Autumn Harvest and Classic Carrot Soup
So often, I hear people say how they love Autumn – that it’s their favourite season. Do you have a favourite season? I don’t think I can choose, but I do know that I love Autumn. It seems to turn up – all of a sudden – with that chill in the wind, the scent [...]
So often, I hear people say how they love Autumn – that it’s their favourite season. Do you have a favourite season? I don’t think I can choose, but I do know that I love Autumn. It seems to turn up – all of a sudden – with that chill in the wind, the scent of woodsmoke, and a heady flourish of vibrant autumnal colour. It’s just so beautiful, isn’t it?
Another aspect of this time of year is the frisson of excitement I get about all the lovely seasonal events to come – harvest festivals, halloween and bonfire night, Thanksgiving for north Americans (I love this wonderful holiday) and then just around the corner…wait, that’s far enough for now. So here we are, enjoying a gorgeous October in rural England. I like to start each day with a walk around the village and in the countryside. It gives me a chance to collect my thoughts, nurture creativity, make plans.
At the edge of the village live these glorious ginger pigs. The couple who run the farm both have ginger hair, as do their three beautiful little girls. This always makes me smile. Past the piggies lies a bridle path with views over the surrounding countryside, replete with berries, pods, and golden leaves.
This is a really simple soup but so comforting and nourishing. The sage leaves – fried crispy in butter – add a truly delicious fragrance and depth to the dish. I love sage, and to me, it seems a little under appreciated. It’s very easy to grow too, which is good as you don’t need much and it’s handy if you can just pick a few leaves as you need them rather than buying a big bunch from the shop each time.
This is a good recipe if you have children who are fussy about vegetables. The soup is very acceptable but not always the sage leaves. I know about fussy eaters!
I’ll leave with a picture of one of the windows in our village church, made splendid for the Harvest Festival. I cannot do it justice – every window, shelf, and table in the church is laden with magnificent displays. Much to be thankful for.
Thanks for visiting, and please do drop me a comment if you wish. It’s great to hear what you think. And I love to visit other blogs so let me know about yours too. P.
Sally from My Custard Pie: 11th October 2010
I miss seasons so much living overseas although we do have year round sunshine and months of being able to be outdoors without the thought of a jumper. I haven’t been in England for bonfire night for over 15 years – so sad. Your post evokes all I love about the countryside, living in a village and England… and yes I know it’s not always like that. I love pigs and rural churches. Funny enough I still cook with the seasons and although it’s 35 C here, the nights are starting to get darker earlier and my thoughts turn to casseroles (and planning Christmas cooking). Lovely,lovely post – thank you.
pascale: 11th October 2010
Hi Sally
I really enjoyed reading your comment – your thoughts are a big part of why I write my blog. When we moved to England, I really missed sunshine and the outdoor lifestyle. Then I decided to look at and really take notice of what is wonderful about here. I get comments from people in my own village who say that the posts make them appreciate what is on their own doorstep and that makes me happy. Thanks for visiting and writing and I’m just off to visit your site now! Px
Margaret: 11th October 2010
Superb pictures Pascale – they really evoke autumn in England. My favourite is the fresh green conker against the dying golden leaf. Love the soup too – yummy!
dc: 11th October 2010
A very yummy, but simple soup. I just adore that still life of the harvest festival church decoration. It is easily a work of art.
Natalie: 11th October 2010
What cutie piggies. When I see lovely photos of Autumn like these it makes it seem evocative and comfortable. The flowers in the church are great. This is really a symbol of the countryside. Thanks for the lovely photos.
Charlie: 11th October 2010
Hi Pascale It’s the light that’s so amazing in your photographs – delicate and cool and altogether delicious. Clever you – this is a real delight x
laruanne: 11th October 2010
we only get a hint of fall in San Francisco so this is a great way to scratch my itch and encourage a weekend visit to the mountains to see the leaves turning! love the addition of fried sage to the soup – yum! As usual – beautiful photography as well. xx
valentina: 11th October 2010
Pascale, I’m so jealous at your start of day. Autumn is my favourite season. love the bright, crisp and chillie mornings. all the colours..absolutely beautiful. What a lovely choice of dish. Looks velvety!!
pascale: 11th October 2010
Thanks V, lovely to hear from you, hope you are doing well!
Clairetweet: 11th October 2010
I love those piggies! Autumn is great. Loving the crunchy leaves and getting scarves and boots on again.