Bridging the Seasons (Fall Picnic)

Winter Coat, Autumn Vegetable Soup, Peach Parfait, local bread and a pretty background warmed our souls on this cool but beautiful autumn day.  Our picnic today was at Casselman River Bridge State Park in Grantsville Maryland.  Our menu included:

Autumn Vegetable Soup

Peach Parfait

Spinach Feta Bread

My soup features some vegetables purchased locally at the farmer's markets.  Here's my recipe:

Autumn Vegetable Soup

(Serves 4)

3 Garlic Cloves, minced

1/4 cup Yellow Onion, diced

1 tsp. Olive Oil

Cook garlic and onion in oil until softened, about 5 minutes. 

Add:

3 Mini Carrots, sliced 1/4 inch thick (these were from Evan's Knob Farm)
1 Leek, sliced in half lengthwise, then 1/4 inch slices
1/4 cup Fennel, finely chopped
3 cups Water
2 1/4 tsp. Low Sodium Soup Base 
1/2 cup Diced Tomatoes, no added salt
2 Tbsp. Tomato Paste, no added salt
1 Tbsp. Herbs de Province
1 small Zucchini, 1/2 inch dice
1/2 cup cooked Green Beans, 1/2 inch dice
2 cups Northern Beans, cooked (I use the Hanover Brand frozen cooked without salt or sauce)
Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 45 minutes, until some of the liquid has evaporated.  Serving is 1 cup.

   

I had 2 enormous fresh peaches I need to use, and here's how I did that:

Peach Ricotta Parfait
(Serves 2)

1 large Fresh Peach
Half and place skin down on toaster oven tray.  Bake for 5 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Parfait Assembly:
Layer as follows in individual jars:
1 1/2 Tbsp. Ricotta Cheese, part skim
2 Tbsp. Greek Yogurt, plain, no fat
1 Tbsp. Toasted Ground Almonds
1/4 Baked Peach, diced
1/2 tsp. Honey
2 tsp. Ricotta
1 Tbsp. Toasted Ground Almonds   
1/4 Baked Peach, skinned and diced
1/2 tsp. Honey 

That's New Day Bakery Bread, purchased locally at the Morgantown Farmer's Market.   

It was only 47 degrees here today, so we both donned our winter coats.  The thermos purchase for soup was a great idea.  We always take a thermos of coffee to finish the meal and walk around the table.  I took soup to my Mom and Dad as well.

Here's the beautiful park:

 
 Here's the original bridge, my Mom and Dad used to drive over:

 Have a great week!