It all starts with September. That glorious month of blue-skied, seventy degree days punctuated by cool mornings and evenings. This is the essential bridge between summer and fall. With autumn’s official arrival on the 23rd, if you haven’t already set yourself up to fully partake in these magical months – it’s time!
Tess and I have a few seasonal rituals to guarantee that “sweater weather” feeling. And, although it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to summer, ushering in the new season is refreshing. So what are we waiting for!?!
Closet Clean Out
Start by packing away the the sundresses and swimsuits, and pull out your favorite cozy sweaters, and chunky shoes. If you’re like us, you’re tired of reaching for the same things in your closet anyway. Set aside a few hours on a weekend morning, and be a discerning saver. Before you commit precious space to store everything away, be honest with yourself about the chances of wearing each item next summer. Is it a capsule piece, or and on-trend purchase you loved for summer 2023? Be a tough critic, you’re space will thank you!
Curating An Autumn Entryway
We’re definitely not designers, but we know what feels good to us. And, we are authentically invested in the less-is-more approach (me more-so than Tess haha). It’s always tempting to buy into all the fall-themed merchandise (and there’s ALOT!), yet we find it more effortless to adorn our entry’s with seasonal flowers and fresh gourds and pumpkins. Not only is it naturally beautiful, but we also don’t have to pack anything away afterwards (save that effort for the Christmas keepsakes!). Having a foolproof fall is about gently making a shift with the seasons. So visit your local nursery and farmers market, and load up your market tote (or in my case the trunk of my car) with natural decor.
Moving Indoors
Now’s the time to inventory your space and decide what simple, seasonal swaps can be made to cozy-up the atmosphere. I think just about anywhere you live, the essentials include soft, textured accent pillows, warm throw blankets, relaxed linens for tablescapes, seasonal candles, and fresh fall flowers. Try swapping linen for boucle, add warm wool, and the scents of pumpkin or woodsmoke.
A Simple Foolproof Fall Feast
Last but not least, the fall table is an inviting place to linger. Keeping this in mind, our menu is generally simple and satisfying. Soups, stews, bakes, hearty pasta, and seasonal pizza’s are our choices. Anything delish we can effortlessly dish out to a single plate or bowl is our idea of a comforting meal. Last, we add textural table linens and the scene is set.
Whether we’re swapping out the closet, styling a welcoming entryway, or curating indoors spaces and menus – the theme for autumn is the same, “less is more”. Autumn is our time to reflect and relax in a comforting space, with soul-satisfying meals on our tables. Happy Cozy season!
Roasted Butternut Squash and Prosciutto Pizza with Habanero Hot Honey
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound pizza dough, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups butternut squash, 1/2-inch dice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 pinches crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella
- 1 1/2 cups shredded fontina cheese
- 6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, torn
- drizzle of Habanero hot honey or traditional
- flaky sea salt, to finish
Instructions
- Position the oven rack in the upper 1/3 position. Preheat the oven to 425° F.
- Place the ball of pizza dough on a lightly oiled quarter sheet pan. Roll out (it doesn't need to reach the edges of the pan, it will expand). Cover with plastic wrap and let rest in a warm area.
- On a baking sheet, toss together the olive oil, butternut squash, honey, sage, cinnamon, cayenne, and a pinch each of crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes, until the squash is just tender and remove from oven. Increase the heat to 500° F.
- Meanwhile, caramelize the onions. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook 3 minutes, until softened. Add half the apple cider, season with salt and pepper and continue cooking another 5 minutes, until the cider has mostly evaporated. Add the remaining cider and cook another 5 minutes or until the onions are golden and caramelized. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper, cook another minute. Remove from the heat.
- To assemble. Remove the plastic wrap. Gently press the dough until it covers the entire sheet pan. Top with the onions, you may not need them all. Add the cheese, then the prosciutto. Then arrange the butternut squash on top.
- Slide into the preheated 500° F oven and bake for 10 minutes, rotate the pizza, and bake another 3-5 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted. Top the pizza additional crushed red pepper flakes, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
