Fall entered this year with a sudden crispness and change in light. I welcomed it wholeheartedly. Oranges, yellows, reds. The colors of the changing leaves, the colors of the growing fruits and vegetables. The scarves, mittens, socks. The winding down of summer outings and busyness, traded for a more introspective time. This change of season seems to be the one that affects me most. Invigorating but calming.
Inspired to bake more, I've experimented a bit with a new sourdough recipe that produces a lighter loaf. Tips I've learned: use a recipe that includes yeast instead of just relying on the starter, cover the rising dough with plastic wrap to trap in the heat, and let the rise go as long as needed until the dough is bubbly and has doubled in size. Having some fun with braiding and learning some other shaping techniques as well.
Hosted a dinner last night, serving
Acorn Squash Risotto,
Kale with Cranberries, a loaf fresh from the oven served with brie and a fruit compote. Dessert was a platter of figs, red grapes, roasted walnuts, and chocolates. Warmed the bellies and satisfied the color palette of fall nicely.
And, finally, after 19 weeks, I have my first shot of the belly. In snapping shots of the garden, I noticed the bulge intruding into the space of the lens. Baby is becoming more and more visible, making its way into our lives. With the calmness that comes to me with the season (and an appointment with a midwife), I turn my attention to the remaining months of harvesting this little being.
