Monday, November 11, 2013

A Fall Lunch

Last week, I put together a couple of fall tables with some old reliable recipes in mind.  This weekend I made those for lunch and they were perfect for fall dining!  I thought I'd share them.

French Onion Soup
(based on Ina Garten's recipe)

 
 

4 cups yellow onions, halved and sliced
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup of sherry
1/4 cup of Cognac
3/4 cup dry white wine
2 cups of beef stock
2 cups of vegetable stock
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Grated Parmesan, Gruyere or Sliced Swiss Cheese, for topping
 
In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, sauté the sliced onions with the butter and the bay leaf for 20 minutes on medium high heat, until the onions turn a golden brown.  Deglaze the pan with the sherry and brandy and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Add the white wine and simmer uncovered for 15 more minutes.
 
Add the beef and vegetable stocks to the pot plus the salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil and let it simmer  uncovered for about 20 minutes.  Remove the bay leaf, taste for seasonings and serve hot with the cheese of your choice and big chunks of toasted bread.
 
This also travels well.  We took it one chilly spring day to a local winery.  I packed it up in a thermos with some parmesan croutons.  Yum!!
 
 
 
 
 
Autumn Salad
 

 
 
   Fresh greens, such as spinach, red leaf lettuce, romaine, and/or mesclun mix
   1/2 chunked red apple, such as Gala
   1/4 cup dried berries (cranberries, cherries, blueberries)
   1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
   Shavings of parmesan cheese
Mix all the above and toss with enough of the cider vinaigrette (below) to moisten.  Top with parmesan shreds.
 
Warm Cider Vinaigrette
   3/4 cup apple cider
   2 tablespoons cider vinegar
   2 tablespoons minced shallots or onions
   2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
   1/2 cup olive oil
   1 teaspoon salt
   1/2 teaspoon pepper
Combine the cider, vinegar and shallots/onions in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Simmer 6-7 minutes until it's reduce by about half.  Off the heat, whisk in the mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper. 
 
What are you cooking up these wonderful Fall days?
 
 
 Linking to these great parties:

15 comments:

My Garden Diaries said...

These look amazing! I am really a fan of cooking different soups these days...partly because we have all been sick for several weeks! But mostly because soup is the best this time of year! Your onion soup is one that I will be adding to our soup menu! Thank you so much for sharing it! It could not have come at a better time!!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Ok, now I am starving. I love the soup and thanks tons for the recipe. Also, thanks so much for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

Diane said...

I love soups this time of year. I'm using my crockpot more often these days. Thanks for sharing the recipes and visiting me!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh goodness me, I'm so hungry right now and that's all I need to see...that yummy looking onion soup, my very fav!!! Thanks a lot for the récipe, hubby loves this! Thank you for your kind visit, I so appreciate it!
FABBY

Simply Suzannes at Home said...

Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home

Oh. my. gosh. Your French Onion Soup looks deeelicious! Ina Garten has great recipes for inspiration :0)
Have a beautiful weekend,
Suzanne

My Garden Diaries said...

Oh and by the way I will be telling some of my friends to pop on over and visit your awesome blog here!!! Have a great weekend!!!!

Candy S said...

Great menu, thank you for the onion soup recipe. We are going out for dinner tonight and I know what I am going to order (not homemade of course but still very tasty).

Stacy said...

Hello, the lovely Nicole referred me to your blog. It is beautiful. I love Ina Garten's recipes and I am a big fan of french onion soup as well.
We actually grilled burgers the other night, just to get out and enjoy a dry and mild night. Otherwise, I made lasagna for the first time this autumn and I do a yum homemade macaroni. I look forward to visiting again and I hope you will visit my blog as well. Have a great weekend!

bj said...

ummm...I love homemade soups and salads...these look amazing.
Thanks so much for coming by. I am about to link up to follow you.:)

The Charm of Home said...

That looks delicious! French onion is one of my favs!
Sherry

allisamazing said...

Your recipes sound delicious! I can't remember the last time I made French Onion Soup but now I want some and the salad sounds like a perfect combination.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

OOOO, I love good French Onion Soup. Your photos of it made my mouth water. I love that leaf plate that your salad is on. Thanks for the recipes. laurie

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

Oh I love French Onion Soup and how silly...I never make it for myself; it is just something that I might get at a restaurant ...few and far between. I think that I shall bookmark this and finally make it at home! :) Thank you! :)

Unknown said...

French Onion soup is one of my favorites! It is so warm and cozy and just says "winter".

Babs said...

Oh, the French onion soup and Autumn salad look delicious. Can't wait to try them. The warm cider vinaigrette sounds yummy.