Where Did September Go?
I just can't believe it's almost the end of September. How did that creep up so quickly? One minute we're chasing beach days and patio suppers, and the next I'm reaching for a hoodie before I even step outside. We've had some gorgeous fall days this week, the kind where I can settle into my little sanctuary on the deck and just soak up the peace out there. Sweater weather has officially arrived, friends, and I'm not mad about it.
Ripping Off the Band-Aid
I'll admit the transition always stings a little at first. But once I ripped the Band-Aid off and accepted that school has to start and routines need to settle back in, something shifted, and I'm actually really happy. Fall, to me, is a reset. There's a crispness in the air that feels so fresh, and at the same time it feels safe. The pace slows down and we all start getting ready to hibernate a little. It's comfort food season, afternoon teas and bonfires, Sunday afternoons on the deck, and wrapping up in a blanket without a single ounce of guilt. The last couple of weeks I've been on a real purging kick too, clearing out closets and corners, and let me tell you, making space has felt amazing. There's something about this season that makes me want to lighten the load so I can fully settle in.
Potato Harvest on the Island
One of my most favourite things about this time of year here on PEI is that it's potato harvesting season, and we're just at the very start of it. If you've been out in the country lately, you've seen the harvesters working that rich red dirt, and for me it brings back so much nostalgia. When we were kids we were surrounded by potato fields, and at one point in my mom's career she worked for a very large potato farmer. So from the end of September right through to the end of October, there were always great big fresh potatoes arriving at the house in bags and baskets, ready to go in the cold room. Not pretty, and really dirty. But what came out of all that dirt was always the best baked potato you've ever had.
My Forever Favourite: The Baked Potato
I've had potatoes every which way over the years, mashed, roasted, fried, you name it, but baked will always be my number one. I can still picture myself back in junior high cooking class, learning how to make the infamous twice baked potatoes. Something about scooping out the insides, mixing in all the good stuff and stuffing it back into its own skin felt like pure kitchen magic. Over the years that recipe has evolved into all kinds of different variations on our table, depending on what was in the fridge and who was coming for supper. Today it was just calling me, so I listened.
A Little Preserve Company Magic
This time around, I'm giving my old classic a little upgrade with one of our PEI Potato Pizzazz seasonings, and today I'm reaching for the Roasted Red Pepper. Butter, sour cream, grated smoked cheddar and a good shake of seasoning is all it takes, and it's so, so good.
A few little tips from my kitchen to yours. Start with big baking potatoes, fresh from the field if you can get them, and give them a really good scrub (trust me, around here we know all about dirty potatoes). Once they come out of the oven, let them cool just enough to handle before you scoop, and leave a little potato in the skin so it holds its shape. And have fun with the toppings! Crumbled bacon, leftover pulled turkey or a big spoonful of chili turns them into a meal all on their own, and every version is just so delicious and so comforting. Check out my recipe here!
Settling Into the Season
There's something so grounding about cooking with what's being pulled out of the ground right outside our door. It connects me to my childhood, to my mom, and to this Island that I love so much. So a big thank you to our potato farmers who are out working hard this time of year to feed us all. Pull on your coziest sweater, light the bonfire if the evening is right, and let these twice baked potatoes do what they do best. You'll find the full recipe here, and I'd love to hear how you make yours.
And if you'd like to come along for more of my journey, from cozy kitchen moments to life here on the Island, I'd love for you to join me over on my Substack!
Lots of love,
Marsha
