By: Nicholas Oconnor, Prepared Foods Category Manager
Embracing the Flavors of Fall
As autumn starts, our Co-op is thrilled to roll out some of our fall recipes, to embrace the rich, warming flavors of the season. From hearty soups and vibrant salads to tasty baked goods, our fall offerings are made to celebrate the comforts of autumn food! With options for vegans and gluten-free folks, fall food for all!
Soups: A Warm Welcome to the Season
Fall marks the official opening to Soup Season; not everyone enjoys a piping hot bowl of soup in the hot/humid summers of Wisconsin—or so I’m told! Our fall soups are satisfying, providing the perfect way to warm up and fill up on a chilly day. While each soup is vegan-friendly, you don’t need to be vegan to enjoy them. These soups will all be available in our Grab & Go Deli case and in the rotation of our daily hot soups.
Vegan Tomato Vegetable Soup
Our Vegan Tomato Vegetable Soup is a hearty soup for a chilly day. This soup is packed with a medley of green beans, corn, carrots, celery, kale, and potatoes simmered in a robust tomato broth. Seasoned with garlic, basil, and thyme, it offers a comforting, familiar flavor profile.
The soup pairs well with a slice of toasted bread or one of our cornbreads for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. It could also be a great starter to any meal. This classic and familiar soup actually came about as a request from some of our staff who wanted to see a soup on our menu that was full of vegetables, but didn’t have grains, noodles, or meat added.
Vegan Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup
For folks who enjoy a bit of spice, our Vegan Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup is one of my personal favorite soups that we make. This soup uses the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers. The creamy texture comes from using a blend of sweet potatoes and coconut milk, making it rich and smooth with just a little bit of texture, but not overly “coconutty.” Hints of cumin and cinnamon add depth and warmth, making each scoop complex and comforting. This soup is perfect for cool fall days when you need something hearty and warming with a little kick.
Vegan Creamy Harvest Soup
Our Vegan Creamy Harvest Soup is autumn in a bowl, featuring a blend of butternut squash, carrots, onions, potatoes, and a touch of coriander. The result is a beautifully creamy, slightly sweet soup.
The secret to its luxurious texture lies in the careful blending of roasted vegetables and soymilk, which provides a dairy-free creaminess that makes it creamy but light. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy the quintessential flavors of fall in a cup.
Salads: Fresh, Crisp, and Full of Fall Goodness
Salads might not be the first thing that come to mind when you think of fall, but you can’t have just hot soup all season, right? Our salads are both hearty and refreshing, showing off another side of fall flavors.
Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
Our Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is a nice combination of tender chicken, dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. This salad perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, with the cranberries providing a burst of sweetness and the walnuts adding a satisfying crunch. The chicken is roasted then shredded, ensuring it is juicy and flavorful.
Serve on a bed of mixed greens and garnished with a sprinkle of feta cheese, or put on ciabatta or pumpernickel bread with a slice of tomato, romaine, and some Swiss. This salad is filling and light, making it an ideal lunch option.
Gingered Beets
I get requests for this one year round, but only put it on the menu for fall and winter, so I know a few folks will be excited to hear about its return! For those of you who haven’t tried this before, this salad has a pleasant earthiness, with fresh beets that are cooked al dente to bring out their natural sweetness, then cut and tossed with a ginger-infused dressing that adds a spicy zing. The result is a vibrant, colorful salad that is visually appealing and full of flavor.
The ginger pairs beautifully with the beets, enhancing their earthy flavor while adding a touch of warmth. This salad is perfect as a side dish or light appetizer, offering a unique fall-flavor profile.
Spinach and Wild Rice Salad
Our Spinach and Wild Rice Salad is a hearty and wholesome option, perfect for those seeking a filling healthy meal. This salad combines nutrient-rich spinach with the nutty flavor and chewy texture of wild rice. We add toasted slivered almonds and fresh scallions for a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
The salad is dressed with a vinaigrette that adds a touch of tang, and compliments the earthiness of the wild rice and spinach. It’s a satisfying dish that works as a pleasant side to your lunch.
Quiche: A Slice of Fall Comfort
Quiche is a classic dish that we’ve been making for years, and something that’s nice to be able to change up throughout the year so that there’s some variety. Our fall-inspired quiche will likely be a favorite for many around the breakfast table. We offer three varieties of quiche throughout the year: a vegetarian quiche, a vegetarian made-without-gluten option, and—lastly—a bacon quiche, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish. Each quiche has both mozzarella and provolone that we get from Burnett Dairy Co-op, which is a farmer-owned cooperative based near Grantsburg, Wisconsin.
Maple Roasted Vegetable Quiche
Our Quiche with Maple Roasted Vegetables is a savory delight that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. The quiche features a medley of seasonal vegetables—carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and red onions—roasted with a touch of maple syrup to enhance their natural sweetness. The vegetables are then combined with a creamy egg filling and baked in a flaky, buttery crust until golden and delicious.
The sweetness of the maple-roasted vegetables pairs beautifully with the rich, savory egg custard, creating a well-balanced and satisfying dish. This quiche is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, offering a comforting slice of autumn.
Made-without-Gluten Quiche with Maple Roasted Vegetables
For folks who don’t consume wheat, we also make one with a gluten-free crust so those with dietary restrictions can also enjoy the Maple Roasted Vegetable Quiche. The filling remains the same, with the same delicious combination of maple-roasted vegetables and creamy eggs. This quiche is a fantastic option for those following a gluten-free diet, ensuring everyone can enjoy the comforting flavors of fall. (Like all of our made-without-gluten foods, this one is made in a kitchen that uses flour in other products, so those with an extreme gluten allergy may want to avoid these products.)
Bakery Items: Sweet Treats to Celebrate the Season
No fall menu would be complete without a selection of baked goods that capture the warmth and spice of the season and flavors that make autumn such a beloved time of year.
Chai Spice Scones
Our Chai Spice Scones are a perfect blend of warmth and spice, ideal for a cozy fall morning or afternoon treat. These scones are infused with the aromatic flavors of chai, featuring a blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. The result is a tender, buttery scone with a subtly sweet and spicy flavor profile.
These scones pair wonderfully with a cup of tea (dare I say, chai?) or coffee. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack as the weather turns cooler.
Vegan Made-without-Gluten Cranberry Scones
For those who are gluten-free or dairy-free, our Vegan Made-without-Gluten Cranberry Scones offer a delicious way to enjoy a classic fall treat. These scones are made with a blend of gluten-free flours, ensuring they are light and tender without sacrificing flavor. We also swap out the dairy normally found in a scone recipe for vegan alternatives.
Studded with tart, dried cranberries, these scones provide a burst of flavor with every bite. They’re slightly sweet, with a hint of cinnamon, making them the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or an afternoon tea.
A Celebration of Fall Flavors
Our fall menu is more than just a collection of dishes—it’s a celebration of the season and all the wonderful flavors it brings. From the comforting warmth of our vegan soups to the hearty goodness of our salads and the sweet bakery items, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
