Small spaces have the potential to be cozy and charming, but if you’re not careful, they can turn into a total bummer. Over time, your collection of household items can start to resemble mountains of clutter—and before you know it, cramming it all into one tiny space can make your home feel downright uncomfortable.
Of course, curbing the clutter in your pad is just one of the ways to be proactive in making your home look and feel bigger. In fact, experts are seeing homeowners and renters prioritizing this now more than ever.
“People are more dedicated and interested in ensuring that every space in a home is functional,” says Eilyn Jimenez, founder and creative director of Sire Design. “I am seeing a more ‘quality over quantity’ attitude with homeowners when it comes to their spaces.”
Don’t let your walls close in on you! Whether you’re decorating your living room or bedroom, make sure to avoid these common mistakes that are sure to cramp your home (and style).
“Dark colors draw the eye inward, making a small space seem confined,” says Pramiti Bhargava, interior design and staging expert at BlueGrape in San Diego.
Trick the eye into making your rooms look bigger and wider by painting all walls neutral, light, or earthy tones so they seamlessly blend and look as spacious as possible.
Bulky furniture can make a space feel smaller and cluttered and may have visitors heading for the door.
“A common mistake people often make while decorating is cramming too many pieces of furniture into a small room,” says Challie Stillman, vice president of sales and design at Resource Furniture. “Small spaces need to perform multiple functions, like sleeping, lounging, working, and dining, but adding a piece of furniture for each task can quickly overwhelm a room and make it feel much smaller than it actually is.”
Another mistake is overfilling a room with oversized or dark furniture.
“If you’re working with a small space, keep it light and simple,” says Jimenez.
Also, keep enough space between furniture pieces so you and your guests can move about comfortably.
“Make sure there’s fluidity around the room,” says Jimenez.
We’ve all been in homes that do double duty as a museum—and not always in a good way.
“While the gallery wall trend can look elegant, it definitely works better in a larger space,” says Bhargava. “When a home has lower ceilings, too many things on the walls can make a room feel cramped.”
Adding a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf can make the room appear bigger and create extra storage for all your favorite prints and photographs.
Bringing color into your living space can make it appear more happy and lived in, but don’t go overboard.
“Multiple loud or dark colors and patterns can make any space seem even smaller,” says Bhargava. “It’s vital to have soothing and neutral colors to make small spaces seem bigger.”
Of course, we’re not suggesting you live in a house of beige. But experts do suggest incorporating colors and patterns sparingly if you want the room to feel more spacious.
Rugs are an essential design element in any room, but they should be chosen carefully and used sparingly to get the right effect.
“Bright, patterned rugs can make small rooms appear even smaller, whereas simpler, neutral rugs can create a visual feel of spaciousness in a room,” says Bhargava.
If you have your heart set on keeping a bright, patterned rug in a room, “then go simpler and neutral with artwork, furniture, or other elements within the room.”
Also, avoid placing multiple rugs of various sizes and floor runners in a room.
“Defining the space with a rug or two max is all that’s needed,” says Bhargava.
Experimenting with tile can be a fun design move, but going overboard with patterns can overwhelm the space.
“Not only can it automatically downsize the room, but some patterns risk being somewhat dizzying for anyone who enters,” says Jimenez. “Keep it simple, and select a maximum of two to three options for tile as to not detract from the overall design.”
Choose your favorite tile, and then work your design around it so that the other tiles complement rather than compete with it.
We love all the festivities the fall season brings as much as everyone else—but there’s also something to be said for not changing up your decor for every holiday milestone.
That’s why this week, we rounded up five looks from Instagram that set a beautiful base look to take your dining room from the beginning of fall through Thanksgiving.
By focusing on autumnal colors and textures (rather than a slew of decorative pumpkins and tiny turkeys), this list is a definitive solution to having a decorated dining room that’s entertainment-ready all season long.
1. Pumpkin orange vase
You can bring in some gourdlike cheer without the actual pumpkins—and the proof is in this perfectly tawny terra-cotta vase from @homebohodecor.
“Not quite orange and not quite peach, terra cotta has a vibe and richness all its own, and it’s trending like crazy now,” says Robin DeCapua of Madison Modern Home. “This matte-finish vase is ideal for autumnal decorating—but still relevant long after the last leaf has fallen.”
2. Hunter green chairs
Another color scheme we love this time of year? Hunter green. Especially when the shade comes in a rich, velvety finish like these chairs from @jamal_zein_.
“The pure elegance of a subtle mossy green dining chair elevates a room like nothing else,” says DeCapua. “Sage, hunter, and moss green tones dominate fall color palettes. These hues work particularly well in velvet; the rich feel of the cloth amplifies the drama.”
Get the look: Add oomph to your dining room this season with these Azalea Green chairs.
3. Golden honey throw blanket
No proper fall color palette would be complete without some gleaming honey hues that mimic the fall light. And this plush throw blanket from @scandi_up_north is just the thing for adding that festive warm glow.
“A rich, golden hue is like autumn itself wrapped up in a cozy blanket,” says designer Madison Popper, of Chill Casa. “A throw instantly adds a touch of autumnal charm and is so versatile that it can be tossed over the back of any chair or sofa for care-free, chic comfort.”
Get the look: Embrace a cozy and casual fall feel with this Hayes faux mohair blanket in your dining room.
4. Rich earth-tone carpet
The best part about this transitional time of year might be the expansive color palette it evokes. Fall brings not just green, yellow, and orange but also vibrant reds, rich purples, and deep browns. In other words, an earth tone wonderland, which this Turkish carpet from @kathykuohome captures perfectly.
“Homeowners are currently leaning toward darker-colored hardwoods, and choosing an area rug rich in earth tones ensures everything looks tied together,” says designer Courtney Wollersheim, of Floor360. “A new rug doesn’t have to be expensive. Try checking your local consignment shop or flooring store for deals.”
Get the look: Shop locally for your perfect rug, or snag this washable Kaden Amber Red rug.
5. Rust-orange dishware
For a table setting that feels festive without being overkill—we love using handmade dishware in a fall hue like this collection from @coloresdecor.
“If you invest in a burnt-orange stoneware dinner set, you don’t need to buy any other fall decor,” says Wollersheim. “Display a serving platter or place the settings on the dining room table for the season. Stoneware also has that handmade organic feel that’s so desirable right now.”
ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Fall is officially here, and it’s time to start prepping for Halloween.
Part of the seasonal fun for many in Orange County is braving the region’s haunted attractions. Use our annual guide to find the most scream-worthy near you. (We’ve included some tamer options, too, for the faint of heart.)
And have a Happy Haunted Halloween, from Patch!
Always double-check with organizers to confirm events are proceeding as planned.
Nobody ever cheers at the thought of tackling home repairs. They’re annoying, costly, time-sucking endeavors. So often we put them off, over and over, justifying to ourselves that they can wait. Light switch doesn’t work? Whatever—you never go in that room anyway. Squeaky floors? You’re already used to them!
But there are some home improvement projects that simply can’t wait, lest you risk much bigger problems (and costly expenses) down the line. Here are 12 home repairs experts say you should never put off:
1. A leaking roof
If you see water stains on your ceiling or down your walls, get moving on the repairstat—there are a host of problems that can arise and get progressively worse with a leaking roof.
“Not repairing a leak as soon as you notice it can lead to mold, damage to the structure of your home, water damage, and even fire if water comes in contact with electrical wiring,” says Carlos de León, vice president of the León Group, an estate management company on Long Island, NY. Scared yet? Good.
2. Damaged or missing shingles
This one seems obvious, but Derek Perzylo, owner of Big 5 Exteriors in Calgary, Canada, says he regularly encounters homeowners who have never had their roof inspected.
“After a big storm, especially if there’s a lot of gusting wind and hail, it’s always a good idea to visually inspect your roof,” he says. “If you see shingles out of place, or if you see shingles on the ground, you might have some damage that could cause potential problems, like leaks, down the road.”
3. Sagging roof
Roof sagging can be caused by moisture in the attic space, says Joe Todaro, director of operations at Gold Medal Service in East Brunswick, NJ. If left untreated, the structure of the wood will weaken and settle, causing cracks in the exterior walls. Proper ventilation is essential for an attic.
4. Cracks in the foundation
Your home’s foundation may develop small cracks over time, and it’s best to address them to prevent spreading. Otherwise you might have to replace the foundation, which can cost as much as $100,000. Large cracks that go unaddressed can lead to everything from leaking to parts of the concrete collapsing.
“The damage could be life-threatening if your home is not supported properly,” León says.
5. Gas leaks
Silent but deadly
(BanksPhotos/iStock)
Since natural gas and propane are heavier than air, they “pool” in the low points of your home. The second you smell gas (a telltale rotten egg–like smell), call your gas company and vacate the premises until a company worker arrives.
“You risk having an explosion or fire by not doing something about a gas leak immediately,” León says.
6. Plumbing leaks
Leaking water can lead to mold, structural problems, and health issues. Homeowners should check under sinks at least once a year to ensure no water is leaking into the cabinets. If you see any, call a plumber right away.
7. Mold
Is there good mold and bad mold? Not really. When you see it, deal with it. And simply having a “mold remediation” company come in to assess things is not the entire answer, says Jeff Wilson, HGTV host and author of “The Greened House Effect.”
“The reason the mold formed in the first place needs to be sussed out and the problem fixed by a building science professional trained by an organization like Building Performance Institute,” he says.
So just to be clear: While not all molds are life-threatening, all of them—even the ubiquitous shower mold—can potentially make you sick. So it’s best to be aggressive no matter what kind you see.
8. Overtaxed or poor electrical systems
More than 40,000 electrical fires occur each year in the United States. And most of them could have been easily avoided. Some warning signs of faulty electrical work include circuit breakers blowing unexpectedly, lights flickering, and outlets and/or switches being warm or hot to the touch.
Not calling an electrician can result in your home catching fire. Got it? Call the electrician.
9. Clogged gutters
Clogged gutters are easy to ignore, but they can cause substantial damage to your home if you don’t make it your business to keep them clean.
The role of gutters and drainpipes is to draw rainfall away from the home. If they’re stopped up, water begins to pool in vulnerable areas. You’ll face a higher risk for wood rot around the fascia and for foundation damage in low, sloped areas around the perimeter of your home.
Homeowners should clean out their gutters twice a year and water test them with a garden hose afterward. Make sure the water travels easily through the gutter system, into the drainpipe, and away from the home’s foundation.
10. Cracked driveways
Most driveways are pitched to direct water away from your foundation. If there are cracks and settling in your driveway, not only are they a tripping hazard, they could also lead to possible water damage in your home.
11. Damaged decks
The No. 1 danger spot with decks is when there’s worn or missing flashing, the thin layer of material that keeps water from getting into places it doesn’t belong.
Without flashing, water can get into the ledger board (which connects the deck to the house) and weaken the wood and metal fasteners that hold the deck together. And if a weakened deck is overloaded, it can have expensive—if not deadly—consequences.
“It’s not a big project by any means,” says Aaron Rovner, vice president of business development at ServiceWhale in Trevose, PA. “But if you allow lint and other fabric to sit in a dryer vent, it will ultimately cause an airflow and exhaust backup that will turn into a major fire hazard.”
So you have your work cut out for you. The good news is that you don’t have to do many of these repairs frequently. But when you see warning signs, get going pronto—or risk bigger problems down the road.
We could never pass up a good breakfast burrito here at CA Real Estate Group! So we want to know…do you agree with @forkingaround.tv and do you have other favs to add to this list?
In Southern California, pumpkin patches are often like pop-up amusement parks.
Some are on actual farms, and some are in vacant lots or shopping centers. But slides, rides, mazes, petting zoos, food concessions and live entertainment are common features throughout the area.
Some charge for entrance and parking, but even if admission is free most charge extra for these kinds of attractions. They may have ticket systems like carnivals or wristbands like neighborhood arcades.
Some take cash only while others have online reservation systems.
Also some allow dogs but others have no-pets policies. And there are other restrictions. Check out their websites for details.
Los Angeles County
Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Fest
AGRIscapes Center, Cal Poly Pomona, 4102 S. University Drive, Pomona; cpp.edu/pumpkinfestival; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 29.
This event, put on by the Huntley College of Agriculture, features 40,000 pumpkins, two corn mazes, a sunflower field, hay wagon rides and a petting zoo, according to its web page. Tickets are $6 on Fridays, $10 on weekends. Season passes are $48 for adults, $42 for children.
Hundreds of carved and illuminated pumpkins will decorate the grounds of this 150-acre botanical garden. Entry is timed at half-hour intervals. Tickets are $20–$40 for Descanso Gardens members, $25–$45 for non-members.
This family business strives to bring the charms of farm life to the big city. Attractions include pumpkin and teepee villages, bounce houses, a straw maze, petting zoo and food concessions. Admission $10-$30 depending on date and time, and there are extra charges for activities. No pets allowed.
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, Farmers Market
Pumpkins of all sizes are for sale, and games include pumpkin bowling and candy cornhole. Admission is free, but there are changes for activities.
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, Torrance
17520 Prairie Ave., Torrance; mrjackolanternspumpkins.com; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1-31.
Activities include pumpkin decorating, pumpkin smash, animal feeding and bounce house. Admission is free, but there are changes for activities.
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, West Los Angeles
11852 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles; mrjackolanternspumpkins.com; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1-31.
Activities include pumpkin decorating, pumpkin smash, animal feeding and bounce house. Free admission, extra charge for activities.
Pa’s Pumpkin Patch
6701 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach; paspumpkinpatch.com; Sept. 29-Oct. 31.
Advance reservations are required and can be booked online for 3½ hour time slots. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 3-12.
Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch
11650 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles; shawnspumpkinpatch.com; Daily Oct. 7-31, hours vary.
Individually priced activities include slides, a bounce house, rock wall, petting zoo and pony rides. There will be a $2.50 entrance fee on Saturdays and Sundays.
Orange County
Hana Field Pumpkin Patch & Flower Fields
427 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa; 949-653-2100, tanakafarms.com; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 29.
Hana Field, operated by Tanaka Farms in Irvine, offers flower picking as well as U-pick pumpkins in Costa Mesa. Individually charged activities include Cow Train, pumpkin cannon and face painting. $10 admission, $15 for flower-picking, activities extra.
Irvine Park Railroad
Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange. 714-997-3968, irvineparkrailroad.com; open daily Sept. 16-Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends.
Haunted house, hay maze and photo ops are free. Other activities cost extra, including John Deere Racers, train and hay rides, bounce houses, face painting and panning for gold. Great Pumpkin Weigh-off is Saturday, Sept. 23. Entrance to the patch is free, but there’s a $3-$7 vehicle entrance fee to the park.
Pick of the Patch Pumpkins
Outlets of San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente; abctreefarms.net; 2-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sept. 16-Oct. 31.
Attractions include giant slides, bumper boats and obstacle courses. Admission is free, but attractions are charged separately. Wristbands for inflatables cost $18 for 30 minutes and $23 for an hour. No pets allowed.
Pumpkin City, Anaheim
2180 E. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim; 949-449-4108, pumpkincity.com/pumpkin-farm; 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6-31.
Attractions include boat and car rides, bounce houses and a petting zoo with a ticket payment system.
Pumpkin City, Laguna Hills
24203 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills; 949-449-4189, pumpkincity.com; 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29-Oct. 31.
This patch near is near where the Laguna Hills Mall used to be. It features a beer garden for combination Halloween/Oktoberfest partying.
U-pick pumpkins, wagon rides, arts and crafts. $10 general admission; extra for activities. Parking passes are required, fee is $10 on weekends. .
The farm includes a U-pick patch. Admission is $20-$22 and includes activities such as wagon rides and a corn maze. Some attractions, including a pumpkin cannon, cost extra. Twenty-fifth anniversary specials include 25-cent games on opening weekend, Sept. 16-17 and 25% off admission Sept. 16-29. Tickets are sold at half-hour intervals on the website.
Zoomars at River Street Ranch
31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. 949-831-6550; riverstreetranch.com; Sept. 20-Oct. 31.
This petting zoo with goats, sheep and guinea pigs does a pumpkin patch during Halloween season. Admission is $15, $12 for children12 years and younger,
Riverside County
Big Horse Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Big Horse Feed and Mercantile, 33320 Temecula Parkway, Temecula; 951-389-4621, bighorsecornmaze.com; Tuesday through Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 31.
Giant maze features a patriotic theme. Last entrance is one hour before closing. Other attractions include a pumpkin patch, bounce house, bungee ride. There will be food vendors and a beer garden on weekends. The corn maze is a daytime attraction, but the pumpkin festival is open evenings. Check website for hours. $15 admission, $10 parking on weekends.
Hunter’s Pumpkin Patch
12125 Day St., Building Q, Moreno Valley. 951-440-2027; hunterspumpkinpatch.com; 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22-Oct. 30.
Attractions include slides, a barrel train and other rides, games and carnival food.
Peltzer Pumpkin Farm
39925 Calle Contento, Temecula; 951-695-1115, peltzerfarms.com; open daily Sept. 23-Oct. 31, check website for hours.
Attractions include a petting zoo, games, mining, face painting and rides. Admission is $2 Monday through Friday, $3 on weekends. Attractions cost extra. The property includes Peltzer Winery, “where the pumpkins grow and the wine flows.”
Pick of the Patch Pumpkins
18614 Dexter Ave., Lake Elsinore; abctreefarms.net; 2-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29-Oct. 31.
Inventory includes gourds, Indian corn and Halloween accessories as well as pumpkins. Attractions include bounce houses, slides and food vendors. Admission is free; wristbands for inflatables cost $18-$30.
Attractions include a corn maze, sunflower labyrinth, petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games. $5-$10 admission. A scary corn maze called Haunted Harvest is on the property with $30 separate admission.
Greenspot Farms
10133 Ward Way, Mentone; 909-794-7653, greenspotfarms.com; open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 30-Oct 31; scary nighttime attractions will be added 7-10 p.m. Oct. 13-31.
Attractions include a hay maze, bounce house, tractor rides, duck races and farm animals. Admission is free. Tickets for nighttime Haunted Hayride are $15-$30.
Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm
Live Oak Canyon Road at the 10 Freeway, Yucaipa; liveoakcanyon.com; open daily Sept. 22-Oct. 31, hours vary.
U-pick pumpkins and a large selection of picked pumpkins and gourds, there are more than 50 attractions including corn maze, petting zoo and rides. Live entertainment in October. $11-$17 admission for adults, $8-11 for children age 3-10; extra charge for some attractions.
Los Rios Rancho
39611 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa; losriosrancho.com; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
This farm specializes in apples and berries, but lists U-pick pumpkins among its produce in the autumn.
Riley’s Farm
12261 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa; rileysfarm.com; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
This property specializes in recreating colonial America and other historical periods, but lists U-pick pumpkins among its autumn crops.
Highlights of “Pumpkins in the Pines 2023” include a parkwide pumpkin patch, “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” puppet show, costume contests and seasonal food and beverages. Adult tickets are $59 and parking is $10.
Summer is always such a hard season to say goodbye to for avid cooks, so much color and flavor come with that heat! But with its end, begins fall, another deliciously vibrant season that brings warm spices, apples, and pumpkins into the picture.
September is the best of those two months all in one. We get to enjoy the last of the tomatoes, juicy berries, and sweet summer corn. But, we also get the first of the pears, persimmons, and all the gorgeous varieties of winter squash.
This guide is like a walk through a farmer’s market. I’m sharing tips on what’s best this month and useful info on using and picking each piece of produce. Get your autumn soup recipes out and make your favorite summer salads while you can, September is a beautiful blend of summer and fall, and full of delicious inspiration.
Apples
There are well over 7000 types of apples out there! Check out local apple growers for far more options than your grocery store. Varieties can range from very sweet and tender, to crisp or very tart. Choose unbruised, firm fruit, and store them in the fridge for the longest shelf life.
When purchased fresh, beets stay good for weeks. Purple, pink and white striped, and golden beets are most common, and all hold up well to roasting, pickling, steaming, or even eating raw. Choose bunches with greens still attached that look vibrant, then trim them off as soon as you get home for the best shelf life.
These juicy dark berries love the last heat of summer. Don’t be fooled by size, from large to small, all blackberries can be sweet and it’s more important to choose berries that look juicy and shiny. Store them in an airtight container, dry, and they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
At the moment, there is only one recipe with blackberries on the blog – this delicious lime white chocolate mousse. Usually, we have blackberries on their own at home or top oatmeal or cereal with them. I’ll definitely try to add more recipes with these cute berries in the future!
Shaved raw in a salad, fried, or roasted; brussels sprouts are delicious and nutritious. Brussels sprouts are a great fall veggie, full of fiber and flavor. You can buy them either loose or on the stalk. Look for firm sprouts with vibrant green color without holes or black spots.
There are many varieties of carrots out there, and they’re at their best (and sweetest) in spring and fall. Bunches that have healthy greens still attached are the tastiest and freshest. To keep them good for as long as possible, trim the greens off after purchasing.
Cauliflower is a vegetable that’s become increasingly popular as cooks have discovered how versatile and tasty it can be. Cauliflower rice or pizza crust anyone? For white, purple, and yellow varieties choose heads that are very firm with tightly closed florets and no black spots.
Check out my spicy Thai coconut cauliflower soup which is really delicious, creamy, and healthy. It’s all made in one pot and is ready in just 30 minutes!
Both the yellow and white corn varieties you’ll see in September are sweet and delicious. Choose corn with green, damp husks and fluffy yellow silks. It should feel firm and be absent of any tiny holes. Then roast it whole or slice it off the cob for a tasty summer meal.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any fresh corn recipes on the blog (only canned) but I hope to fix that in the future! Meanwhile, check out what other food bloggers are up to.
Cucumbers are available much of the year, but their peak season is coming to a close. Enjoy them this month in fresh salads, as a crudite, or choose small varieties for a fun home pickling project. Always choose firm, evenly green cucumbers free from soft and yellow spots.
This super healthy vegetable is used in cooking all around the world. Small thin varieties cook up easily and quickly, and the larger globe varieties are fabulous roasted, baked, and more. Choose firm eggplants that feel heavy for their size and have even color and healthy green stems.
Sweet, delicious figs make excellent salad additions, baked desserts, and go well with cheese. Black mission, brown turkey, or Adriatic figs are among the most popular for their sweetness, and are a great place to start. Fresh figs should be tender, but firm enough to hold their shape when sliced.
I discovered my love for figs not such a long time ago so it’s natural that I don’t have any fig recipes on the blog YET. These little gems are worth all the praise they get so recipes are definitely coming! Meanwhile, check out how my food blogger friends used figs in the kitchen!
Choose bunches that have healthy, flexible green stems that aren’t dried out, with juicy firm grapes attached. You may find varieties in colors like green, red, purple, and more. Ask your local grower for recommendations on sweetness and uses. They make a great snack, but are also great roasted!
My family adores grapes but usually we enjoy them straight out of the bag (or straight from the vine), not in recipes. I need to pull myself together and cook something with these sweet berries ASAP because you can really do so much with them. Check out what other food bloggers came up with!
These are another veggie you’ll likely find a lot of the year, but they’re at their best through October. Choose long firm pods – they should not bend, but rather feel as if they’ll snap. They’re very versatile, so try roasting them, sauteing them, or blanching them for a salad topping.
Big, fragrant melons are delicious at the end of summer. From watermelon to cantaloupe, be sure to choose a melon that feels heavy for its size. Uncut, melons will keep for 10 days on the counter or for several weeks in the fridge. Once cut, consume in a few days.
Fresh, seasonal peaches have that sun-ripened flavor that’s irresistible in salads or as a snack. If you’re after cobbler or baking peaches, ask the grower if they sell overripe peaches for less! For snacking raw, choose fruits that have some give when gently squeezed, but aren’t mushy.
Pears are a long-lasting fruit that keep well refrigerated. Buy them with a slight tenderness for immediate eating, or buy them slightly firm and store for weeks. Place them near an apple or banana on the counter to ripen them quickly. All pear varieties are sweet and have edible skins that are full of healthy fiber.
From the sweetest red peppers to the grassy, sharp green ones, all bell peppers can be eaten raw, roasted, sauteed, or baked. Choose firm peppers with taut skin and green stems. For more tender peppers (and less bitterness) try peeling them with a vegetable peeler first.
The two persimmons you’re likely to encounter are Fuyu and Hachiya. The Fuyu are short and squat, and can be eaten as soon as they’re orange and firmly tender, like a tomato. Hachiya persimmons are larger and acorn-shaped and should only be eaten when very soft. Both can be eaten raw, but the Hachiya is great for baking.
With over 2000 varieties of plums in the world, odds are good you’ll find some sweet fresh ones this time of year. Like all stone fruit, they’re best when ripe, so wait until they’re tender to the touch to eat. You can slow down ripening by storing them in the fridge.
I have only one plum recipe on the blog but it’s a GOOD one. This healthy plum cake is made with whole wheat flour, almond flour, and also has lemon cashew icing (no confectioners’ sugar) on top. It tastes amazing – you won’t even tell the difference from the usual plum cake!
From little to large, white to dark purple, potatoes come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. As a very inexpensive, and incredibly versatile, vegetable they’re easy to add to your menu. Roasted, baked, boiled, steamed, fried – they’re all great! Store potatoes in a cool, dark place for the best shelf life.
Pumpkins may be known for jack-o-lanterns, but they’re great for eating. Naturally sweet and rich in antioxidants, they make great additions to soups, salads, and sides. You can cook and eat pumpkin much like you would butternut squash, or go for sugar pumpkins and make your own puree.
This peppery vegetable is a great addition to end-of-summer salads or roasted with the other root vegetables of fall. There are dozens of varieties with different levels of spice, so try them to find your favorite. Choose bunches with vibrant color on both the radish and greens.
If you see these red beauties, or the unique golden ones, at your market, enjoy them before autumn fully sets in. Raspberries are very delicate, and best enjoyed right away. If storing, wait to wash them and place them in a refrigerated container that allows plenty of breathing room.
Sweet potatoes, often mislabeled as yams, come in a variety of colors. The orange ones that appear on holiday tables are familiar, but they come in various shades of purple and white too. Different varieties have different levels of sugar, but most are great for roasting or mashing. Choose them just like you would a potato.
At local markets, you’ll find dozens of heirloom and baby tomato varieties you’ve likely never seen before. Talk to the grower and discover which ones are sweetest and which ones will make your pasta sauce sing. Tomatoes store best on the counter, as the fridge will affect the texture.
The many varieties of winter squash like butternut, honey nut, delicata, acorn, and spaghetti are available in September. Winter squashes are sweet and delicious in soups or roasted simply as a side or topping to a salad. They should be heavy for their size and will keep for months in a dark, dry, cool place.
Zucchini, and all its fellow summer squashes, will be around for just a few more short weeks. Zucchini cooks very quickly and does well sauteed, roasted, grilled, or even eaten raw. Choose squash that has no soft spots and even color all over.
