As the seasons change, so does the weather. The long, warm days of summer will soon fade away to cooler autumn evenings. Although Costa Mesa has sunny, mild weather year round, change in the seasons also means different offerings in local markets.
The OC Mart Mix Farmer’s Market at SoCo, Sprouts, Mother’s Market and the Farmer’s Market at the OC Fair & Event Center are great places to find a variety of spices, fruits and vegetables available to create the freshest, seasonal meals, small bites and desserts.
Pumpkin spice dominates the fall flavor. Not only is pumpkin popular, it is versatile too. Pumpkin is used in many ways other than pumpkin pie. Many coffee shops and smoothie bars offer specialty beverages like pumpkin lattes and pumpkin smoothies. Some other popular fall spices are cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Allspice, a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, is great for cooking with pork, poultry or carrots.
Many fruits, including apples and pears are available year round, but they are at their best in the fall. Also, there are an abundance available. Apples and pears may be the most popular fall fruits, but cranberries, pomegranates, red grapes and figs are all harvested throughout the season as well. Figs, in particular, have a short second harvest season in late fall, so they can be a perfect compliment to your Thanksgiving meal.
A cornucopia of vegetables ripen in late summer and remain at their best throughout fall. From edamame to eggplant, artichokes, broccoli and beets, a fall harvest offers a wide variety of flavors. Many vegetables, like cabbage, are available year round, but the change in climate from summer to fall actually gives it a different taste. When cabbage is harvested in cooler temperatures, it tends to taste sweeter. Staples like carrots, celery and garlic are also freshest this time of year.
With so many great foods reaching their prime this season, Travel Costa Mesa assembled a list of 10 delicious recipes on our Pinterest page that utilize some of fall’s best flavors. There are recipes for pastries, small bites, breakfast, entrees, desserts and drinks. Whatever you are in the mood for, there is a seasonal fruit, vegetable or spice that will add a little extra fall flavor and autumn aroma to your dish.
Take advantage of the great flavors of fall with white spiced coffee, pumpkin pancakes, downeast Maine pumpkin bread, pumpkin & cream cheese muffin with pecan streusel, Riesling baked pears, pumpkin whoopee pies with maple cream cheese filling, pumpkin cheesecake, crockpot roast, corn & squash soup and apple & fennel roasted pork tenderloin.
Do you have a great recipe that utilizes the flavors of fall? Share it with us, we’d love to hear about it!
