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Fresh Flavors: October's Seasonal Picks

Fresh Flavors: October's Seasonal Picks

In many parts of the country, October brings a variety of delicious ingredients to the table. The availability of seasonal ingredients varies based on location and climate. To make the most of seasonal flavors, consider trying out new recipes, integrating local produce into your meals, and ordering featured meals from Instead of Flowers. 

Here are some common ingredients that peak during the autumn month of October. We will share our dishes that delicious items!  

Apples

October is prime apple season in many regions. There are many different types of apples, ranging from sweet to tart. These crisp fruits are perfect for baking pies, making applesauce, or just enjoying as a healthy snack.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Apple Caramel Bars. This delightful dessert encapsulates the essence of autumn with every bite. Fresh, crisp apples are thinly sliced and layered over a buttery, cinnamon-infused crust. The crowning glory is a luscious caramel drizzle that's both sweet and salty, adding a rich and decadent touch.

With every mouthful, you'll experience the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples combined with the creamy richness of caramel. This is a dessert that's both nostalgic and delicious. These bars are the perfect way to bring the essence of fall to your palate.

If you’re looking for subtle apple flavors infused with a fresh & healthy meal, enjoy our exquisite Blackened Salmon with Mango Chutney. This gluten-free delight combines the natural richness of salmon with the vibrant flavors of fruit. The succulent salmon filet is perfectly blackened to achieve a crispy skin while keeping the flesh tender and moist. What truly sets this dish apart is the tangy mango chutney, which includes mango, peppers, apples and scallions.The sweet notes of ripe fruit harmonize beautifully with the subtle smokiness of the salmon, creating a delightful contrast that mirrors the transitional beauty of October. This can be a perfect gourmet dinner for two, delivered right to your door!

Squash

Many varieties of squash, including butternut, acorn, and spaghetti, are in season throughout the month of October. These fresh vegetables can be roasted, pureed, or chopped and eaten as main courses, side dishes, or in soups.

Our Vegetable Lasagna is a comforting and hearty dish that celebrates the essence of the season. Layers of tender lasagna noodles are generously filled with a medley of roasted autumn vegetables, including sweet butternut squash, earthy mushrooms, and spinach. These seasonal ingredients are complemented by a rich and savory tomato sauce, creating a symphony of satisfying flavors.

As the weather cools and the leaves begin to change, this Vegetable Lasagna offers a perfect blend of comfort in an easy-to-heat dinner package. It's a delicious way to savor the bountiful flavors of October while enjoying a classic Italian favorite, making it a delightful choice for a seasonal dining experience.

Cranberries

These tart berries are typically harvested in the fall and are often used to make cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving meals.

To pair with many of our gourmet entrees, elevate your dining experience with our exquisite Wild Rice side dish. Nutty and aromatic, wild rice is combined with seasonal ingredients like cranberries. Each bite is a harmonious blend of fall's bounty, creating a comforting and flavorful dish. Whether enjoyed as a side or a hearty main course, our Wild Rice is a delightful way to savor the rich flavors of October, making it a perfect addition to your seasonal meal.

Mushrooms

Many types of mushrooms, such as chanterelles and shiitakes, are in season during the fall. Our exquisite Beef Bourguignon will allow you to savor the earthy flavor of mushrooms. This hearty, slow-cooked dish features many of the season's rich flavors. Tender chunks of succulent beef are simmered in a velvety red wine sauce, infused with the notes of mushrooms and the sweetness of caramelized onions. October's bountiful harvest shines through with every bite, creating a deeply satisfying culinary experience. As the days grow cooler, this classic French comfort food is the perfect way to warm your heart and stomach.

If you prefer lighter fare, try our Sauteed Tilapia Deluxe Entree. This exquisite dish combines autumn flavors with fresh seasonal ingredients. Fresh tilapia filets are expertly sautéed to perfection, resulting in a delicate, flaky texture.. Complementing the mild and buttery fish, you'll find a medley of vibrant roasted vegetables, including artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and onions.

Figs

Figs have a short season in the fall, and they are delicious when eaten fresh or used in desserts, sauces, and salads.

Our October meal of the month, Rosemary-Marinated Grilled Loin Lamb Chops with a Fig Demi, is the perfect gourmet delivery this time of year. This meal offers a perfect blend of seasonal ingredients. Succulent loin lamb chops, tenderized and infused with aromatic rosemary, are expertly grilled to a smoky perfection, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors and textures.

The star of this dish is the Fig Demi sauce, a rich and velvety concoction that brings out both the savory and sweet flavors of the dish. October's ripe figs are transformed into a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the lamb, offering a delightful contrast of tastes. Each bite is a balance of earthy herbs, charred meat, and the sweet warmth of figs, making this meal a true autumnal delight.

Share What the Season Has to Offer

As you gear up to prepare for the Thanksgiving season, you may think of loved ones that live far away, are sick, or unable to spend time with others around the holidays. Consider gifting them a seasonal, hearty meal with all the warm flavors that autumn to spread some love and express your care. Our gourmet food delivery service is a great way to embrace each season’s flavors!