Fall: a Small Collection of Recommendations

It's almost fall!

The season of cardigans, cooler weather, hot drinks and falling leaves. 

It also begins the day after my birthday.

:D

With that being said, I thought I would recommend some of the things that remind me of the season.

Books:

1. The Hobbit by J RR Tolkien

Bilbo Baggins has no idea of the adventures in store, or the events he'll set off, when he agrees to accompany Thorin Oakenshield, the Dwarf-Lord, to the lair of Smaug the Dragon. Using his wits at each step along the way, the hobbit encounters wizards, elves, men, goblins, and a creature named Gollum, evading danger and helping to bring peace to the realm of Middle Earth.

This book's atmosphere is aesthetically Autumn!

The misty mountains, Mirkwood, bonfires, eagles! and a lonely trek through the wilderness.

 A good part of the book actually takes place in fall, so it makes sense.

2. Following the Phoenix by Meriol Trevor

 

Rafael le Marre collects three companions whom he leads on an adventurous journey from Paris to Letzenstein. The Revolution of February, 1848, has erupted in France. Paul and Christie, both English, and Jeanne d’Estel of Valmay, have concerns of their own to pursue. But when the generous-hearted Rafael is arrested by political enemies, harrowing days follow. Important truths of character come to light, and Rafael’s stature emerges: the Phoenix arises again from the ashes.

So this book is actually set during February! But in my memory it feels more like fall than the book in this series that actually takes place during fall. Maybe it's just the orange cover?

The (perhaps false) memory I have of this book is cold, rainy days, escaping through cities, train rides, and surviving revolutions at night.

However! if you'd like to read the book that is an actual fall book, it is The Rose and Crown by Meriol Trevor.

 

Melisande, a girl with actors’ blood in her veins, finds life dreary; her family runs a London inn, “The Rose and Crown.” Then, in November 1849, Rafael le Marre arrives, bringing Mel’s lost cousin Toby with him. Unexpected experiences swirl in Rafael’s wake: Mel meets Catherine Ayre and mischievous Charley the sweeper. Meanwhile, Raf stirs up the trouble that is native to his frank character. Several necessary resolutions must occur before Raf and company set out again for Letzenstein.

 

 3. The Hidden Treasure of Glaston Eleanore Jewett

 

Amidst great mystery, Hugh is left in the care of Glastonbury Abbey by his father who must flee England too swiftly to be burdened by a crippled son. Ashamed of his physical weakness, yet possessed of a stout heart, Hugh finds that life at the abbey is surprisingly full in this year 1171, in the turbulent days of King Henry II. Hugh, his friend Dickon and their strange friend, the mad Bleheris, uncover a treasure trove and with it a deeper mystery of the sort that could only occur in Glastonbury where Joseph of Arimithea was said to have lived out his last years. Before all is done, more is resolved than Hugh could ever have hoped.

 

This book takes place in several seasons, but it feels very fall-ish. 

The lonely moor, a mad minstrel, the prevailing mysteries woven throughout the story, and blustery rainy days (Cold and Rainy seem to be a recurring theme in this list 😂.) give this book a spot on the list.

 

4. The Strange Intruder Arthur Catherall

 A normal day in the life of those who live on the small, rocky island of Mykines in the Faroe Islands is demanding enough. However, nothing will ever compare to the unforgettable one that comes to the island one blustery fall day, especially for young 16-year-old Sven Klakk. What begins as a quiet day of fishing, with Sven enviously watching the men using fleygs (fowling nets) to catch birds on the cliffs high above him, ends in a tumult of suspense and terror. A force ten gale; a damaged ship in danger of smashing up on the rocks of the island most of the crew call home; a handful of women, old men, and one 16-year-old boy, to rescue the desperately helpless men…. Then, when it seems impossible for things to get any worse than they already are—they do!

 

Personally, this feels more Wintery than Fall, probably because it takes place near the North Pole, but it is set during the Fall season. It is suspenseful, with a good plot twist!

Music:

1. Bonnie Rideout's fiddle music.

 

2. Thanksgiving Song by JJ Heller 

3. The Autumn Song by Sarah Sparks

4. Cypresses by Dvorak

 

 

Food:

1. Chai Tea Latte

I personally like the powdered mixes the best, but you can also make your own more healthy version with regular chai tea plus milk. Steaming and frothing the milk would be really good!

A good fall twist to this drink is to add pumpkin syrup.

2. Vanilla Icecream + Pumpkin Spice

You just take a bowl of vanilla ice cream and shake pumpkin spice over it! I prefer to mix it together until the Icecream turns smooth.

3. Pumpkin Pie Shake

You take vanilla Icecream, (or any similar flavor; something pretty neutral that will not cover the pumpkin flavor) canned pumpkin, milk, a lot of pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup to taste, and a handful of ice cubes. After blending it together, add whipped cream to the top of your cup after you pour it.

If you have the scoopable whipped cream, you can also swirl a spoonful of it through your shake before topping it.

Or you could use this recipe. 

I haven't, but it looks just as good, if not better, than the one I used!

https://ourbestbites.com/pumpkin-pie-milkshake/

4. S'mores

I don't know why it took so long for me to realize 😂, but if you have a gas stove, you can make smores over a lit burner.

So, while bonfire are aesthetic, you can can still make Smores on days without them.

5. Irish Beef Stew

This, and any other soup really, is perfect for cooler weather. 

It's really easy to make in a slow cooker. All the recipes I've seen call for Guinness, but we used a lager. The leftover beer can be used to make beer bread. Which is another really easy recipe!

If you make beer bread, a way to change it up is by adding a swirl of basil (and any other herbs you prefer) and parmesan cheese mixed with olive oil.

What are your favorite foods to make during the Fall season?

Do you have any songs that remind you of Autumn?