Why I love Autumn

This is my most favourite time of year. Everything is so beautiful and earthy, and I find there is something calming and balancing about the Autumn. I think my love of this time of year is helped by the fact that some of my favourite foods are in season now, in particular Wild Mushrooms and Squash. If I am being honest I don't even mind the weather, I like cool sunny autumn days. But best of all, what Autumn has above all the other seasons is... how it smells! It has the most delicious smell in the world and it makes me very happy. Surely if I say the following words, if you don't know what i'm talking about, you will in a moment... Bonfire Night! Everyone knows that smell :)

I was talking to a friend about those lovely Autumnal things, like woodland walks and autumn's smell and how lovely it all makes you feel. She said, "Yes its that lovely back to school feeling. The trepidation of a new school year, but you have new shoes, a new coat, and a new pencil case". I thought this was so true, the new coat, shoes and pencil case definitely eased the first day, even though my mother made me wear Clark's till I was 15! She was a cruel Mother!

I digress. My point is that Autumn is the beginning of the year, I can feel it. Forget January; January is rubbish! The Pagan Calender is definitely the more accurate one for me. I was having a horrible year once, really nasty, the 1st of November arrived and BANG the rest of the year was fantastic! Out with the old and in with the new. Autumn clean your house, afterall there not so much you can do in the garden. I always celebrate Halloween, (well I carve a pumpkin and eat a lot) but this year I am having more of a New Year Party, I can't wait. There is going to be Pumpkin and Apple Soup, and Cheese Fondue, and mulled wine, and Poached Pears Smothered in Hot Chocolate Sauce, not forgetting grinning carved pumpkins will be everywhere.... I can't wait :)

Talking of Food, I bought some fantastic wild mushrooms from Borough Market at the weekend, problem was between the Veg and the exit the following items mysteriously fell into my bag... (I did pay for them)

Venison Sausages
French Loaf
unusual cheese
olives
avocado
vine plum tomatoes
carrot cake
water cress
a couple of bottles of red
a squash

it was quite a feast! The starters was a plate of cheese, tomatoes, avocado, olives and bread, all smothered in truffle oil - how indulgent! And for main, Venison Sausages serves on a bed of squash and sage mash, topped with wild mushrooms cooked in butter and truffle oil with thyme and garlic and finished with a good glug of red wine, and a handful of watercress thrown on for good measure. Sigh......... life is grand. Enjoy the Autumn :)

Now, I really must go and buy myself a warm coat and some new shoes :)