Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Autumn!

My favorite time of year. This is my best time to cook. Mushrooms, squash, root vegetables, apples, dried fruits I love them all. Stockpots simmering with veal, chicken and pork bones. The aroma of butter and cream slowly reducing. Duck and Lamb roasting in the oven. These foods make me feel comfortable and happy. I call them comfort foods whether prepared in a fine dining restaurant or at home family style. This time of year is when I feel at my most creative. My brain starts ticking away with all the desires and possibilities of the season. From September to March is like a long happy kid in a candy store time for me. There is so much produce to take advantage of. And, when the weather begins to turn colder, the smell of fat melting off a duck or goose breast as it crisps in a pan is overwhelming!