Monday, October 31, 2011

Autumn Notes

The chill is back. We had our last bike ride by the lake.

The deep blue may have thin crusts of ice any day now.


And the last of the tomatoes - red and green were consumed in this fall-inspired roasted tomato soup. Tomatoes are roasted with onions and garlic and then simmered in broth. All is pureed and you're done. Make it vegan with vegetable broth. There's no dairy - it's just earthy goodness. Simple. Fresh. Autumn. Find the recipe at Tupper Cooks. But beware: it will have you wishing for tomato season.


This is what I have come to see as the wonder of Italian cooking - when the ingredients are good - there's no need to embellish.

I think soup was given to us from the gods.Soup has always made me feel as if I had a home in the world. Soup has reassured me, nurtured me and smiled at me throughout my life. There's never been a soup recipe that didn't make me stand up and pay attention. And when it has Parmesan dumplings - life is good. Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice posted a vegetable soup with  Parmesan dumplings. I was hypnotized - bid to make this immediately and ended up swiping a few dumplings as a snack before the family came home. Find the recipe here.


I came to the charms of winter squash later in life. It still doesn't hold the same allure that soup or Parmesan does but it does bring you back to earth telling you quite firmly that autumn is here. I found these roasted pumpkin wedges from Proud Italian Cook.


If you have followed my blog you may have noted that I have great lazy-bones tendencies. The first thing that appealed to me was that I didn't have to peel the pumpkin. Coated with thyme, parsley, lemon zest, breadcrumbs and well - a little Parmesan certainly added to its allure. And - my husband loves this stuff. Once in a while - you need to think of others! I did roast pumpkin seeds along with the wedges and tossed them all over and piled a few into the cooling dip. Find the recipe here.

The lake has given way to autumn. These days I simmer soups listening to Nick Drake's exquisite Northern Sky. Listen to it here.


"I never felt magic crazy as this
I never saw moons knew the meaning of the sea
Or felt sweet breezes in the top of a tree
But now you're here
Brighten my northern sky."

- Nick Drake


The autumn days keep Pip busy - running from window to window "chasing" falling leaves. Pointing out our autumn mice. And by evening he falls into deep slumber. "How is he breathing?" asks Kirsten.

Tonight Kirsten's jack-o-lantern will turn ghoulish. Pumpkin seeds will roast, cider will mull, fairies and super-heroes with an occasional zombie will come calling. Too many miniature chocolate bars will be consumed.  And the streets belong to the children. And in the warmth of my home, I will be simmering soup.

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

This makes me want to run back to the midwest!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

And I want to run and print off the soup with Parmesan dumplings...YUM! Thanks for sharing some delectable recipes today, Claudia~

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

MMMMM....mmmmm. If there is one thing I adore it is home made soup! I simmered a pot of black bean soup yesterday that I planned to serve with cornbread tonight, but I think parmesan dumplings might also go well with it!

Happy Halloween!

Cucina49 said...

How I miss fall in Minnesota! The photo of the cat is too funny--my cat is a champion napper, but she's never fallen asleep quite like that.

Angie's Recipes said...

LOL@Pip...so fun. The click of the lake is amazing..
I like to roast the pumpkins with the skin on, that helps to preserve the nutrients. Must make a batch this weekend too.
Love both soups..different, yet the same...warming and delicious!

Swathi said...

Love that tasty soup . First time here,

Juliana said...

Love the pictures and the soups look awesome...indeed perfect for the cold weather.
Hope you have a wonderful week ahead and thanks for the links Claudia :-)

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Well Pip is the thing that really caught my eye, even though I'd love a bowl of either soup right now and the lake looks inviting too. Happy Halloween.

Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine said...

Great recipes and that tomato soup looks like a comforting warm inspiration to make soon! I am in love with the kitty, I am a huge kitty fan and just perfect addition to this post for Halloween, pumpkin cat and delicious soup! I sure hope you didnt get snow yet! This weather is changing too fast! Stay warm and as always a great read and wonderful share love it!

Wanda..... said...

Soups are a favorite here too, Claudia! Thanks for the recipes. The pumpkin I will try too!

SKIP TO MALOU said...

hmmm these are all comfort fixes. I look forward to the chilly days of autumn and winter. coming from cali, i think it's about time i go through the season change to appreciate the seasons better.
happy halloween!
malou

chow and chatter said...

lovely post and the last sentences are written by a pro writer almost like a poem

Unknown said...

Pip is amazing! I love your shots they tell such a story! Isn't it amazing as we busy ourselves for summer and the wet season, you're preparing for the cold with soups and delicious goodies! What is similar is that my tomatoes are coming to an end as well. ( Our tomatoes do best in our tropical winter). So I think I'll collect the remains for some roasted tomato soup before it gets to hot.

Ilke said...

Hi! Found your blog thr Rebecca from Chow and Chatter! I love autumn and the many possibilities in the kitchen! Very fond of soups as well. Looking forward to visiting again:)

That Girl said...

Every year around this time I start thinking I didn't take enough advantage of tomato season.

FOODESSA said...

Claudia...you've just emphasized why Autumn is my very favourite season. I'm trying to grab every second...however, not as many moments in the kitchen lately...sigh.

Fabulous post...thanks for the wonderful gallery and recipes to stream for later ;o)

Ciao for now,
Claudia

Torviewtoronto said...

lovely autumn post and soup Claudia pictures looks wonderful

Mary Bergfeld said...

What a perfect fall post. The soup looks wonderful and it sounds as though all is right with your world. That last photo of the lake actually gave me shivers. I need a bowl of your soup to help me warm up :-). I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Vibey @ Yumbo McGillicutty said...

Beautiful, beautiful post. And I love Nick Drake! (All together now: "Love the Drake!") I walked down the aisle to Northern Sky last year. Swoon.

Reeni said...

We have that in common, our love of soup, among other things. Sadly I missed Halloween with no electric in our neighborhood and a foot of snow - no little super heroes or ghosts came calling. I could of used a hot bowl or two of your delicious soups. Thanks for making mine!

Jill @ MadAboutMacarons said...

Claudia, love your post and what a way to bring in Autumn with all these souper goodies. Love every recipe here and these pumpkin wedges look terrific, too.

Island Vittles said...

I loooove soups -- and the sky has just opened up here -- it's pouring! Time for comfort: your tomato soup and a buttery grilled cheese! Theresa

Lyndas recipe box said...

Oh Claudia, I wish I had a big steaming bowl of either of your soups right now. We have a cold front blowing in as I type, and your soups look delicious and warming. I'm going to try them both as soup is my preferred winter food.

Gina said...

Thank you for your always wise advice and kind thoughts. I feel for you with the weather turning, I remember you saying how harsh your winters are. I think lots of soup is in order. I will have to try the veggie one with the parm dumplings, sounds like something I would love. Hope you are having a great week.
-Gina-

Proud Italian Cook said...

I adore soup but it's been in the 60's sunny and warm, go figure! I'd love a view of the lake right now, so inviting. Why does winter have to come? Glad you liked the wedges! xox

Chiara "Kika" Assi said...

Your cat is hilarious! Mine sleeps in a very similar fashion as well... crazy felines...

Beth said...

There's something truly wonderful about soup. I made a big batch last night and I'm thrilled to see all the leftovers. There's nothing quite as warming and welcoming, is there?

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Everything you have mentioned makes fall my favourite time of the year!

deb said...

I just stumbled across your site and what caught my eye was the pumpkin flowers...I'm from an Italian background (grandparents came thru Ellis Island) and pumpkin flower fritters were a summer treat.. and now too I am in Minnesota. I make as much Italian food as I was taught and wish I knew more - your site will help with that!

Lori Lynn said...

YAY for two soups in a row.
And Marie is always an inspiration!
LL

Catherine said...

Dear Claudia, The soups and pumpkin wedges look delicious. Reeni's blog is always a treat. I especially love the sleeping kitten and the jack-o-lantern, very cute. Blessings for a beautiful evening, Catherine xo

Magic of Spice said...

What an enchanting post...I am with Pip on nap time :) What an adorable pic!
These fall treats all look so lovely, my favorite Season is being well honored here :)
Hugs