Fall recipes Archives - Feet Under My Table

Fall Inspiration at the Table

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 14:44:02 +0000

I find myself with a bit of fall inspiration at the table this morning. It seems like fall barely arrives in all of its color and beauty and then moves on quickly. I don’t want to miss any of it…do you? So, as I begin fall reflecting this morning, a bit of sharing of the beauty and fall happenings just needed to happen. First fall inspiration? The 50th Fort Massac Encampment. History from the French and Indian war to the 1800’s are always part of the history lessons reenacted and taught. Last weekend was the encampment. We had forgotten to add it to our calendar…so a later in the day visit turned out to be perfect. Scottish heritage means I listen to the bagpipes far longer than the rest of my family. Fall temperatures and leaves were beautiful and the sounds and smells that greeted us did not disappoint. We had never been to a closing of the day ceremony where all of the regiments gathered to lower flags, shoot cannons, and have their bands play their national anthems. From bagpipes and plaids, to gold buttons and flutes, on to Indian dances and dress, canoes on the shore, and food and crafts of the era on display and for sale, it was a beautiful mix of what took place on this land as part of our history. Besides the music—kettle corn, homemade root beer, lace making, and foods and crafts of the times were among our favorites. Sights of the group living included cooking by the fire. I was intrigued. As I meandered through their tents, I was surprised to see an actual wooden bed inside. The woman inside responded, “when you marry an officer, you get a bed.” Who knew? Fall always brings apples to inspire me. Before heading to the encampment, a visit to a local orchard brought a variety of apples home to add to the pantry. This week, I shared a favorite apple bread recipe, that I hope you will love. There are always two recipes I add to my pantry each fall with apples from local orchards: Both of these are sooooo easy to make and the joy brought by those who love them is immeasurable. I’m working on a few new recipes with those apples, so be watching! Where do you find fall inspiration? Is it a simple drive or walk through the changing leaves where you are? Visits to local shops and others out of town brightened my day. Frenchtown Station with friends never disappoints. Isn’t this lovely? More pumpkin time… Even stops along the way on an out of town trip this week brightened my day. Did you see my fairy pumpkin house post? This was a sweet addition to my great nieces’ fairy garden that was just too fun not to create. Isn’t it the sweetest? Oh, my goodness, I can’t tell you how much fun this was to make… How about adding one to a little girl’s bedroom for the season? My dress up, fairy loving, great nieces and granddaughters will love it! Even Martha has one…here’s Martha’s version of a fairy house pumpkin. More fall inspiration found this week… I realize that many of you are waiting to take down fall decor this week and go full on Christmas decorating. I have always loved waiting until after Thanksgiving since I love Thanksgiving decorations so very much. But, like many of you, Christmas decorations, ribbon and inspiration have already begun making their appearance in my home. Not gonna lie! I’ve already wrapped 10 Amazon Prime day gifts. Yep. That’s actually happened. Who am I? I always wish I could simplify Christmas and Magnolia always inspires me to lean that way. Wish me luck! Isn’t the mantel Magnolia shared this week beautiful? Biltmore reopens this week. Speaking of Christmas…November 2 is the anticipated reopening of Biltmore in Asheville, NC. If you are close and can join them to help support this community and families who live here, you might add it back to your calendar. One of my most treasured memories is Christmas at Biltmore…from candlelight evenings, daytime tours, and even a fireside chat by one of the previous employees at the estate when Vanderbilts still lived there. We only have a few more weeks of fall… As this next week ends October, the fall beauty of colored leaves and landscape will begin to transition. So, today? I’ll enjoy their beauty. Breathe in fall. Anticipate a family gathering soon for my birthday. Enjoy the transition of weather and seasons a bit more intentionally. Happy fall inspiration, friends. May you enjoy each moment better than ever. Much love for the season,

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Happy Fall from the Smokies

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 12:31:03 +0000

This week was a difficult one to navigate. A family trip had been planned for months and landed us close to the destruction and devastation from Helene. Do we cancel the trip to the Smokies? or support the local economy and continue? Hours of watching, calling, and planning placed us right in the middle of Sevierville in the Great Smoky Mountains…on the route to so many volunteers and support groups to western North Carolina. Our heart goes out to all of those affected with loss. If you’d like to help, Samaritan’s Purse has feet on the ground and is a great place to start. There are so many other great organizations assisting, so hope you will join in supporting. Have you been to the Smokies? It’s one of our very favorite places to go. We had plans for Asheville in November as part of a birthday celebration. I cannot even imagine what’s happening there. Just join me in prayer for them, won’t you? Here’s an update on Biltmore. We have camped in the Smokies; stayed in Lodges to hear the babbling brook outside more times than I can count; and then stayed in other places for different experiences. This week took us to a family member’s condo nestled into the wooded area of the Smokies. Peace, tranquility, mixed with laughter and time around the table with family were all a much needed reprieve. What to do in the Smokies? Of course, the Smokies are known for the incredible trails, hiking, camping, and outdoor activities. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is open; but, it’s a good idea to check with them before making a trip there. For this trip? Dollywood was on the agenda. This week Dolly announced her support and contribution to her home mountains for Hurricane Helene Relief. Another great reason to support Dollywood since they are matching support with Dolly. I’ve shared Dollywood for a June visit before. A visit to Dollywood is always magical. The shows, foods, entertainment and garden themed decorations are amazing no matter what time of the year you go. Here’s some of our favorite parts of this year’s trip… I chose this photo to share with you because Tate’s aunt, who wrote one of his songs for his new Christmas album, is seated in the wheelchair. We had the pleasure of meeting her later in the day. Keep her in your prayers as she navigates effects from a brain stem infection. It was a joy to meet her and to hear Tate’s concert. Dollywood at any season is a wonderful place to be. And right now? Your support of their area is needed more than ever. So thankful we went. Other things to do? There are just so many ways to entertain kids and families in this area that are too numerous to list. The food in the Great Smoky Mountains is wonderful. We loved local places and the Five Oaks Farm Kitchen was one of those that is special. We always love shopping together at different places than we can find at home. So many great outlets and shops that are unending. For families? Shows, like the Pirates Voyage Show, Dolly’s Stampede, and the Hatfield and McCoy dinner show, provide something for everyone. The end of October brings a hot air balloon celebration to the area. Wouldn’t that be fun? And in other table talk news this morning… Are you a fan of Farmer’s Almanac? If you haven’t checked yet? Here’s the forecast for the US. I’m a fan of snow…so lucky me! Don’t shoot the messenger! Fall always brings a birthday for me. We are shifting because of Helene destruction to other places to celebrate. SOOO…I need your help! This is a new decade birthday…so, my husband is considering trip options. November is not the most gorgeous time to travel…so your assistance is appreciated. If you were celebrating, where would your travels take you? I’d LOVE to know in the comments, please. Does Fall bring you to more baking? That’s happening here already. I’m trying to hold off from the things I love…but, more pumpkin recipes have been tried and made it over the top. Two of those pumpkin recipes will be featured in the November Vue…so, I’ll share those in a few weeks. This past week took me to other baking favorites for fall: I can’t wait to try this recipe: Happy baking, enjoying all that makes fall special, and gathering with friends and family who have their feet under your table. May your transition to fall include a bit of rest, fall beauty, and great food, friends. Love to you all,

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