A Pinch of Do Your Remember?

Do you remember… any of September? It feels like this past month happened in just a few breaths. Maybe that’s because the Birds rolled through the first four weeks of the season well. Or because the Phillies finished the regular season strong with eyes set on Red October. Or because we’ve already been consumed by the pumpkin and fall flavors already (no judgement, I’ve rocked some pumpkin spice half tan from La Colombe). September had its great moments. Now the leaves are falling and we’ve got all eyes on the gourd-geous weather ahead.

Admittedly, my weekly meals lately haven’t been the most exciting to share. And baking has taken a back burner. THAT SAID, like all good things, we’ve got a cycle going. A nice farmers' market haul from this weekend will carry me through this week eating clean with a trip down south to Austin, Texas for a long weekend with friends. And almost always after a long trip away, I'll roll right into some home cooked meals and a few baking adventures. Taking any and all suggestions 👀

Already have my eyes set on knocking out my long run Friday morning down there so that the rest of the weekend is loaded up for fun times and good eats.

It’s been a few weeks since I got to the market, so the list was rather open ended, with some necessary hits – the best grapes I’ve tasted in a while, a bouquet of flowers to bring some life into the apartment for a few days (likely will bring back to my family when I drop off Lucy before shipping south), any “-crisp” apple that sounds good, and whatever veg sticks out.

Gathered just about all the goods on my list… except peaches. These were the first thing on my list and the only one that I had an actual recipe saved for. This wasn’t from a lack of the fruit considering the many options at multiple stands. My mind just wandered elsewhere for whatever reason. Here’s to hoping they’re still around when I get back.

This weekend felt like the first time I had to truly make my plans revolve around my long run. Sunday’s 12 miles took precedent over a lot, but time with friends was still enjoyed all weekend long. Plus, I got to enjoy some early Sunday football with Steelers fans into late Arsenal’s win straight into a gritty Birds win. I mean look at this plate to load up post-run, and with a few pints of the good stuff? Sign me up.

Tonight’s roasted salmon and vegetable bowl was a good mix of roasted vegetables and fresh veg from the market. Simple Monday meal as per usual.

What’s Cookin’

This roundup is all about what I’ve got my eyes moving forward. A lot of good vibes going with some end of summer flavors and perhaps a little fall spice to top it all off.

1. Crispy Peach Glazed Wings from Caroline Anderson – sucker for some good seasonal-flavored wings, and you’re telling me we can get some great crisp from the oven? Absolutely need, 10/10. Can you tell I really messed up by not getting peaches at the market? Don’t make the same mistake I did.

2. Sweet Potato with Brown Halloumi Nuggets, Toasted Walnuts and Herbs from Carla Lalli Music – AKA Sweetie P. 2025, this very fall aesthetic dish is the perfect roasted potato plate of different bites for a flavor adventure. All the textures topped with flavors of herbs, lemon juice, vinegar and a honey drizzle combine for what is probably an out-of-body experience.

3. Apple Fritter Doughnuts from Of Batter & Dough – I crave a good apple cider doughnut just about all year long. And I think munchkins or pop-em’s are my go-to craving after a long run. So maybe it’s that void that I need the light fluffy treat, or just the seasonality of apples being back, but these apple fritters seem like a must-make ASAP.

As much as I loved the mostly sunny days of September and kicking it up a notch with lots of time outside, I’m ready for the brisk chill in the mornings and during night walks. The pumpkins are starting to line the stoops around the city. I’ll get one more fix of warm weather in the 90s down in Austin, but when I come back, I’ll have my eyes set on the colors and flavors of autumn. Another huge weekend for Philly sports ahead. Here’s to Red October.

Let’s go Fightins 🤘