October’s harmony – the shifting rhythms and colours of the nature

Welcome, October! As we step into this beautiful month, we are greeted by several seasonal changes and shifts in nature’s rhythm that mark the transition from summer to autumn (or spring, depending on where you are in the world).

October is a wonderful time for celebrating the harvest season, cozy fall moments, and cultural traditions. From Halloween to Oktoberfest, there are plenty of reasons to cook and celebrate throughout the month. Here’s a guide on what to cook and how to celebrate in October:

1. Harvest Celebrations

As fall settles in, many people celebrate the bounty of the season. It’s a great time to cook with seasonal ingredients like pumpkins, apples, squash, and root vegetables.

What to Cook:

• Pumpkin Soup: A comforting, creamy dish using pumpkins or butternut squash.
• Apple Pie: The perfect dessert to enjoy the abundance of apples available in October.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• Cider-Braised Chicken: Chicken slow-cooked in apple cider for a flavorful autumn dish.
• Butternut Squash Risotto: A creamy, hearty dish perfect for colder days.

How to Celebrate:

• Visit a local farmers’ market to find fresh produce and support local farmers.
• Decorate your home with fall foliage, pumpkins, and gourds.
• Host a harvest dinner with family and friends, featuring all seasonal dishes.

2. Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is traditionally celebrated from late September to the first weekend of October. It’s a German festival that’s all about beer, bratwurst, and good cheer.

What to Cook:

• Bratwurst: German sausages served with mustard or sauerkraut.
• Pretzels: Soft, salty, and delicious pretzels baked fresh.
• Sauerbraten: A German-style pot roast that is tangy and hearty.
• Beer Cheese Dip: Serve with pretzels for a savory snack.
• Apple Strudel: A sweet, flaky dessert that’s perfect for fall.

How to Celebrate:

• Host your own Oktoberfest party with German music, beer, and traditional Bavarian food.
• Set up an outdoor beer garden for a cozy fall atmosphere.
• Invite friends over for beer tasting featuring local craft brews or German lagers.

3. Halloween

Halloween is celebrated on October 31st, and it’s the time for spooky decorations, trick-or-treating, and fun foods.

What to Cook:

• Pumpkin Bread: A moist, spiced loaf perfect for autumn mornings.
• Halloween-Themed Cupcakes: Decorate cupcakes with spooky designs like ghosts, pumpkins, and monsters.
• Stuffed Peppers: Hollowed-out peppers shaped like jack-o’-lanterns and filled with rice, ground meat, and vegetables.
• Caramel Apples: A fun treat for kids and adults alike.
• Spider Web Brownies: Rich brownies with a spider web design made from frosting.

How to Celebrate:

• Decorate your home with spooky decor, like carved pumpkins, fake cobwebs, and skeletons.
• Host a Halloween costume party with spooky music and themed foods.
• Carve pumpkins and set up a pumpkin carving station for guests.
• Organize a scavenger hunt or other outdoor activities for kids, ending with treats or prizes.

4. Indigenous Peoples’ Day / Columbus Day

In the U.S., the second Monday in October is Indigenous Peoples’ Day or Columbus Day, depending on your location. This is a time to reflect on history and celebrate indigenous cultures or honor historical events.

What to Cook:

• Fry Bread Tacos (Indian Tacos): A dish made with fry bread topped with taco fixings.
• Three Sisters Stew: A traditional dish made with squash, beans, and corn.
• Wild Rice Soup: A comforting and earthy soup using wild rice, a staple in many indigenous diets.

How to Celebrate:

• Research and learn about local indigenous cultures and their traditions.
• Attend a local event or cultural gathering that celebrates indigenous history and contributions.
• Take part in historical walks or museum visits related to the day’s significance.

5. World Vegetarian Day (October 1st)

Celebrate plant-based eating at the start of October with vegetarian dishes.

What to Cook:

• Vegetarian Chili: A hearty, spiced chili made with beans, vegetables, and rich tomato broth.
• Roasted Squash Salad: A light and flavorful salad with roasted squash, greens, and nuts.
• Stuffed Acorn Squash: Squash filled with grains, vegetables, and cheese.
• Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie: A classic comfort dish made with mashed potatoes, lentils, and vegetables.
• Mushroom Stroganoff: A creamy, savory dish using mushrooms as the star ingredient.

How to Celebrate:

• Try out new vegetarian recipes or challenge yourself to eat vegetarian for the day.
• Explore a local vegetarian restaurant and support plant-based businesses.
• Learn more about the benefits of vegetarianism for health and the environment.

6. Diwali (If It Falls in October)

Though Diwali usually falls in November, it sometimes occurs in late October. This Indian festival of lights is celebrated with sweets, lights, and gatherings.

What to Cook:

• Samosas: Crispy, spiced potato-filled pastries.
• Dal Tadka: A flavourful lentil dish, perfect with rice or naan.
• Paneer Butter Masala: A rich, creamy dish made with paneer cheese.
• Gulab Jamun: A syrup-soaked Indian sweet made from milk solids.
• Kheer: A sweet, rice pudding-like dessert flavored with cardamom and nuts.

How to Celebrate:

• Paper Lanterns: Hang colourful paper lanterns or star-shaped lanterns (known as “Kandil” in some regions) to brighten up your balcony, entrance, or living room.
• Moroccan Lamps: Place intricately designed Moroccan-style lanterns with candles inside to create an exotic and festive atmosphere.
• Cushions and Drapes: Use Traditional Indian Fabrics for curtains, cushion covers, and throws to vibrant, richly textured fabrics like silk, brocade, or embroidered designs in jewel tones like gold, red, and purple.
• Wall Hangings: Hang traditional tapestries or wall hangings with religious symbols, Indian patterns, or festive motifs.
• Floral Torans: Hang torans (door garlands) made of fresh flowers, artificial flowers, or beads at the entrance to welcome guests. Marigold garlands are a popular choice for Diwali.

There are plenty of choices to choose between and a lot to consider on the beautiful month of October. Just enjoy each day and take a moment to actually live the present!