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Best Recipes For Fall Holiday Meals in 2023

by | Aug 23, 2023 | Cal Mart Deli, Coffee, Tea & Smoothies

 

Yes, summer is still in full swing, and the combination of warm weather, baseball, and long days makes it hard to be thinking about fall.

But with school starting and the first day of fall closer than the last day of spring, it’s a great time to be thinking about fall holiday meals.

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Fall Holiday Meals in Napa Valley

Of course, the big holiday in the fall is Thanksgiving.

But there are many other days for celebrating and enjoying great fall meals. For example, we observe Veteran’s Day and Halloween. However, Halloween is more of a celebration and officials have never made it a federal holiday.

But there are also holidays that have become more “mainstream” in the United States over the years including Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Mawlid, which is the Muslim commemoration of the birth of the Prophet Mohammad.

In addition, we have the Hindu celebration day of Diwali, and the suitably spectral holiday of Día de Muertos, which is typically celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, and shares some similarities with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, more commonly known as Halloween.

For most Americans living in the US, fall holidays often mean food and family meals. In Napa Valley, this almost always means great dishes, fresh local produce, and trying out new recipes.

Delightful Fall Holiday Meals: Recipes to Savor and Share

As the vibrant, green hues of summer transform into the warm and colorful embrace of autumn foliage, it’s time to gather around the table and relish the flavors that this enchanting season brings.

Fall holidays beckon us to create meals that capture the essence of comfort and togetherness. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a taste of fall, these three delectable recipes will elevate your culinary experience and leave lasting impressions on your taste buds.

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From Soup to Nuts: A Trio of Great  Recipes For a Fall Holiday Meal

A holiday meal isn’t complete without some “starters” whether that’s finger food and hors d’oeuvres, or an enticing bowl of soup.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Embrace the essence of fall with a soul-warming bowl of Butternut Squash and Apple Soup. This velvety concoction marries the sweetness of butternut squash and apples with the subtle warmth of aromatic spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the cubed butternut squash and chopped apples to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4. Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in the ground cinnamon and nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

While turkey is often associated solely with Thanksgiving, this versatile bird can be a perfect main dish at any holiday meal, especially in the fall.

Cranberry and Pecan-Stuffed Roast Turkey

The truth is, no fall holiday feast is complete without a succulent roast turkey at the center of attention. Elevate this traditional dish with a delectable Cranberry and Pecan stuffing that adds a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

• 12-15 pound whole turkey, thawed and giblets removed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 4 cups cubed day-old bread
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, diced celery, diced onion, cubed bread, dried sage, and dried thyme.
3. Pour the melted butter over the stuffing mixture and toss to combine. Slowly add the chicken or turkey broth until the stuffing reaches your desired level of moisture.
4. Season the inside of the turkey cavity with salt and pepper. Spoon the stuffing into the cavity, being careful not to overstuff.
5. Truss the turkey with kitchen twine and place it on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
6. Brush the outside of the turkey with additional melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
7. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes with pan drippings, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
8. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring a moist and flavorful bird.

Perhaps even more important than “starters” is “afters”, and this scrumptious fall concoction is sure to be an after-dinner hit.

pumkin pecan cheesecake

Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake

Indulge your sweet tooth with a luscious Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake that embodies the essence of fall. Creamy pumpkin filling meets the crunch of toasted pecans in this decadent dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until well combined.
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the springform pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
8. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional 1 hour to set.
9. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
10. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans over the top of the cheesecake for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

As the coming season of crisp air and the golden foliage of fall envelop us, these recipes will provide a symphony of autumnal delights that are sure to warm hearts and bellies. Whether it’s a gathering of loved ones or a moment of personal indulgence, these fall holiday meals are sure to capture the magic of the season and create cherished memories around the table.

Discover Unforgettable Holiday Meal Essentials at Cal Mart

For over five decades, Cal Mart has served as a culinary cornerstone, catering to our community’s desire for wholesome dining. Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, our roots run deep, and we’ve blossomed into a local tradition.

As an enduring family-owned establishment, Cal Mart continues to provide an unparalleled shopping experience. Our unwavering commitment to diversity and choice has been our hallmark for more than fifty years, ensuring every visit is an experience to cherish.

Our dedicated team takes immense pride in offering an extensive array of goods, catering to the palates of our cherished patrons.

And it’s the unwavering loyalty of our customers that has transformed Cal Mart into an esteemed local haven, renowned for our exquisite Napa Valley wines, premium meats, artisanal cheeses, and a cornucopia of specialty foods. These strands of our legacy have woven together, crafting our present-day identity as “Napa Valley’s Finest Grocery.”

So, this fall, take a moment to embark on a culinary odyssey here at Cal Mart.

While you’re here, please feel free to talk with our friendly staff and perhaps treat yourself to a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea from our Coffee Bar.

Remember: at Cal Mart, you will always find something that is unexpected, unusual, and uncommon!

 

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