Pumpkin Spice and all things nice

Flavours for Autumn.

Just one of my favourite things about this time of year.

Tis the season, no not that season, for all things fall, and whilst as Brits, we’re lower key on Autumn than our friends across the pond, it is beginning to feel cosier, with the nights drawing in and the crisper air.

So as we move into October, here are 6 things I love about Autumn in the UK.

• Nature is beautiful

  I don’t think I’m alone in loving autumn, the leaves changing colour, dewy spider webs on hedgerows dotted with jewelled rosehips and berries, so getting outside in a pair of good wellies is an absolute must. Notice when you can start seeing your breath in the morning, layer up and get your blood pumping as you explore how the landscape around you changes throughout the year. We’re lucky to live in the middle of the Leicestershire / Northamptonshire countryside and so can spot vast fields change colour, leaves dropping, footprints in the mud. It’s all rather glorious if you make time. It’s also the time of year for an abundance of fruit, a neighbour dropped over a haul of pears, my dad has a bounty of apples, it’s definitely a good time to get your cook on with some of the UKs finest fruit.

• Darker nights and all the lights

  Ooh all the lights dimmed, flickering candles, Strictly on the tele and a glass of red or mug of steaming hot chocolate, fluffy, warm throw blankets, thicker socks, maybe lighting the woodburning stove. I’m absolutely obsessed with these candle holders by Dottie + Olive, not saying you should switch out home accessories for the seasons (because I don’t really have space to put things away and remember to get them out again), but investing in a few choice and gorgeous pieces to make different areas of your home sing at different times is well worth it.

• Pumpkin patches

  If you’re local, you’re spoilt for choice this pumpkin season, West Lodge, Farndon Fields, Windmill Farm, I’m sure I’ve missed a stack, but get out there and enjoy. They’ve got pumpkins, obviously, pumpkin carving if you fancy it, a whole family day out with great photo opportunities.

• Pumpkin Spice

  Yes, I alluded to this in the title of this blog, BUT the scents of pumpkin season are incredible. At Mhudge, I make Pumpkin Spice fudge, absolutely nothing artificial, just our Traditional fudge with a home blend of Cinnamon, Ginger, freshly grated Nutmeg and Cloves. It’s fragrant, it’s warming, it’s still melt-in-the-mouth delicious and it’s perfectly Autumnal. You could order a bag in your selection, or order a whole tray to chop up ready for Halloween Party guests!

• Halloween

  I think this stems from my childhood, growing up in Hong Kong where we were much more Americanised, but I love Halloween. I definitely don’t go all out, as a family we just do a bit of fancy dress and trick-or-treat. I love seeing other peoples decor, seeing the our children and the neighbourhood all dressed up, how they’ve grown over the years, the fun of a Halloween Party. I also love a spot of fancy dress. I don’t do sexy well, but it is that one time of year when you can fully let go and gory and crazy is acceptable!

• Bonfire night

  Ok, I used to adore fireworks night, as a child I was awestruck at the lights and sounds of a display. I remember the lantern festivals in Hong Kong where we’d float lanterns out to sea under firework lit skies, it was all so magical. Of course now I think about how wasteful those nights were, how much litter we were sending out into the ocean! I also remember bonfire nights round friends houses when we were much younger. Mum would make her famous and sought after treacle toffee, that, I’m not kidding, would always result in someone losing a filling. We’d hold sparklers in mittened hands and gather as friends, families and neighbours. These days, my poor pooch is terrified of the sound of fireworks so it’s a far more low key affair, but there are some non-firework events you can attend locally, the eco-village in Market Harborough and West Lodge Farm Park have ticketed events that always sell out so best keep an eye on those if you fancy it. Treacle Mhudge, by the way, is a total throw back to my mums treacle toffee, it has all the flavour but won’t pull your teeth out!

  Wrap up and snuggle! Happy Autumn x