October was damp and mild so the snowy start to November in Somerset was a bracing and beautiful change. Weather like this justifies some cosy cooking so we’re looking forward to sausages round the bonfire and hearty soups. We enjoy simple kitchen suppers such as good quality sausages with roasted or mashed butternut squash and some cavolo nero or curly kale blanched in salted water then tossed with finely chopped garlic and olive oil. A simple rustic red such as Costière de Nîmes would compliment this well.
The kids are intrigued by the mysteriously high monetary value placed on saffron so I’ve cooked up a buttery risotto with saffron infused stock and finely chopped shallots. Some slow roasted tomatoes with garlic and thyme would make a good tart contrast to the strange mild flavour of the saffron and this could be paired with a silky white wine such as the über reliable Viogner from the Vignerons Ardéchois.
Lastly apples are still in season and despite this year’s poor crop we have been enjoying some of the best coxes and russets bought cheaply from our local market and served with oatcakes and crumbly Lancashire or cheddar cheese and small glass of Coteaux du Layon.
