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Seeking Autumn Comfort Foods? Explore Unique Twists on Classic Apples and Bread

by Chloe Baker
1 comment
Autumn Comfort Foods

The aroma of warm apple pie and freshly baked bread are quintessential autumn pleasures. In these stress-filled times, there’s a special comfort in these homely delights, whether enjoyed alone, with companions, or simply for the sake of indulgence.

(Interestingly, these two ingredients often unite in delicious Thanksgiving stuffing recipes.)

APPLES

Venturing beyond the realm of conventional apple pies, crisps, and cakes, a plethora of apple-centric recipes awaits discovery. These include apple dumplings, salads, cider-glazed chicken, and homemade apple butter.

Starbucks, the instigator of the pumpkin spice craze, has introduced an iced apple crisp oat milk shaken espresso this season. Meanwhile, Trader Joe’s entices with its seasonal Honeycrisp Apple scented candle. Moreover, a variety of home and body products offer the essence of crisp apples.

Shelter magazine editors recommend apple-themed gatherings as a means to reconnect with nature and celebrate seasonal transitions.

Event ideas encompass:

  • Apple Tastings: With around 2,000 apple varieties in North America as per the USDA, Jenna Helwig from Real Simple suggests selecting around six varieties, accompanied by printed tasting notes. She recommends varieties like Cosmic Crisp, Ginger Gold, SweeTango, Opal, and Lady Alice for their slower browning, ideal for tastings and cheese boards.

  • Cider Bars: Both classic and alcoholic options. Helwig advises simmering cider with cinnamon sticks, star anise, sliced ginger, and cloves for a fragrant and flavorful brew. After steeping, keep it warm for self-service, with options like brandy, rum, and bourbon for an adult twist.

  • Caramel Apples: Ivy Odom of Southern Living views this as a perfect party activity. Options include whole apples or slices, with a variety of toppings such as nuts, chocolate, coconut, and pretzels. For adults, caramel apple sangria is an intriguing choice.

BREAD

The pandemic saw a surge in home baking, with many mastering bread-making as a new hobby.

Enjoying bread now takes many forms:

  • Artisanal Quality: The shift towards handcrafted goods has elevated bread to an art form, with a focus on simple ingredients and non-traditional grains. Craig Norton from the Prince George Hotel in Halifax notes the increased demand for gluten-free alternatives.

  • Global Influence and Creativity: Norton highlights the embrace of global bread varieties like naan, pita, and brioche. Social media showcases creative breadmaking, from colored dough to ornately shaped loaves.

  • Interactive Options: Chandra Ram from Food & Wine suggests easy-to-make, versatile pull-apart breads, perfect for gatherings. She also recommends pairing these with homemade compound butter.

  • Fusion Varieties: Norton observes bread stuffed with ingredients like creamy chicken or roasted vegetables, and the resurgence of bread bowls, ideal for serving with stews or chowders.

Gift ideas for bread enthusiasts include personalized loaf pans, baking kits, and unique baking utensils, available on platforms like Etsy.com.

“The Bread Exchange” by Malin Elmlid is a notable read, exploring the global journey and cultural significance of bread.


Kim Cook, a New York-based writer specializing in design and decor, regularly contributes to The Big Big News. Follow her updates on Instagram at @kimcookhome.


Visit The Big Big News for more lifestyle stories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Autumn Comfort Foods

What are some unique apple recipes mentioned in the text?

The text includes a variety of apple recipes beyond traditional pies and cakes, such as apple dumplings, salads, cider-glazed chicken, and apple butter. Starbucks’ iced apple crisp oat milk shaken espresso and Trader Joe’s Honeycrisp Apple scented candle are also mentioned as novel apple-inspired items.

How can I host an apple-themed party?

For an apple-themed party, the text suggests organizing apple tastings with various varieties, each accompanied by tasting notes. Another idea is to set up a cider bar, offering both non-alcoholic and spiked options, and caramel apple making, which can be a fun and interactive party activity.

What are some creative ways to enjoy bread as mentioned in the article?

The article highlights artisanal bread made with minimal, natural ingredients, global bread forms like naan and pita, and creative breadmaking seen on social media, such as colored dough and ornate designs. Additionally, it mentions making pull-apart breads for their versatility and interactive nature.

What are some gift ideas for bread enthusiasts?

The text suggests personalized loaf pans, proofing and baking kits, patterned linen bread bags, and handmade baskets and crockery, which can be found on Etsy.com. It also mentions the option of having a favorite bread recipe etched into the bottom of a glass baking pan.

Can you recommend a book that explores the cultural significance of bread?

The article recommends “The Bread Exchange” by Malin Elmlid. This book traces the author’s global journey, exchanging bread for recipes, stories, and meaningful objects, highlighting the cultural and communal aspects of bread-making and sharing.

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1 comment

Foodie4Lyf November 19, 2023 - 7:23 am

omg this article got me all hungry! need those apple tastings asap. what is malin elmid book?

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