Autumn in full bloom

It is now that time of the year where life is becoming complacent and things are all slotting into place. Autumn is in full bloom and the darker, cosy nights are in full swing.

Though we have been in the autumn mode now for just over a month, there are still some small things we can do to enlighten our evenings. I enjoy getting out my cosy jumpers, having crisp autumn walks, cosy film nights, delicious heart warming meals, pumpkin picking and listening to the rain when you’re all cwtched up with the dog.

Replenish your bookshelf and wall art

Snuggling up with a new book and a blanket  – no better #TimeForATea in my opinion! Treating yourself to a couple of new books for your bedside tables will encourage you to take time for yourself in the evenings. To make your reading atmosphere even more inviting, you could even switch out your day-to-day wall art with something more seasonal – rich, warm colours and tones will create an extra cosy atmosphere.

Though I have brought a few new books this season, some being comfort food based, there is a book I have gone back to this year, which takes you though all the seasons of our year, with empowering quotes and adventure. Lady Carnarvon’s book ‘Seasons at Highclere’ is a step back in time and a moment of history, traditions and leaders of the time.

Stock up on cosy blankets

Cosy blankets are ESSENTIAL for winter nights. Having blankets with different textures, colours and patterns will make any sofa look more inviting and comfy. To go a step further, change up your cushions/cushion covers to more autumnal colours or patterns. Small switches like these can transform your living or bedroom into an autumn wonderland. 

 Updating your home fragrance

There’s nothing better than coming home from a long day and being welcomed to a delicious smelling home! For the autumn and winter months, look for scents like apple, cinnamon, maple and sandalwood – which are perfect for capturing the essence of a crackling fire or seasonal baking.

The most important thing I like to do in the autumn is dig out the cook books and do some warming soups. The chilly weather makes you want to pile on layers and sit down with a hot meal. My partner and I, are big fans of thick, flavoursome soups. But autumn foods are often in the “comfort” variety, which can mean they’re high in calories and unhealthy ingredients. Soups are the perfect way of incorporating rainbow coloured autumn/winter veg into your diet.

One recipe I go back to time and time again, is Mary Berry’s Celeriac soup with pancetta and poppy seed croutons. Simple and can easily be achieved within 30minutes.

Mary Berry served up this celeriac soup with crispy pancetta and poppy seed croutons on Mary Berry Everyday.

The ingredients include:

1 Celeriac, chopped into small chunks

6 rashes bacon or pancetta, chopped and fried until crispy

1 large onion, roughly chopped

Butter, enough to fry off the vegetables

350g of potatoes, chopped into small chunks

750ml stock (chicken or vegetable),

300ml Double cream,

Salt and pepper.

For the croutons: stale white sliced bread, olive oil, poppy seeds, salt and pepper

Method:

1. Pan fry the pancetta until crispy with a little oil and then set aside.
2. Add the potatoes, celeriac and onion to the saucepan with the butter and lightly fry until soft, but without browning.
3. Add the stock and bring to the boil for 2 minutes and then turn the heat down to simmer for 15mins.
4. After 15mins, drain half the stock into a jug or bowl and set aside.
5. With a stick blender, blizz the vegetables to a puree, then add the stock back into the saucepan.
6. Put back on the heat and slimmer for 1 minute before adding the double cream and seasoning to taste, you can use a little boiling water to thin it down.
7. Place the sliced stale bread, olive oil, poppy seeds and seasoning into a small bowl and gently fold.
8. Place on a tray and toast under the grill until golden brown, serve straight away.
   

I hope you enjoy!