Finding Fall

HARVEST WALTZ

Tomatoes, potatoes, and hops on the vine/ blackberries and cherries and strawberry wine

The wind shakes the branches, leaves fall from the trees/ the winter is coming, we do as we please

Tomatoes, potatoes, and hops on the vine/ blackberries and cherries and strawberry wine

The harvest is in now, the moon's on the rise/ the starlight is shining in my lover's eyes

Tomatoes, potatoes, and hops on the vine/ blackberries and cherries and strawberry wine

There's music a playin', there's beer set to drink/ we're gonna go dancing, we won't sleep a wink

Tomatoes, potatoes, and hops on the vine/ blackberries and cherries and strawberry wine

Seriously, it sounds pretty good when I play it - if I do say so myself!

So alas, the summer is closed down for, well, the summer.  I have yet to make it out to see all of the West Toast staffers on my spirited away tour - but fear not!  I am not done trying.  Until then I have a number of fall-themed posts to share with you that are meant to embrace the season rather than fear it.  As a person who just recently relocated from 300 days of sunshine to the land of eternal rain, I am looking for any and all ways to celebrate rather than lament the coming of the cold and wet.

 

I am a professional gleaner.  No, I don't glean for money, but I do spend a good chunk of my time in the fall scanning the roadside for houses with fruit trees.  When I see one that for days and days seems never to be picked, and the fruit starts hitting the ground, I go up and knock on the door to see if I can pick some.  One of these houses happened to be right near where I live!  I ended up with a modest amount of pears which I decided would make a nice crisp.

Pear Crisp Recipe
10-15 pears (depends on size), cored and chopped
1/2c. honey
1t. cinnamon
1/2c. butter
1c. flour
1/2c. sugar

• Lightly grease a baking pan (I use cast iron), and place chopped pears into it.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with honey.
• In a mixing bowl combine flour, butter, and sugar until it is completely mixed and is lightly crumbly
• Pour crumble mixture over pears until completely covered.  Pat down lightly
• Bake at 375 for 45-60 minutes

I paired our pears with a little gem I got from a friend a while back - Eola Hills Pacific Blanc.  A while blend with mostly muscat grapes. This wine sported a strong peach and melon nose, and was only lightly sweet.  I enjoyed the strong summery fruit flavors in contrast with the heavy autumnal sensibility of the pear crisp.  It came sweeter at the front, with a smooth pear flavor at the center and a tart almost apricot finish.  I found it balanced and well paired with our dessert. 

So happy fall all - if you know of other ways to find pleasure in the rain please pass them on to me!