October is Here!
Fall has arrived filled with colors and new seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. This year, we start the month off with the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur on the eve of October 3. This is the second of the most important High Holy Days in the Jewish religion. The first is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and was celebrated September 24th, 25th, and 26th.
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn day of the Jewish year and is observed on the tenth day of Tishri. It is a day of fasting, reflection and prayers.
"May you be inscribed in the Book of Life" is the common greeting during this period as it is believed that on Rosh Hashanah the destiny of all mankind is recorded by G-d in the Book of Life. On Yom Kippur the Book is closed and sealed. Those that have repented for their sins are granted a good and happy New Year.
Some of our favorite FALL vegetables are:
Squash:
Butternut, Acorn, Spaghetti, Delicata, Gold Nugget, Sweet Dumpling, Kabocha and Turban are the most popular. Try them baked or cube them into stews. Some squash are difficult to cut. Here is a simple solution: Place whole squash in 375º oven for about 10-15 minutes until the outer shell softens enough to cut. Adjust cooking time accordingly, so squash does not overcook. Use in your favorite recipe. You can also scoop out the inside flesh and use the outer shell as a unique serving dish. This is especially fun to do with the smaller squash, using them for individual servings.
Potatoes:
Dutch Yellow®, Fingerlings, Baby Red, Baby White and Ruby Gold® are all delicious and easy to prepare. Baked or mashed is the most popular way to serve these potatoes... Leave the skin on for a healthier dish.
And our favorite fall fruits are:
Fresh Fruit:
Fresh fruit like Pomegranates, Korean Pears, Starfruit and Persimmons are all very popular in the fall, continuing into the holidays. Remove the arils (seeds) from a pomegranate by carefully slicing the fruit in half, then submerging the half cut side down into a bowl of water... gently remove the arils from the pith and they will drop to the bottom of the bowl and the pith will float to the top. Use the arils as a garnish around a cheese ball, toss them into fresh salads or sprinkle them around the edges of a plate to make it look festive.
Fall Favorites:
These popular items cannot be left out for fall cooking: Pearl Onions, Pine Nuts, Garlic, Steamed Lentils and our full line of ready-to-go steamed veggies.
Don’t forget HALLOWEEN!
The last day of the month, October 31st, is one of the most anticipated holidays of fall. Every year, millions of Americans spend October 31st, dressing in funny, scary and realistic costumes, eating candy and fun treats. There are many stories about Halloween, some religious, other superstitious. Melissa’s thinks of Halloween and fun treats to eat that can be healthy, too! Pumpkins are a favorite for Halloween. Pumpkins can be orange, which is the most common color, or white, which are called ghost pumpkins. This year, we are continuing our new tradition of PINK Pumpkins, which are grown to promote breast cancer awareness. Melissa’s, along with American growers will be donating a portion of the proceeds from these pink pumpkins to breast cancer research. Not only are they unique, but they support a great cause.
Generally people carve their pumpkins into a "Jack 'o Lantern" by making a face on the pumpkin. The inner seeds are also popular to bake as a crunchy snack. You can season them with salt or your favorite popcorn seasoning for a real treat. Pumpkins can also be cooked and eaten just like any other squash. The most popular recipe for a pumpkin is pie.
If you want to get really creative, try some of our FREAKY FRUIT® recipes.
These exclusive recipes will help you create one of the most delicious and fun Halloween feasts ever!
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn day of the Jewish year and is observed on the tenth day of Tishri. It is a day of fasting, reflection and prayers.
"May you be inscribed in the Book of Life" is the common greeting during this period as it is believed that on Rosh Hashanah the destiny of all mankind is recorded by G-d in the Book of Life. On Yom Kippur the Book is closed and sealed. Those that have repented for their sins are granted a good and happy New Year.
Some of our favorite FALL vegetables are:
Squash:
Butternut, Acorn, Spaghetti, Delicata, Gold Nugget, Sweet Dumpling, Kabocha and Turban are the most popular. Try them baked or cube them into stews. Some squash are difficult to cut. Here is a simple solution: Place whole squash in 375º oven for about 10-15 minutes until the outer shell softens enough to cut. Adjust cooking time accordingly, so squash does not overcook. Use in your favorite recipe. You can also scoop out the inside flesh and use the outer shell as a unique serving dish. This is especially fun to do with the smaller squash, using them for individual servings.
Potatoes:
Dutch Yellow®, Fingerlings, Baby Red, Baby White and Ruby Gold® are all delicious and easy to prepare. Baked or mashed is the most popular way to serve these potatoes... Leave the skin on for a healthier dish.
And our favorite fall fruits are:
Fresh Fruit:
Fresh fruit like Pomegranates, Korean Pears, Starfruit and Persimmons are all very popular in the fall, continuing into the holidays. Remove the arils (seeds) from a pomegranate by carefully slicing the fruit in half, then submerging the half cut side down into a bowl of water... gently remove the arils from the pith and they will drop to the bottom of the bowl and the pith will float to the top. Use the arils as a garnish around a cheese ball, toss them into fresh salads or sprinkle them around the edges of a plate to make it look festive.
Fall Favorites:
These popular items cannot be left out for fall cooking: Pearl Onions, Pine Nuts, Garlic, Steamed Lentils and our full line of ready-to-go steamed veggies.
Don’t forget HALLOWEEN!
The last day of the month, October 31st, is one of the most anticipated holidays of fall. Every year, millions of Americans spend October 31st, dressing in funny, scary and realistic costumes, eating candy and fun treats. There are many stories about Halloween, some religious, other superstitious. Melissa’s thinks of Halloween and fun treats to eat that can be healthy, too! Pumpkins are a favorite for Halloween. Pumpkins can be orange, which is the most common color, or white, which are called ghost pumpkins. This year, we are continuing our new tradition of PINK Pumpkins, which are grown to promote breast cancer awareness. Melissa’s, along with American growers will be donating a portion of the proceeds from these pink pumpkins to breast cancer research. Not only are they unique, but they support a great cause.
Generally people carve their pumpkins into a "Jack 'o Lantern" by making a face on the pumpkin. The inner seeds are also popular to bake as a crunchy snack. You can season them with salt or your favorite popcorn seasoning for a real treat. Pumpkins can also be cooked and eaten just like any other squash. The most popular recipe for a pumpkin is pie.
If you want to get really creative, try some of our FREAKY FRUIT® recipes.
These exclusive recipes will help you create one of the most delicious and fun Halloween feasts ever!
