autumn

 

 

 

Rocklands Farm Poolesville MD

 

 

 

                                                                      my street

                                          apples from Charles Town Farmers Market



I absolutely love the smells of fall, rich damp black soil, warm fires burning, fresh picked apples, earthy fallen leaves and the crisp cool air. Could it just stay fall and skip winter, please.

Autumn is romantic and calm. It is my time to prepare for hibernation. I just switched my summer and winter clothes along with the cleaning & organizing of closets. I washed all my windows inside and out. Entertaining moves inside, I enjoy rearranging the furniture to make the rooms cozy and inviting.

Most importantly don't forget the kitchen, this sounds crazy but it is time to clean, arrange and stock up your pantry. The winter is the busiest time of the year in most kitchens.

I thought it would be fun to put a pantry list together from all my favorite Chef's must haves.


BASIC PANTRY

Whole black peppercorns
Kosher salt
Good quality olive oil/ cooking, vinaigrette's and finishing dishes
Vegetable or grapeseed oil/ cooking and vinaigrette's
Selection of good quality vinegars, balsamic, champagne, red wine, apple cider & rice
Whole grain mustard/ sauces and vinaigrette's
Local honey
Organic cane sugar
Powdered sugar
Good quality chocolate chips
Cocoa
Brown sugar
Cornstarch
Flours, All-purpose, whole wheat, cake & bread
Cornmeal
Bread crumbs
Baking soda & powder, check use by dates
Baking spices/cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, vanilla extract
Organic peanut butter
Jam
cayenne pepper
Bay leaves
Red chili flakes
Hot sauce
Olives, capers and pickles
Dried fruits
Dried pasta
Nuts and seeds
Assorted crackers
Anchovies
Whole grains/farro, quinoa, brown rice, polenta, Arborio
Couscous
Good quality whole canned tomatoes
Fresh herbs
Shallots
Garlic
Red and white onions
Unsalted butter
Good quality Parmesan, goat, feta & cheddar
Yogurt
Farm eggs
Milk, half & half and heavy cream
Local slab bacon
Champagne, there is always something to celebrate!


I hope this list inspires you to be Top Chef in your kitchen, ready for any cooking challenge.

I happened upon a new Container Store near the Reston Town Center, whoa I had to get out of there cause talk about super duper organizing stuff for the pantry. Crazy cool baskets, gadgets, containers, etc.! Yikes......

Happy fall organizing!!!!!
XOXO,
Cher
 

                        Cuteness from Rainbow Hill Organic Farm Charles Town WV