Seasonal eating in Autumn: Pumpkin
Hi friends,
As the days grow shorter and the temperature dips, there’s something magical about the start of Autumn. It’s that small pause between late summer and the sparkle of Christmas on the horizon. I don’t know about you but a cosy, dry Autumn is my kind of season. The fashion, the colours, the slower pace and the opportunity to get back in the kitchen and bake. It makes me so happy. Can you relate? This is where Joy truly lives. In the smell of cinnamon, freshly baked bread and the flicker of a candle with a cuppa on a Sunday afternoon. Utter bliss.
October is the month to celebrate everything that’s cosy and though it may be a little cliche- this months ingredients is….Pumpkins of course.
From soups to golden loaves, I’ve been embracing this beautiful Autumn staple in every way possible. As soon as those baby pumpkins and squashes appear in the shops, I’m sold. Roasted, puréed, baked- there’s something about peeling, chopping and cooking a pumpkin. It’s humble and hearty and the colour is stunning. Can you tell that I’m a fan?
I’ve been experimenting with all kinds of cosy recipes in the Mayajoy test kitchen. A silky pumpkin soup, served with a gorgeous gluten free bread roll from The Loopy whisk, a spiced Pumpkin loaf, perfect for afternoon teas and a homemade pumpkin spiced latte that tastes like Autumn in a cup. Try this one for your next cosy 5 mins of quiet.
2 tbsp pumpkin purée- I buy mine from waitrose
2 cups milk or dairy free alternative* (see notes)
1tbsp maple syrup
1tbsp vanilla extract
2tsp cinnamon
1tsp ginger
1/4tsp nutmeg
1/4tsp gloves
2 single/double shots of espresso
squirty cream to finish.
Method:
heat milk, pumpkin, spices, vanilla and syrup in a pan gently.
Pour freshly made espresso in to 2 mugs, top with the spiced milk and finish with squirty cream. Dust with extra cinnamon or a cinnamon stick to make it extra fancy.
And because no weekend is complete without a little fun, we used the Honeywell Bakes Pumpkin spiced bun kit for some creative baking. You can get 20% off all of their kits by using the code: mayajoydesign20 . You can explore their range here.
Autumn has always felt like a time of reconnection. Time seems to slow down, allowing us to reconnect at home, with loved ones and ourselves.
Once the summer's over, I always look forward to turning the oven back on and start baking again. It’s not just about the finished bake, it’s about how it makes us feel. The act of baking something simple and seasonal, for the people you love- that’s the heart of Mayajoy and it really does bring joy to the dreariest of days.
If you’re feeling inspired to bring a little Autumn magic into your home, start small with these simple ideas:
Bake something pumpkin-y
Light a candle while the rain taps on the window
Wrap yourself in a blanket, pour something warm and remember that joy is often found in the ordinary moments.
You’ll find plenty of kitchen inspiration (and colour) in the Mayajoy homeware range- from cotton aprons to cheerful tea towels that make even the washing up feel joyful.
If you’re feeling inspired, love celebrating the seasons and living life full of colour, flavour and intention- you’ll love our monthly Joy Journal.
Sign up here to receive monthly inspiration, seasonal food recommendations and exclusive early access to new designs.
We can’t wait to see you there.
Lots of love,
Maya x