autumn — Blog — Pear & Pecorino

Creamy Woodland Mushroom Soup

October goes by too quickly. It's the one month that feels fully immersed in autumn, without any feeling that the year is coming to a close, rather slowing its pace. Still colorful, full of bountiful apples, mushrooms, winter squash. It feels alive. Last weekend was the first that actually felt like autumn. Still-green leaves shivering in the wind, crisp air, the softest wisps of ashy clouds blanketing the sky, and warm auburn light of early sunsets.

Yet, the temperatures pop back into the 90s and we're back to eternal summer. Still, our big cat with his thick fur coat stopped hiding under the bushes for sanctuary from the sun. Maybe the length of his fur and the food we cook are the only signs of seasonal progression I need.

So long as it's cold enough for soup, I'm happy with October.

Main Dish, Side DishIsabellaOctober 18, 2020mushrooms, soup, autumn, fall, comfort food Comment

Roasted Grape, Mascarpone, and Pine Nut Custard Tart

Happy Autumn!

Although it doesn't quite feel like it here, I am so eager to get started on autumn recipes. Some of my favorite ingredients are at their prime this time of year: an abundance of apples, pears, mushrooms, and nuts that pair so wonderfully with spices and long peaceful nights of cooking. At its heart, cooking is made for the cooler seasons. For the long chilly nights and cozy days. For the preservation of everything at its peak freshness. And for the enjoyment of slow cooking, when life begins to pace itself.

Sometimes I feel like the heat and the smokey air drains my energy, like I'm waiting for just a day of cold weather to clear my lungs and my mind. There's a certain peace I find in autumn. When there's still color in the leaves and the world comes a little more alive. There's no sameness, and every day brings a little bit of change to the atmosphere.

Baked Goods, DessertsIsabellaSeptember 23, 2020autumn, tart, pie, custard, mascarpone, dessert, pine nutsComment

Pear and Brie Panini with Caramelized Shallots and Walnuts

Happy December everyone! Just popping in to wish you all a very happy start of the month and share with you a quick and tasty lunch recipe. Maybe you're are out of leftovers and searching for something easy and satisfying. Or just looking for a yummy meal to quell your winter cravings. A little melty cheese, sweet pear, and crunchy bread should do the trick!

Breakfast and BrunchIsabellaDecember 3, 2019pear and brie panini, panini, quick meals, december, winter, autumnComment

Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce

Less than a week until Thanksgiving! This time next Thursday I'll be cocooning on the couch, watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving with my first plate of leftovers. I have a few recipes for you all before the big day, starting with the very first dish I took over from my mom: Cranberry Sauce. It's sweet and tangy, made with orange zest and aromatic fall spices. A comforting reminder that the holidays have arrived.

Spiced Apple Hazelnut Crumble (+ Apple Picking)

The simplicity and improvised nature of crumbles give them their kind of homemade charm. Hard to mess up, usually thrown together, and done by hand. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy your cozy rustic dessert ♡

DessertsIsabellaOctober 22, 2019apples, crumble, apple crumble, fall desserts, fall recipes, autumnComment

Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies

Our first sweet treat for October: Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies! Hints of cardamom, cinnamon, and clove folded into buttery, flaky shortbread, served with a cup of hot tea for an extra cozy autumn treat.

Two months ago, I began a late-night quest to record a list of ideas for October. Among them were dishes filled with mushrooms, spices, and herbs. Slow-cooked, inspired by movies and Halloweens of years passed. By the time I'd finished, I had more recipes than days in the month. And the list continued to grow, spilling into November and December.

Desserts, Baked GoodsIsabellaOctober 10, 2019autumn, autumn recipes, chai, shortbread, vanilla chai shortbread cookiesComment

Roasted Squash, Pumpkin Seed, and Pomegranate Harvest Salad

More squash recipes! Sorry for the double butternut squash dishes this week, but on the spectrum of savory dishes, they are different in their own ways. More savory and full of aromatics, the butternut squash in this Roasted Squash, Pumpkin Seed, and Pomegranate Harvest Salad is tossed with a marinade of honey, allspice, and cumin. After half an hour, we've got these beautiful, caramelized half-moons beaming with aromatic spices. Just one of the many treats in this salad, along with pomegranate seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, spiced caramelized shallots, and crumbled cotija.

Side DishIsabellaOctober 5, 2019autumn, autumn recipes, harvest salad, pomegranate, pumpkin seeds, roasted squashComment

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

It's hard to get into the season in LA, I'm not gonna lie. Most years September is one of the hottest months of the year, dragging the summer heat far past it's prime. All of the grocery stores, especially Trader Joe's, always seem to get into the spirit long before the weather turns. Which means a couple weeks ago, I came home with mini pumpkins, acorn squash, pie pumpkins, and a massive butternut squash. Not to mention an assortment of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds for another autumn treat.

Main DishIsabellaSeptember 28, 2019autumn, autumn recipes, Butternut Squash Mac n Cheese, comfort food, hello fall, mac n cheese, pastaComment

Cheesy Polenta with Sautéed Mushrooms

Autumn has officially begun and we can finally see some rain in the forecast! Which means it's time to explore the earthy realm of mushrooms and herbs. Paired with smooth, cheesy polenta, each forkful of my Cheesy Polenta with Sautéed Mushrooms is a little taste of decadent, fall goodness.

Lime Pie with Ginger Graham Cracker Crust

It's hard to believe we're halfway through September! Soon enough we'll be into the season of aromatic soups, slow cooked meals, and everything pumpkin. I've spent a few days this week planning out some ideas and testing recipes for the coming weeks. I'm so excited to dive into the season and share these dishes with you! Starting off with my Lime Pie with Ginger Graham Cracker Crust: an aromatic twist on one of my favorite desserts.