The Rustic Baking Of Autumn

 The temps are starting to drops. The kitchen is inviting again.It's time to bake yet nothing fancy.That'll come in the new couple of months. Fall baking is simple baking. There's no fancy frosting or shiny decorations. It's the flavors that stand out - not the bells and whistles.

Surprisingly pizza is considered rustic baking. It's symbolizes a summer of harvesting tomatoes and basil, perfect for fall cooking. It can be made with just a simple crust made from flour olive oil, water yeast and sugar .The sugar activates the yeast and makes it rise. As for the topping ,again think a simple rustic one. Sliced tomatoes olive oil and little rounds of mozzarella. Do add basil and oregano from your garden if you have it. Another rustic bread is focaccia.Like pizza dough it's an easy bake.The dough is a mix of yeast, all purpose flour and warm water.Olive oil is added to create a silky crumb and rich flavor. Usually rosemary and sea salt is sprinkled on it and dimples made with fingers are on the top.These dimples serve as wells for olive oil added right before putting into the oven. The bread is a good accompaniment with a hot rustic soup like minestrone. It;'s also good as a base for salame and mortadella too There are other rustic breads too. A sourdough boule is easy to make and great to eat. What makes it stand out is the rough, crispy crust and the tender inside.

Sweet rustic baking is also a great treat during these upcoming cold days. Try a French apple cake, loaded with the gems of the season.It is rich with not only apples but also egg and butter too. It's not a fancy cake with just a simple dusting of confectioners sugar. An apple pie is another simple pie popular with home bakers right now. Try baking it in a cast iron skillet for a homey , old fashioned feel.There are no fancy ingredients here. Just Granny Smith apples, brown sugar and cinnamon mixed together. As for the crust try a butter one, rich with two sticks of butter. Simple cakes are also perfect for a snack or following a Sunday roast.A walnut espresso one is an easy bake and its' loaded with that much loved autumn nut - the walnut. This is an Italian recipe, redolent with espresso and the chopped nuts. Think of making this after a Sunday roast chicken or beef.Another fall flavor is pears. They're in season right now and the smaller Bosc pears would be perfect in a cake like this. Add warming spices of cinnamon and ginger to bring out the pear's flavor and give heat to each slice.

The cooler weather means baking. Create a rustic savory or sweet treat to warm up your family and yourself.These are the perfect recipes for autumn