Comments (0)Ready, Set, Go For Winter!
November 13, 2009Hilary Belz
Special to the Jewish Times
Here we go again. Winter seems to all but erase the welcome signs of fall much too quickly. While some are eagerly unpacking sweaters and blankets and anticipating that first run down the ski slopes, I am busy uncovering crockpots and Dutch ovens and resigning myself to spending my free time in slippers as much as possible this winter.
Trips to the farmers’ market are few and far between and I use the last of the fall harvest as an opportunity to make sure my freezer is stocked as full as it can be. Thawed blueberries from long summer days are added to everything until they are gone; homemade pesto is a perfect addition to soups, when you need a midwinter pick-me-up.
It’s the modern-day human equivalent to hibernation. Aside from the fun of pumpkin-carving, winter sledding and snowy day outings, we like to get cozy at the end of the day and stay put — fire crackling, something baking in the oven, a good book and a blanket. The last thing you want to do is run to the grocery store in order to fix a meal!
The first frost reminds me to stock up on basics and find some quick and easy meal ideas that I can throw together quickly to make a satisfying menu. Corn muffins can be used at any time of the day. Chili can be a quick lunch on the go, or a yummy topping on hot dogs while we still have mild weather for grilling. Baked apples fill the home with the wonderful aroma of fall and a chilly Sunday is perked up with some gourmet pumpkin pancakes for brunch.
Most of these recipes use ingredients that can be stored in the pantry or freezer for a long time, so stock up while you can. My favorite activity in the cooling days of fall is picking apple! Stored in the refrigerator, apples will stay perfect for baking. If they become too soft, slice them and sauté with a bit of sugar and butter for a great topping on cakes and ice cream.
Hearty Baked Apples
Fast-Times Chili
Pumpkin Pancakes with Orange Whipped Cream
Hilary Belz is a local free-lance writer.
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