And so the autumn has arrived, even though it’s trying to fool us that it’s still summery outside: bright sunshine during the day, the trees only now starting to be dressed in vibrant colours other than green.
But the air is getting crisp and the mornings misty and dark. Mast year this autumn means there’s a carpet of acorns, conkers and chestnuts underfoot in forests and woodlands – and don’t miss on foraging for the latter! Instead of buying dubious quality chestnuts imported from China, go visit a nearby park and find a sweet chestnut tree – it isn’t hard to identify!
Autumn is the best time to enjoy home cooked food. This collection brings together my favourite recipes for cosy, comforting suppers and bakes with the autumn’s finest ingredients: from earthy mushrooms, sweet, tangy apples and pears to robust squashes.
This recipe is so versatile I don’t even know whether to classify it as a starter, dessert or a side dish. Pears are in season, and cheap, especially conference pears which are the best variety for cooking. These roasted pears are spiced with cinnamon and topped with melting Stilton blue cheese.
Spiced pears with blue cheese
RECIPE
Oven baked chicken chunks, breast fillet, thighs or the best: a mix, with grapes, olives and a few chestnut mushrooms look autumnal and taste divine. It shows that a sweet and salty combo is not just for caramel ice cream!
Chicken with grapes and olives
RECIPE
Autumn evenings mean casseroles, the warmth from the oven and the rich scent filling the kitchen. Venison casserole with mushrooms and red wine, cooked slowly, delivers tender and succulent meat with the flavour of juniper, thyme and the wind.
Nothing like a pie to beat the October chill! Chicken and mushroom pie with homemade Cheddar shortcrust pastry made from scratch, creamy chicken and wild mushroom filling: it’s not a very quick or easy recipe but a super tasty one. And how lovely to spend a couple of hours in the warm kitchen when the rain and wind howl outside!
Chicken and mushroom pie
RECIPE
Apple crumble is the easiest and nicest autumn dessert, put together in a few minutes and baked in half an hour. Apples and rum-steeped raisins covered with oat and cinnamon crumble are the perfect autumn weekend treat.
Pork mince and red kidney bean chilli is a wonderfully warming and easy budget dish. With dried chillies or even just chilli powder, beans cooked from scratch or tinned, the end result will always be comforting and rewarding.
Pork and red bean chilli
RECIPE
Kabocha squash gratin, a creamy, cheesy, delightfully comforting seasonal dish using a lesser known squash, also called Japanese pumpkin. The recipe is thoroughly homely though: kabocha slices are baked in cream and cheese flavoured with thyme.
Something of a challenge but you could be completely converted if you try: bigos, a traditional Polish dish. Also known as a hunters’ stew, it is a long-cooked, hearty pot of sauerkraut and assorted meats. Best after three days of cooking!
Sausage, pear and root vegetable tray bake with chestnut mushrooms and rosemary is an easy one pan dish that hits the comfort spot. Use your favourite sausages, plain English ones or smoked continental depending on your preference.
Sausage, pear and parsnip tray bake
RECIPE
Lasagne, but not as you know it and no, it’s not cabbage leaves replacing pasta but a cabbage filling between lasagne sheets. Pasta layered with delicious, lightly cooked spring cabbage with tomatoes. Surprisingly flavourful and delicious!