AUTUMN ENTERTAINING

It’s time to start thinking about entertaining for the holidays. This need not be stressful. Plan ahead, prep the day before, and don’t be afraid to ask for help in the kitchen.

One of the best things about cooking and entertaining during the fall is that there is plenty of fresh produce from the autumn harvest. The weather may be cooling but good quality ingredients are still available before winter sets in. Many nuts are at their freshest, and Brussels sprouts, squash varietals, heirloom tomatoes, root vegetables, peppers, and even many herbs are abundant.

And stop thinking that turkey is just for Thanksgiving. Enjoy it more often this fall and winter as the bird doesn’t need a day long cooking process. Get a fresh boneless breast, pound it to about 2-3 inches and pan roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes. The oven is also a great place to cook your fall produce. Many veggies, like those root-based, Brussels sprouts, and beets, when lightly oiled, salted and peppered, roast beautifully in the oven.