Just like summer turns to fall, my pantry seems to go through a seamless transformation. Some ingredients simply run out, waiting for next spring and summer to make their return, while others quietly work their way into the fall rotation. There will always be the staples; oils vinegars, honeys etc, and then there are some ingredients that just naturally lend themselves to fall cuisine. Earthy, rich, hearty, starchy ingredients make their way into my fridge and cupboards before reaching the fall kitchen table.

One of the staple items we had while I was growing up was rice. I have fond memories of rice and my mum used to make a rice dish for every season. My love for rice has not changed. While there are many ingredients like pasta, potatoes and legumes to choose from rice is very often one thing I will think of when it comes to creating a side dish or main type dish recipe. This is why I am choosing it as an ingredient that I keep in my Pantry I the fall and all year round for that matter. I am using the Compliments Calrose Rice which is medium grained rice similar to the Arborio type rice commonly used in Risotto and Paella.

Today was definitely a fall day – there was a blanket of frost over the lawn this morning and cool, sunny, refreshing air this afternoon. I even think I saw a few maple leaves change colour! When I shop the produce isle at my local Sobeys, I’m drawn to growing varieties of winter squash and root vegetables. My favourite root vegetable of all time is the humble parsnip. These tasty tubers just keep getting sweeter through the season. In the fall they are good, but as the temperature gets colder, the parsnips keep getting better.