20 Sep 5 Fall Foods to Satisfy Your Autumn Appetite
Fall may not technically begin until the later this month, but the decor has already hit department and grocery stores. As styles and colors make the shift to the autumn color palette, so too will our plates. We caught up with Mizner’s Executive Chef Orlin McLendon to get the dish on this year’s seasonal foods and flavors. Here’s a fabulous fall lineup you can enjoy with us at the One Mile Bar & Grille, or prepare at home for friends and family.
Baked Apples
Whether as a dessert or snack, apples are one of the many core fall foods. Baking is a fun way to enjoy them during the fall season. Similar to an apple pie, baked apples are filled with spices, apple slices, and topped with crust. However, baked apples are desserts using the body as a bowl, instead of serving a slice of pie.
Specialty Low-Calorie Dessert Menu Option: Baked Apple with Housemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Mushrooms
Chef McLendon’s personal favorite, mushroom season, brings along a tasty base or topping. Specifically, Orlin loves chanterelles and porcini mushrooms. Chanterelles have a powerful flavor, which is often complemented by a variety of cheeses, while porcini mushrooms are usually found in Italian dishes. He uses them in his wild mushroom risotto with white truffle oil.
Menu item: Wild Mushroom Risotto with White Truffle Oil
Fresh Chestnuts
Savory, sweet, or as a snack, fresh chestnuts should be a staple in your fall pantry. These rich-tasting nuts can be added to desserts such as ice cream, or baked in a torte. If you’d like to enjoy a savory meal, try chestnuts paired with a wine-braised pork. As for side dishes, adding chestnuts to your stuffing will complement many fall entrees. They are sure to be used at this year’s Thanksgiving feast at Mizner in our Fresh Chestnut Stuffing
Menu item: Fresh Chestnut Stuffing
Pears
These mild, sweet fruits are a fall food that is highly underrated. Apples are often reserved for sweets and desserts, while pears often crossover to savory dishes and main courses. Chef McLendon suggests a warm spinach salad with fresh pears and blue cheese. You’ll find fresh cut pear among the options at the Club’s lunch buffet or in our Roasted Pear & Spinach Salad, coming on our fall menu.
Menu item: Roasted Pear & Spinach Salad
Fresh Figs
There’s a reason figs are considered foods of the gods. With a subtle sweetness and unique texture, fresh figs are great to snack on. Although their season is longer than other fruits, be sure to snatch them up while you can because they can be difficult to find. And eat them up quickly, since they’re known to turn faster than most other fruits.
Menu item: Grilled Figs with Balsamic and Proscuitto