TGIF: tastes of fall

This week, my best friend moved into her new place, and I went to help her take her kitchen out for its inaugural spin.  Upon arrival, what do I discover but a beautiful house and a gorgeously laid-out kitchen, complete with a Viking range and a cabinet full of Heath Ceramics tableware!  I think I was ready to move in with her right then and there.  The house itself is full of rustic old-Berkeley charm and light that I grew up loving, and the backyard boasts so many wonderful fruit trees.  For dinner, we made a simple menu inspired by what's currently in the markets:

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A Fall Housewarming Menu

Pomegranate, crisp Bartlett pear, and wild arugula salad

with lemon-balsamic vinegar dressing

Chanterelle and sage risotto

with mascarpone, parmigiano reggiano, and red pepper flakes

Sauteed young ginger-honey figs

with young ginger, honey, and a Palmier cookie
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The combination of fried sage and chanterelle mushrooms--all earthy and slightly smokey--was so good in an ultra-creamy mascarpone risotto!  Plus, I love making risotto because it forces you to stand there and stir patiently, ladling broth and watching the rice slowly plump up to al dente perfection.  It's a perfect breather, analog moment in an otherwise hectic, wired life.

I hope you all have wonderful weekends planned!  What are you making with fall fruits and veggies?  Share below!


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