I’m so surprised by myself in this season of life. I have packed my life full in a way that would make 30 year old me faint. I’m exhausted, and yet, so full emotionally. I’m working full time at a school doing so many different things in a day. I have started a business and am coordinating pop-ups and ordering inventory and STILL calling the state to get some documentation for my bank. At night I cook and crochet and spend time with my husband while watching TV, and go on as many walks as I can. I’m seeing friends less frequently, which makes me bummed but I really want to throw everything I have into Audrey’s Cookbooks right now. The real ones will stick with me through this busy season.
I’ve found it difficult to have the time to write and research for this newsletter compared to a year ago, and yet I still find it comforting to sit down and get my thoughts out about food. Thank you for being here through this period of time with me. I appreciate your eyes and brains because many of you are busy too.
Now onto the food event of the autumn, my wild potluck idea I had when I lived in New York City: Pumpplefest. You can read more about the lore of this event here. Pumpkin + Apple = Pumpple and Oktoberfest inspired the ‘fest’ add-on to the name. Everyone brings a pumpkin or apple dish (or for the extra creative, pumpkin AND apple), and then we eat and drink together. In years past the night has ended with something to keep the good vibes going: dancing, karaoke, a fire, or games.
This year’s food was incredible! I’m not sure how it works out so perfectly every year, but there’s always enough food, and somehow the right kinds of food to make it feel like you could eat a full meal. I did not take photos of everything because I was having too good of a time so you’ll have to be satisfied with a brief list. Some years are like that!
Below is a quick and dirty rundown of the spread last night to welcome in the season we all know and love.
Apple cider braised pork on pumpkin dinner rolls with garlic thyme butter and Dijon mustard
Apple cider waffles with cinnamon butter and maple syrup
Homemade candied apples!!!
Pumpkin bread
Pumpkin conchas
Pumpkin goat cheese dip with thyme, honey, and walnuts
Pumpkin muffins and pumpkin cake
Pumpkin pizza with cream sauce, apple cider caramelized onion, applewood smoked bacon, spiced pumpkin seeds, gouda and mozzarella and a drizzle of honey!
Savory pumpkin and parmesan scones with shallot and chive Boursin
My heart is full and my body is tired. I’ve been thinking about what a joy it is to host people I love in our home, and then a friend sent this to me yesterday - kismet.
I feel so lucky to have people in my life who are really down to do a theme and commit to making (or buying!) food for a group. Take this as an encouragement: If you want to start a tradition, all you have to do is DO IT!
Audrey’s Cookbooks Updates
We have been hard at work getting our fall and early winter pop-ups lined up. I’m so excited to be able to meet you all and get you a cookbook you will treasure on your shelf or on your kitchen counter!
Today we had a pop-up at Style Society in St. Paul, MN and I sold my first cookbook to the absolute sweetest customer. I was thrilled to be able to talk to her about what she likes to cook and what she wants to get better at, and she landed on a cookbook all about how to use herbs that grow in Minnesota. Looking forward to more of this VERY SOON!
Pop-Up Events to look forward to! Save the Date!
October
10/12/24 New Cookbooks @ Bench Pressed
10/26/24 New Cookbooks @ TBD (in talks with a few local businesses about this date!)
November
11/2/24 Vintage Cookbooks @ Golden Fig
11/10/24 New & Vintage Cookbooks @ The Mustache Cat
11/16/24 Cookbook Club: SOUP!, location TBD
11/30/24 New & Vintage Cookbooks @ Dashfire - SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
December
12/7/24 Vintage Cookbooks @ Golden Fig
12/14/24 New Cookbooks @ TBD (waiting to hear about a holiday market application!)
12/22/24 New & Vintage Cookbooks @ TBD - LAST CHANCE GIFTS!
*Date TBD Cookbook Club: Holiday Cookie Swap @ The Mustache Cat
Things I Like
The summer produce just keeps on coming so I’m going to do my best to enjoy raw veggie snack bags
A crackling fire on an autumnal night
Red is big this fall and I am all in. My red cardigan and a couple of red button ups are ready and waiting for the weather to be cooler, and I’m plotting what garment I can crochet and then dye red.
A homemade holiday gift season
Windows open at night to cleanse the house of sticky summer air!
May your week be gentle and may you eat well. 🌲🥣