Fall is nearly upon us, and with the changing of the leaves comes a renewed interest in the tastes of autumn. Beloved for their natural sweetness, versatility, and ability to enhance both sweet and savory dishes — fig, pear, and maple flavors are a natural way to embrace the season.
Maple My Day
Maple syrup is an indispensable complement to pancakes and waffles — but consider breaking out of breakfast. Serving up caramel, toffee, and vanilla flavorings — as well as some woody and floral notes for good measure — maple syrup can add a singular sweetness to dishes.
Use Delancey Street Deli® 100% Pure Grade A Gourmet Maple Syrup as a sweet and earthy braise for fatty meats like short ribs and pork belly. Make a simple sauce by boiling maple syrup, butter, and cream, then simmer until it slightly thickens. Even appeal to pescatarians with maple-glazed salmon fillets. Close out the evening for diners with a sweet tooth by adding a maple apple crisp paired with vanilla ice cream or Spiced Maple-Walnut Cheesecake that just might be the ticket.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider pairing a bean salad of cannellini, baby broccoli, and butternut squash with a maple and thyme dressing. For another healthy side, coat root vegetables in a glaze of maple syrup, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar, roast the mixture, then cover in pecans and freshly chopped thyme.
A Fig of Your Imagination
Generally, in season between late August and early October, figs offer an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Their delightful sweetness and jammy texture can be enjoyed on their own or intensified through roasting and caramelization. This fruit can also be used to create flavorful vinaigrettes, chutneys, and relishes.
Unembellished, figs can make a flavorful addition to charcuterie boards and wheels of baked brie. Roasted figs are a wonderful complement to pastas, pizzas, and flatbreads. For a novel take on a classic Italian appetizer, consider a fig and blue cheese bruschetta.
If you’re in the market for a salad, pair the peppery bite of arugula with halved figs, prosciutto, shaved Parmesan, and balsamic glaze. For an upscale take on mozzarella sticks, consider these Fig Topped Tempura Cheese Wedges ― fry the cheese wedges and cover them with figs, walnuts, and fresh thyme for a great time.
And for dessert, try the Sweet Encore® New York-style Vegan Dairy-free Cheesecake — light, airy, and topped with figs, it features a caramelized crust and is crafted to accommodate a variety of dietary needs.
A Perfect Pear
Whether served raw, poached, or baked, pears can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. A pear, prosciutto, and arugula pizza is one delectable way to enjoy this sweet, bell-shaped fruit. For a healthy offering, consider a salad of pear, spring greens, walnut, goat cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar.
Embrace the season with a roasted parsnip and pear soup. Combine savory and sweet by covering grilled pork chops with roasted apples and pears.
For a unique breakfast offering, jazz up a grilled egg sandwich with thinly sliced pear, Canadian bacon, Gouda, and baby spinach. If you’re in need of a mouthwatering stuffed pasta dish, consider combining Piancone Epicureo® Pear and Gorgonzola Sachets with fig jam, Alfredo sauce, Pecorino Romano, and walnuts. For dessert, a cranberry pear tart offers a lighter alternative to pie. Or, for something on the refined side, poach your pears in red wine, cranberries, cinnamon, and sugar.
As the leaves ponder their transformation, let your menu do the same — embracing fall’s fan-favorite flavors with fig, pear, and maple across dayparts.