October is a time of change – changing temperatures, wardrobes (hello sweater weather!), activities as kids go back to school, and menus. With pumpkin spice in everything from your daily latte to specials at the donut shop, it’s also a time when a whole new host of fruits and vegetables are in season. With a little help from the Foodland Availability Guide, and a peek at farmers markets around town, we’ve picked four nutritious and delicious recipes that highlight the best of this season. Bon appetit!
Long live the sweet potato!
While it technically may be seasonal all-year long, nothing says fall quite like the sweet potato. This starchy, sweet-tasting root vegetable is high in fibre and rich in antioxidants, promoting a healthy gut and brain. Plus, it’s delightfully satisfying, like a warm hug in every bite. With a little weekend prep, you’ll have everything you need in the fridge, ready to toss together for an easy meal. Consider this recipe for farro, kale, apple & sweet potato salad. Whether you’re taking it to the office or making it on a quick break from coworking, it will power you through the afternoon. You can even swap out sweet potato for butternut squash for a slightly different twist with the same great nutritional content.
Rediscover brussel sprouts.
The secret to brussel sprouts is to keep it super simple (they require nothing more than salt, pepper, and EVOO), and to – and we can’t stress this enough – roast, never boil. Get your fill of vitamin K and vitamin C with this easy recipe. It’s great for a weeknight dinner, or, better yet, gather a group of friends, family, and loved ones, book the dining or party room, and set up for a Thanksgiving feast. Your guests will be floored by this amazing side dish!
An apple a day!
Think apples in the fall and the first thing that comes to mind is usually apple pie (or apple crumble, equally yum!), and while those are definitely two scrumptious desserts that send our tastebuds into overdrive, there are other ways to incorporate an apple a day into your diet. Invite friends over and try this easy recipe for one pan pork chops with apples and onions. Not only will the one-pan approach give you more time to relax and entertain while dinner cooks to perfection, but your guests will also enjoy the benefit of fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants which support a healthy gut and healthy brain. It’s a win-win.
Share a pear with your fur baby.
While in the summertime, peaches, cherries, and strawberries steal the show, come autumn, the pear takes centre stage. Bartlett, Bosc, Green Anjou - there are many different varieties, each with their own unique flavour profile and consistency that run the gamut from soft and tender, to firm and crisp.
According to the American Kennel Club, pears are a great snack to share with your dog because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fibre(they’re also equally fine for felines.) So, when your four-legged friends come in from the snow-free pet run (all of our KG Group communities are pet-friendly, naturally), fix them a treat like these homemade pear oatmeal bites from MyPetcipe.
Now you know what you’re cooking, but how about where to find the ingredients? You can certainly head to the supermarket, but there’s something extra special about visiting a local farmers’ market and seeing what’s in store. Toronto has a great selection of markets, many of which, like the Davisville Farmers’ Market and North York Farmers’ Market, So pick up a pumpkin spice latte, grab your reusable tote, throw on a sweater, and hit the market. Fall is finally here.