saw that and I am excited to see her on the show. She doesn't need to be too mean there are others for that! ;-)

Joanne--Your lentil soup (with the bacon) works for me for autumn! ;-) Welcome to IHCC.

Kathleen said...

I am so excited! This is the first cooking club I've joined. I love how this club allows you to cook anything you want that relates to the theme and chosen chef! I also thing it's cool that the chosen chef will be changing. I cook all the time (obviously) and I have more cookbooks than I care to count but I've never tried a Nigella recipe or book. I'm looking forward to trying new things with a community of great people. Thank you soooo much for letting me join!!!

Heather S-G said...

We are equally as excited to have you, Kathleen! Welcome :D

Suzie said...

I'm late I'm late I'm late - so sorry, but here is my autumn offering: pumpkin, feta and radicchio salad. It was great.