Community September 17, 2023

Interesting Fall Recipes Using Local Goods and Produce

Fall is the time of year when seasonal flavors abound, and pumpkin spice lattes are all the rage. But it’s also the time of year when autumn produce is plentiful here in Kitsap County. With innovative urban gardeners, family-owned and operated farms, and bustling farmers’ markets, there are many fresh, local options. Here are some interesting fall recipes using delicious, local goods. Savor the flavor!

Pumpkin Picks

While pumpkin is commonly used in desserts, there are many fun and interesting ways to incorporate this classic autumn favorite into a main course. This Pumpkin Lasagna Rolls recipe makes a creamy, delicious feature for a fall meal. Reviewers rave about it but suggest skipping the raw sage leaves or frying them instead. Also, we suggest using homemade noodles from Via Rosa 11 on Bainbridge Island to make it authentic. For a unique vegetarian meal, try Instant Pot Braised Tofu with Pumpkin Mole from America’s Test Kitchen. Sure, you can buy pumpkin puree, but if you can carve out the time, try making your own homemade pumpkin puree to really elevate these recipes. You can purchase beautiful pumpkins from Pheasant Fields Farm in Silverdale. If you’d like to keep things simple but love that pumpkin spice flavor, sprinkle Spiva Cooking‘s tasty pumpkin spice blend on anything that needs it.

Autumn Apples

While apples seem to be available year-round, locally grown apples harvested in the fall are such a treasure. The Tea & Spice Exchange of Poulsbo offers a wide variety of spices to enhance desserts containing apples. Instead of traditional apple pie, try their interesting recipes like Chai Apple Streusel Cake and Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake. If apple pie is your favorite, try a new twist with Mini Salted Caramel Apple Pies. Top off these delightful desserts with handcrafted, small-batch ice cream made by Scoops & Bites in Bremerton.

Delightful Fall Recipes with Butternut Squash

Another delicious addition to fall – butternut squash! High in potassium and rich in flavor, butternut squash grows locally from fall to winter. Try Roasted Butternut Squash Soup as a starter or Stuffed Butternut Squash with Wild Rice as a main course. Additionally, Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash makes a yummy side dish for lunch or dinner. Butternut squash is a cozy, comforting addition to any fall meal.

More Recipes and Shopping Options

If you are looking for more places to find local produce, check out the “Delicious Options” section of our article highlighting Kitsap’s eco-friendly products and services. And for more interesting fall recipes, join the Kitsap Fresh Facebook group. Community members share recipes made with Kitsap Fresh’s goods and produce. It’s a fun way to connect and gain culinary inspiration while supporting local farmers and small businesses.