The fall months provide an abundant harvest, and once you’re done with gathering it, you’ll typically end up with bowls and baskets full of apples, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, peppers, beets, tomatoes, squash and more. These delicious foods have one drawback however, which is that they need to be used up before they go off.
Now you can share the bounty with friends, relatives and neighbors, but chances are you’ll still have a lot left. What should you do with it? Read on for some ideas, which will help you to make the most of your crops, and save money too. And remember that if you’re planning a Halloween party this year, this is a great opportunity to use your own produce to make some tasty party foods, and save on the catering costs!
Fresh Salsa
Freshly made salsa is a great fall recipe. Create your own delicious salsa by slicing up red, yellow or green peppers, along with tomatoes and some fresh onion or garlic taste. Try adding some extra spices such as chili for a Mexican flavor.
You can also make a fruity salsa if you have peaches or apples in your harvest. If you have too much salsa to eat right away, you may want to can it, although if you do this you should follow a recipe that is designed for canning, to make sure your salsa doesn’t turn acidic.
Sweet Potato Recipes Galore
Sweet potatoes aren’t only delicious, they have great nutritional benefits too. They also lend themselves to lots of different dishes, including filling sweet potato pies. This versatile vegetable also makes a great base for custards, stews and casseroles. Sweet potatoes tend to last fairly well, so long as you keep them in a cool dark place – just make sure you use them before they reach the woody stage, because then they’ll no longer be good to eat.
Zucchini Bread
Zucchini makes excellent bread, which provides a satisfying treat as the weather turns cooler. This vegetable also freezes well, so you can use it throughout the winter in dishes such as breads, casseroles and potato pancakes.
Squash & Gourds – Great For Decorating Your Home
Squash and gourds come in all kinds of wonderful shapes and sizes, and make great decorations for your home and yard. You can make a beautiful centerpiece for your table by taking some fall flowers such as mums and arranging them alongside the gourds. Of course squashes are very delicious to eat as well, so use them to make tasty and filling pies, soups and other dishes. Once prepared, squash also freezes very well, so you can save any excess for use over the winter.
Fruit & Vegetable Hash
Most fall crops will lend themselves to being diced up and combined with fresh potatoes to make a tasty hash. You can do this with butternut squash, apples, sweet potatoes and just about anything else you fancy. There are tons of great recipes freely available online, or you can improvise and make your own using the ingredients you have to hand.
Apple Abundance
Apples aren’t only tasty and healthy, but they can make your whole house smell wonderful too. Apple sauce is an excellent way to use up any leftover apples, and it freezes well also, so you can enjoy it all through the winter. Other suggestions for using up your apple harvest include apple butter, apple crisp, apple pies and apple cobblers.
So, now that winter is approaching fast, make sure you get all your fall goodies canned, pickled or frozen while they’re still edible. You won’t regret it during the colder months when you go to your larder or freezer and see all those delicious treats waiting for you. Happy Harvest!
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