Visiting a family-run farm offers a unique glimpse into the heart of rural life and local traditions. At the end of October, I had the chance to explore the Akouris Fruit Farm in the village of Steno, Arkadias, nestled in the Peloponnese region of Greece. This visit was more than just a tour; it was an immersion into the rhythms of apple harvesting, the warmth of family hospitality, and the beginnings of a small-scale winemaking venture.

After an early afternoon of picking apples at, I the Wickham Farm on Long Island, NU, USA, I returned home with several pounds of them. I thought it was the ideal time to use some of the apples, along with a large pumpkin from my friend John's vegetable garden to make some pie recipes I hadn't attempted to make in over 30 years! You could say the abundance of the autumn harvest inspired me, so I got to work roasting pumpkin and baking pies for several hours.

As the leaves change hues and the air gets a little chillier it's time to embrace the bounty of fall. Butternut squash emerges as one of the highlights of the season. This vegetable is not just flavorful but also incredibly versatile. In this post I'm sharing tasty ways to enjoy butternut squash, focusing on roasting and two delicious recipes that spotlight its unique taste.