Why Autumn Is The Perfect Season For A Cosy Picnic
Autumn: The Cosy Season for Picnics
As the air grows crisper, the leaves turn shades of amber and gold, and the days become shorter, there’s something inherently cosy about autumn. While picnics are often associated with warmth and sunshine, autumn brings its own unique charm to outdoor dining. With the cool breeze and the earthy scent of fallen leaves, autumn picnics offer a delightful change of pace. Plus, the season’s bounty of hearty ingredients makes for comfort-filled meals in a scenic, tranquil setting.
Autumn is the perfect time to swap out summer salads for richer, warming dishes. And while you may need an extra blanket or a thermos of tea, the fresh, crisp air paired with the stunning fall colours make it an experience worth embracing.
Why Autumn is Perfect for Picnics
1. Ideal Weather for Comfort: Summer picnics can sometimes be too hot or sunny, but autumn’s cool, crisp air creates the perfect setting for outdoor meals. A light sweater, a wool blanket, and a thermos of your favourite drink make this a comforting experience rather than an endurance test against heat or insects.
2. Autumn Produce: Autumn is full of hearty fruits and vegetables like pumpkins, squash, apples, pears, and root vegetables. These ingredients make for delicious, warming meals that can easily be packed up and enjoyed outdoors. Whether roasted, stewed, or simply tossed into a salad, autumn produce adds a rich flavour to any picnic spread.
3. Atmosphere: The golden light of an autumn afternoon and the crunch of leaves beneath your feet create a peaceful and almost magical backdrop. You’re more likely to enjoy the quiet moments, perhaps with a cup of spiced cider in hand, as the season lends itself to reflection and relaxation.
Autumn Picnic Recipes
To help you make the most of this cosy season, here are a couple of autumn-inspired recipes perfect for your next outdoor meal.
Butternut Squash and Sage Frittata
A hearty frittata is an easy and comforting choice for a picnic, and the earthy sweetness of butternut squash paired with fresh sage makes it an ideal autumn dish. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Ingredients:
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 6 large eggs
• 50g grated cheddar cheese
• A handful of fresh sage leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the diced butternut squash to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 10-15 minutes until tender.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cheese, and chopped sage.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the cooked squash and onions. Let it cook on low heat for a couple of minutes to set the edges.
6. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the frittata is firm in the centre.
7. Allow the frittata to cool slightly before slicing into wedges to pack for your picnic.
Creamy Cosy Pumpkin Soup
Nothing says autumn like a warm, velvety pumpkin soup. This simple, hearty soup can be made ahead of time and kept in a thermos for your picnic.
Ingredients:
• 1 medium pumpkin, peeled, deseeded, and chopped into chunks (or 2 cans of pumpkin puree)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 750ml vegetable stock
• 100ml double cream (optional, for added richness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or sage for garnish (optional)
Method:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Add the cumin and cinnamon, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped pumpkin to the pot and stir to coat with the spices. Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a simmer, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the pumpkin is soft and cooked through.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches.
5. If desired, stir in the double cream for extra richness, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or sage, if you like, before serving.
Tips for a Cosy Autumn Picnic:
• Layer Up: Autumn can be chilly, so make sure to bring plenty of layers. A cosy blanket, scarves, and even thermoses filled with hot drinks like mulled wine, spiced cider, or even a classic hot chocolate will keep you warm and enhance the experience.
• Pack for Comfort: Choose comfort foods like hearty soups, stews, and pastries. Anything that can be easily eaten outside without too much fuss is ideal.
• Embrace the Flavour of Autumn: Look for seasonal ingredients like mushrooms, root vegetables, and apples, which can add depth and warmth to your picnic spread.
• Easy-to-Eat Dishes: Choose foods that are easy to eat outdoors. Finger foods, hearty soups in a thermos, and baked goods are ideal for picnics, as they’re simple to serve and enjoy without fuss.
• Stay Dry: Autumn can be a rainy season, so make sure to bring a waterproof picnic blanket or a small tent in case the weather takes a turn.
Enjoy!