Fall is Coming
I'm just going to say it now, Fall is my favorite season. How could it not be? Fall is when the warm clothes slowly start to come out because the nights get just a bit cooler. The beach breeze feels brisk against our skin and allows us to throw on a light sweater. This time of year is intended for us to spend time with family and each holiday allows us to fully indulge in one another's company.
We start to see shades of purple, red, orange, gold and brown. Fall season vegetables begin to sprout and palettes start to crave a whole new taste. Root Cellar Catering Co.'s displays start showcasing mixtures of purple kale, blackberries, apples, and pumpkins.
My personal favorite menu item for the fall is our Roasted Grape & Butternut Squash Salad. A delightful combination of Arcadian greens, feta cheese and almonds with a light maple vinaigrette (yum!)
I forgot to mention my birthday also falls in October, so maybe I'm a little bias. Here are some fun food and beverage pairings for a few key holidays this fall. What is your favorite fall flavor? We hope you enjoy some of ours!
Halloween
A day for the crazy ones. Literally. I'm not sure what it is about the month of October but people seem to really get into the spooky holiday spirit. Shades of black and orange start to pop up all over town, witches and warlocks come out from hiding (just kidding). The day itself is spent dressing up as your alter ego and parading around town asking for treats.
Our advice to you is to try something new in the kitchen! Pumpkin is a featured flavor of fall and will be a safe choice, but who doesn't love pumpkin?! Whoever says they don't, is lying to you. Maybe mix up a salad, like one of ours below, to counteract all the candy you'll be eating.
Roasted Farm Beets & Fennel Salad
1 lb Organic Baby Arugula
1 Bulb Fennel shaved thinly on a mandolin or cheese grader
6-8 Medium Sized Beets, Roasted (Mix of Golden & Red)
5 oz of Fresh Goat Cheese
Champagne Vinaigrette
Salt & Pepper to Taste
Try this dish with a Kentucky Mule (my personal favorite twist to the modern Moscow Mule).
2 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
.5 oz Fresh lime juice
Ginger Beer
Garnish: Mint sprigs
Glass: Moscow Mule mug or Highball.
Veteran's Day
A day for all soldiers who have fought for our country and served in war. The perfect day to craft a delicious color themed cocktail to go with a meaty dish. Our Braised Short Ribs with red wine reduction sauce or Stuffed Red Peppers (sticking with the color scheme) will have all your guests begging for more.
Stuffed Red Peppers
¾ cup couscous
1-1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
5 large red bell peppers, divided
1 small eggplant, peeled and cut into ½” dice
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 cup grape tomatoes
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon fresh basil, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1-1/2 cups crumbled feta
Pair these hot red peppers with a beautifully colored cocktail.
Red, White & Blue Spiked Lemonade
1½ oz. Van Gogh Vodka
½ oz. grenadine
½ oz. blue curaçao
½ oz. lemonade
Garnish: Sliced strawberries, topped with blueberries
Glass: Highball
Thanksgiving
A day for family. Knowing what to cook is easy for this day! Turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy. Oh, and don't forget, pumpkin pie! My suggestion is to spice things up a bit by presenting your guests with a beautifully displayed Farmers Market Bar. A mix of fresh fruits and vegetables with an assortment of cheeses and breads (yes, please!) Check out our Instagram for more inspiration!
My family always went the less-traditional route and had ham as the main course with potato salad and bread on the side. I'm also from Oregon, so that explains things.
Fall Farmer's Market Bar
imported & domestic cheeses Root Cellar signature pickles marinated olives Herbs de Provence artichokes Fall feature: mulberries, apples, pears California olive vinegar and oil fresh baked breads
Don't get too carried away on cocktails. Try something simple and refreshing (we can all agree a little booze is necessary during the holidays) like a vodka soda.
Fill a glass with ice.
Add vodka and top with soda.
Add fresh lime juice.
Garnish: Lime wedge.
Glass: Highball
Black Friday - while not a holiday, it sure is wild!
A day for the deals. Maybe you're one of those brave individuals who gets up extremely early to fight the chaos that hits the mall or you're someone who prefers to sit on your couch and shop online. Either way, who has time to cook when they are shopping?! Let food come easy this season by whipping up something quick for the whole team before jetting out for the day. Mini pancakes? Say no more!
Mini Pancake Bar
Vanilla bean whipped cream
Maple syrup
Fresh berries
Powdered sugar
Peach compote Root Cellar jam
Once your wallet is empty and the day is closing, try a fun and unique cocktail (recipe below) that will add the twist your day needed.
4 oz Fresh Coconut Water
1.5 oz Dark Rum
Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (1/2 a lime)
1 Sprig Fresh Mint
1 tsp Agave Nectar
A dash of Peychaud’s Bitters
Garnish: lime & orchid for fun!
Glass: Coconut or rocks glass
Get out there and enjoy your last few days of summer because in less than two weeks, Fall will be here in full force. If you're looking for a caterer for your next event, feel free to reach out to us via our website submission form or give us a call at our new office! We'd love to deliver delicious bites to your guests. Happy Holiday's from Root Cellar's family to yours.
Locally yours,
The Root Cellar Team
