As summer comes to an end and the warmth bleeds into cooler, crisper air, it’s easy for some to get a bit melancholy. I read a lot of blogs and I find writing this time of year tends toward gloomy if not downright mournful.
I understand the sentiment. I do. I’m a redhead with crazy amounts freckles and skin that burns at the mere mention of a day over 70 degrees but, still, I agree. Summer is certainly lovely. Fall, on the other hand, can really be something to embrace. Feel free to call me wistful or sentimental. I love the Fall. You see, I grew up in the Bay Area where there was little change in the seasons. They passed with no fanfare or awareness. And although I have many days in the winter where I long for the sun, I would not trade Fall here in this rainy town of Seattle for the more temperate climate in which I was raised.
I adore the change in leaves and the orange bits that dot my thirsty lawn. I love unearthing my pretty thick sweaters and worn corduroys from their resting places. I love baking in a cozy kitchen as the rain beats down on my windows. There is something really exhilarating about it all.
K and I spent last weekend on Orcas Island where I really got the sense Fall was fast approaching. One of our few weekends away this summer was spent curled up in a hotel room overlooking the Sound as it rained and rained. It was a paradise of sorts. I wrote a lot. I read a lot. And, K, after shooting 2 long weddings in 2 short days, slept a lot.
On Orcas Island, deer outnumber people. Those sweet brown gentle creatures with their dreamy sad eyes are nearly everywhere you look. It’s easy to feel you might be intruding, but we managed to tread lightly. We even had a deer prance right up to us and sniff our hands. It was the closest I’ve ever been to such a majestic animal. Feeling daring, we asked for a photo and she graciously agreed. It was magical and boosted our spirits and energy for a hike through the mist and rain on Mount Constitution. (That’s me jumping in the mist!)
When we got home, I felt truly relaxed and good and ready for Fall menu planning. Fall food is, in my humble opinion, the absolute best. I love the spicy warm soups, curries, and casseroles. I love the root vegetables and savory meat dishes. It’s all about warmth and heartiness. What could be better for a nesting couple?
This week, I encourage you to try making a chicken curry from scratch. Have you done so? If not, I think it’s about time. This is an easy Chicken Curry recipe that celebrates Fall in all its abundance with one of my favorite root vegetables, the sweet potato. It’s spicy and savory and will warm you up on a rainy day in two shakes. I warn you, however, it’s got a kick. If you prefer a milder version of Chicken Curry, you may want to put in half as much of the red pepper flakes. Then, taste, taste, and taste some more until you have Chicken Curry perfection.
Please enjoy and share this with some like-minded corduroy loving friends.
Chicken Curry with Sweet Potatoes
3 tablespoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 pounds skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chopped shallot
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons dried chili flakes, or to taste
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
2 lemongrass stalks, cut into 3-inch pieces and bruised with the flat side of a knife
1 (1-inch) piece ginger, peeled, cut into 3 slices and bruised with the flat side of a knife
1 1/2 cups fresh chicken stock or store-bought low-sodium chicken broth
3 carrots, peeled, cut on the diagonal into 2/3-inch pieces
2 cups unsweetened coconut milk or cow’s milk
1 yellow onion, cut into wedges
1 medium sweet potato (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
For garnish:
1/2 cup Asian basil leaves, cut in half
8 sprigs cilantro, cut into 2-inch pieces
Combine 2 tablespoons of the curry powder and the salt in a bowl. Add the chicken and turn to coat the meat evenly. Set aside for 30 minutes.
Heat the oil in a medium pot over moderate heat. Add the shallot, garlic, chili paste and the remaining 1 tablespoon curry powder, and stir until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add the chicken and cook until the edges of the pieces are golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the fish sauce, sugar, lemongrass, ginger and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Add the carrots and cook for 10 minutes. Add the coconut milk, onion and sweet potato and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with Asian basil, cilantro and serve.
Adapted from Pleasures of the Vietnamese Table
I love your thoughts on Autumn. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico where it is always summer and it ok. But Fall is a whole different thing. The first fall I spent here I fell in love with it, and look forward to the season every year. Thank you for another beautiful post. Angie
Yay, a new post! Lovely, lovely photos.
I have this book, actually, and I've made the chicken curry lots of times. Honestly, I could eat this stuff year-round. :O) But I get what you mean about autumn. I love autumn. Hands-down my favorite season. I stretch it out by decorating the house in gourds over Labor Day weekend and keep it all up until the Christmas tree comes through the front door.
Generally, I agree with you about CA not having seasons. But this year has been a weird one for us. Summer actually never happened this year. In fact, it was so cool the tomatoes didn't do well and the butternut squash vines already pooped out.
We got two. Tuesday morning, it drizzled on my way into the office and I haven't seen the sun since.
So yep, I'm ready for autumn. Bring it on!
[K]
Wow, those forest shots are awesome! So atmospheric.
A lovely warming dish. Simple but tasty!
Cheers,
Rosa
oh this recipe looks amazing! I love the photo of you jumping!
So autumn has arrived on your side of the world. We are embracing spring here, with the rain and sunshine
I stumbled across your website, and I just wanted to say that you take beautiful photos and I love your recipes. Everything about this blog, including the author, is just lovely!
I love fall and despite the fact that we've hardly had a summer in San Francisco, I'm still excited about fall cooking. This curry looks truly delicious and those photos look so beautiful and peaceful!
Even though we didn't get a summer this year, I am looking forward to fall. I always think I should like summer best (the berries!) but in fact it's the squashes and peppers and mushrooms that really make me happy. So glad you had some time on Orcas. Be sure to have a babymoon before December!
Hey Robin, I love all of those things about Fall too-there is something wonderful about it, indeed!
Oh, and I'm trying to stick to my vegetarian and vegan foods, but, since I am a 'flexitarian' technically, I will make your chicken curry. It sounds delicious, and Cauldron Boy will be very happy!
curries are common on our table, and those with coconut milk and sweet potato are some of my favorite. never had carrot in a curry. i can see how it would complement the sweet potato. by asian basil, do you mean thai purple? love that nesting!
cheers,
*heather*
Heather,
Yes. Thai purple basil is what I called "Asian Basil."
xo
Robin
Well I must say the deer shot touched my heart tremendously, I still cry when Bambi's mom dies. There is a large fenced yard not far from my house with deer as yard pets. (it is a really tall fence and more in the country than me) They are so peaceful and beautiful, grazing and being a family. I am becoming very interested in curry, and this one with lemongrass sounds very good. Thanks so much. PS how did baby like the jump?
Melynda,
Great question! The baby doesn't care much for jumping. However, sometimes you've gotta leap anyway! xoxo
Rich curry sauces in Autumn are truly one of life's simple pleasures. I also adore the Fall season, in fact it is my very favorite season of the year, I nest everay Fall, begin to bake more, hiking in the midst is among my most passionate past times, leaves rustling under foot, firewood gathering and chopping, cooler temperatures, comfort foods and specialty coffees, warm blankets, a poetic tongue returns with whimsy cuddled by hope of dreams and love in abundance… my best to you, love your blog, enjoy your nesting and moments daydreaming about meeting your beautiful daughter. Love, becky
I always love your pictures!
Nice Fall musings. I love this season- even named one of my cats Autumn (she's orange- colours of Fall). I also love pulling out the scarves and vests, but most of all, I love the cooking. Curries are a staple around here- yours looks delicious.
Just discovered your blog. I love it!
The chicken curry looks mouthwatering and the pictures are amazing!
Oh this was a beautiful post! The pictures are lovely! I adore fall and I'm already loving the cooler air in the mornings. This dish looks devine! I can't wait to try it…great recipes R
xoxox e
Gotta love that mist picture!
Oops! I hope my panzanella post didn't sound too down. I love fall too, especially now that I've seen your stunning photos from your trip. The one of you going uphill…joyful!
I can't wait to make this! Curries are one of our favorite meals! Thanks for the recipe!
I'm eating my share of Balinese curries on the road and cannot imagine why I don't make curry at home. Thanks for the simple inspiration! And those photos of your hubby's are stunners.
I am so happy to know your blog!
-E
So sorry I have been absent, Robin! Your curry looks warming (I adore homemade curries) and as for fall, it has always been my favorite season. I love how the air becomes crisp and seems almost cleaner and how the wind picks up the falling leaves and twirls them just for fun. Beautiful pictures of your trip!
92F and 87% humidity here today. I spent the day with a Seattle friend who also now lives here and we almost cried thinking of weather in the 50s, rain and mountains. I would do illegal things to spend even half an hour on Orcas right about now.
strangely enough, I had chicken curry (hold the cilantro) last night at a Thai restaurant.
LP
Beautiful thoughts on Autumn and beautiful photos! I agree with you-I think Autumn foods are the best. I was already craving them a few months ago. I love curries and make my own by scratch frequently. It is such a warming food. Just thinking about it now makes me want to put it on the menu sometime for this week.
Hope you and the baby girl are well!
Ohh fall… I could not agree more. I love it and I'm craving everything pumpkin flavored.
I am so with you: BRING ON FALL!!! (Might be a redhead thing? So be it!)
Hi, I found your blog on yahoo and read some of your other recipes. I like what you have tosay . I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good job. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
This blog is bookmarked! I really love the stuff you have put here.
Having just discovered the joys of organic farming in our own garden, I have to say potato soup is our favourite of the month. I found a website dedicated to just potato soup recipes, which is quite amazing when you think about it. There’s a website for anything and everything nowadays it appears!