Fall's Cozy Invitation
Fall is here, and I don't know about you, but for me, fall = comfort foods. The cooler weather, cozy sweaters, and all the warm cheesy goodness that makes you want to curl up and savour every bite. This week, we're celebrating that with a recipe that's perfect for everything from a quick appetizer at "Appy Hour" to a lazy weekend snack.
Introducing our Cheesy Peach Skillet - featuring one of our all-time favourite ingredients - Peach Prosecco Preserves with some brie. We’ve paired this rich, creamy cheese with vibrant, raw peppers, crisp fresh vegetables, and a crusty baguette for dipping. It’s the colours and flavours of fall in one skillet - playful, cozy, and irresistibly good.
(Photo: Cheesy Peach Skillet)
French Inspiration
After returning from a pretty incredible trip to France, I’ve been reflecting on how effortlessly the French seem to have mastered the art of balance. They enjoy about a baguette and a half a day (yes, really!) and somehow still exude health, style, and ease. Maybe it’s because they walk everywhere, or maybe it’s because they treat food as joy, not guilt. Whatever it is, I found myself completely smitten with their Apero hour (aka Happy Hour): baguettes, endless cheese boards, cured meats, olives, and a perfectly chilled glass of regional wine. Every single day. It wasn’t indulgent - it was intentional. A pause to connect, unwind, and savour life.
(Photo: Apero Hour table in France)
The Art of Simple Pleasures
That rhythm of slowing down and appreciating simple pleasures really stayed with me. And it made me think about my own relationship with food… especially bread. Our household has been fully embracing the sourdough craze lately - morning toast layered with our preserves has become a bit of a ritual, and there’s nothing quite like using a thick, chewy slice as the vessel for an amazing sammy. Simple, satisfying, and oh-so-good.
All that sourdough inspiration is tempting me to try making my own again. There are so many incredible local bakeries around right now, but something about creating your own loaf feels special. The last time I attempted a gluten-free sourdough starter, it was an absolute failure. I fed that thing daily like a loyal pet, but somewhere along the way, I forgot to name it! I’m convinced that was my mistake. Every good sourdough starter deserves a name… and a little love.
Lesson learned - next time, I’m naming mine Jean Pierre. It feels appropriately French and might just bring me better luck. 🥖😉
Conversations Around the Table
All this talk about bread has also reminded me how, as women, our relationship with food keeps evolving. As we get older, we become more aware of what our bodies love… and what they don’t. No one really tells you that one day you can eat half a baguette without blinking, and the next, you might be wondering if gluten suddenly turned against you. Wait… Actually, that’s not true. My mom has been gently warning me for years that these things are part of “getting older.”
(Photo: Mom and I in Halifax, where she grew up; a girls getaway filled with reminiscing, laughter, and great food.)
She’s aging gracefully, and she’s right, our bodies change, our rhythms shift, and we learn to listen in new ways. But that doesn’t mean giving up the foods we love. It means finding balance, choosing quality over quantity, and slowing down enough to really savour what’s in front of us.
A Taste of Fall & Connection
That’s what I love about this week’s recipe. It captures the best of both worlds: cozy fall comfort and that European appreciation for simple, beautiful food. The warm, melty brie paired with colorful veggies and a crusty baguette is pure joy on a plate. Whether you’re gathering with friends for your own Appy Hour or stealing a quiet moment to yourself, it’s a dish that invites connection… and maybe even a little nostalgia for those slow French afternoons.
And while I love to share stories and inspiration from our kitchen, it’s our Director of Culinary, Ashley Robertson, who brings these flavours to life. Ashley creates all of our delicious recipes with care, weaving in our own Preserve Company products in ways that make each dish both familiar and special. Her creativity in the kitchen never ceases to amaze me - and this Cheesy Peach Skillet is no exception.
So here’s to embracing fall, leaning into comfort, and celebrating life’s simplest (and cheesiest) pleasures. Give this Cheesy Peach Skillet a try - you might just discover it’s your new favourite way to slow down and savour the season.
Happy eating - and bon appétit! 🧀🍷🥖
Lots of Love,
Marsha
