Sweet (ish) Autumnal Recipes.

Have I mentioned that it is Autumn yet?! 

As I have said before, I often start to struggle when the nights draw in. So one of the things I like to do to help me through is to plan different seasonal activities that I can easily do to help pass the time. And one of the tasks I love to do throughout the year is to bake.

But with autumn, there is an abundance of fruit and vegetables at hand and it opens up so much more things you can make with foraged ingredients right on your doorstep and among nature.

So here I will suggest some recipes (with the actual recipe linked – they’re not mine) and let me know which ones you would want to make!

Apple and Blackberry Crumble.

An oldie but a goodie! Who can resist the temptation of warming crumble, soft, sweet and sharp filling and a golden, crunchy top with thick, warm custard??

The fruit you can easily find on country walks – or alternatively your neighbours might grow some in their garden or allotment, and you can share the spoils of your bake. Just remember, if you are foraging in the countryside, make sure you leave enough fruit for wildlife. Many mammals, birds and insects rely heavily on autumn’s bounty to help them through the winter months – so don’t be greedy!

For an excellent Blackberry and Apple Crumble recipe – click here.

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Toffee Apple Muffins.

Yes, for many people, autumn months are not complete without having a toffee apple whilst watching fireworks or a crackling wood fire. Now I have not had one (apparently I have but I can’t remember it) but these are a great way to have one, whilst not getting horribly sticky hands or your teeth welded together!

Perfect for lunchtime snacks when working from home!

For the recipe by James Martin – click here.

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Jams, Chutneys and Preserves.

Jams, chutneys and preserves are the more typical of recipes to find in seasonal cookbooks and even the history books. When there was no international trade in fruit and vegetables, preservation of autumn’s harvest was essential in order to survive through the tough winter ahead. 

Luckily, we can get summer fruits all year round and exotic fruit available in corners shops. We don’t have to worry that much about getting our 5 a day – except when lockdown was announced and you couldn’t get tinned fruit for love nor money. 

Here are some traditional preserve, jam and chutney recipes for you to try.

Tomato Chutney

For a lovely tomato chutney recipe – click here.

Hawkshead Relish make a fabulous array of chutneys and jams etc. I would highly recommend having a look!

Blackberry Jam.

For a recipe for Blackberry Jam (so underrated!) – click here.

Sloe Gin.

Out of the box and technically not a preserve – but go on – you know you want to!

Click here for the recipe.

If you can’t make your own, try Warner’s Gin Sloe Gin. It’s amazing and their botanicals are grown on their farm with nature in mind.

Let me know what recipes you are planning on making!

Charlotte

xoxo