Evenings are beginning to cool down here in Northern California. An unmistakable sign that autumn is on its way. I am excited! You see, I grew up in the almost always warm and sunny Caribbean, but now, I call Oakland my home. And as autumn approaches, I find myself looking for ways to blending the warmth of my Caribbean upbringing with the rich, earthy hues and cool temperatures of autumn.
One of my new favorite traditions is to eat supper siting on the floor in front of the fireplace with my family. This is very reminiscent of sitting around a firepit roasting and munching corn while listening to stories under the moonlight in my Caribbean village.
In October, I pull out the sweaters and scarves. Switch cushion covers and linens in every room to ones in warmer richer color tones. I shop for pumpkins, squashes, and apples. I raid my collection of Caribbean spices to add to as many dishes as I can. I put the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to work in savory and sweet.
How do you prepare for autumn and the colder months? Do you redecorate your home? Do you look up recipes for hearty warming suppers? Do you plant a cool season garden and battle the squirrels who brazenly eat the tops off your cabbage and cauliflower seedlings?
Eat. Drink. Lounge. Everyday Extraordinary
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