While the prospect of a pleasant, warm-year-round climate does hold a certain appeal, I know I would miss the change of seasons. Because each season is special and unique.
Winter boasts the sparkle of a snow-covered landscape and the excitement of Christmas.
Spring bursts upon us in a rainbow of colors as the plant world springs to life.
Summer’s long, fun-in-the-sun days invite adventure and encourage family time.
And then there’s fall with its unique, vibrant beauty that blankets the outdoors in a rich, colorful, tapestry-like backdrop that both awes and inspires with its breathtaking splendor.
It’s no surprise to me that autumn consistently ranks at the top when surveys pose the question of one’s favorite season. Fall has long been my preferred section of the calendar. A time when I pause often to take in the bold splashes of color on display out my window. When I look forward to the aroma wafting from my kitchen as autumn’s bounty finds its way into baked, sweet treats. There are just so many things to love about fall.
The way the routine of daily life settles back in after the spontaneous days of summer. The bountiful harvest of late-season produce. The impressive variety of pumpkins and gourds, where the traditional hues now share the stage with an expanded palette. The crispness in the morning and evening air. The gorgeous colors that abound as the leaves trade their lush greenness for shades of red and yellow, orange and brown, burgundy and purple. The inviting activities that beckon us to grab a sweatshirt and enjoy—football games, hayrides, roasting marshmallows ‘round the campfire, and sipping hot chocolate while watching the sunset.
In our corner of the world, we surround ourselves with all-things-autumn. From the fall scented candle that fills our home with the aroma of the season, to the bright splashes of oranges and yellows that punctuate the front landscaping and lay claim to the fireplace mantle and many other flat surfaces within our abode. The permission we grant ourselves to indulge in every pumpkin-infused recipe we can find. The way we include the shapes of fall with pumpkin shaped finger Jell-O, pumpkin and leaf shaped and decorated sugar cookies. And, of course, every variety of candy corn that we can be found—served with and without added peanuts. Year-round-available candy wrapped in fall packaging? You bet.
We love summer, and we do summer all summer long. Fam favorites include cooking on the grill, getting our fill of summer fruits, watching youth baseball and softball games, and afternoons at the pool. None of this Christmas in July business for us, thank you very much. Listen, no one loves Christmas more than me, I guarantee it. Come the day after Thanksgiving, we are 1000% about Christmas. But summer is for summer. And fall is when we immerse ourselves in everything autumn, honoring this favorite season from mid-September all the way through Thanksgiving.
Because each season is special and unique.
One of the fav recipes we make multiple times each fall is Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist, packed-with-pumpkin-and-cinnamon dessert also works well in the form of cupcakes. While we could easily enjoy this yummy treat all year long—it’s that good—we save it for after strawberry shortcake, rhubarb crisp, and zucchini bars have had their place on the menu. Our motto: Each dessert in its season, and a season for each dessert.
Pumpkin Sheet Cake –
Preheat oven to 350˚. Mix together:
1 c. vegetable oil
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
2 c. canned pumpkin puree (not pie mix) (I use a 15 oz. can)
2 c. flour
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
½ t. salt
2 t. cinnamon
Pour into greased jelly roll pan (15x10x1). Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool.
Cream Cheese Frosting –
Blend well:
1 – 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 stick of margarine, softened
1 t. vanilla
1 lb. powdered sugar
½ c. – 1 c. nuts (optional)
Spread frosting on the cooled cake (or cupcakes!). Sprinkle with nuts (optional). Cut into pieces and ENJOY.
Beth Steury, Author 