There’s a lot to love about fall, even for folks who don’t live in parts of the country where the air turns crisp and the leaves paint the landscape in vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow. In this month’s issue of SmartTips, our team has gathered our favorite fall things to share, including fall wine destinations and a spooktacular trivia quiz.
The month of October is the perfect time to revel in fall harvest-themed tourism activities. From apple picking and savoring fresh cider at orchards and festivals to pumpkin carving and costume design. Here are some of our ideas for fall fun:
Orchard Visits
One of the most quintessential fall activities is apple picking, a family-friendly tradition, and apples plucked straight from the tree are sweeter and juicier than what you normally find at the supermarket. More than just fruit, though, many orchards also offer hayrides, live music, pumpkin patches and fresh cider, pies and donuts to round out the experience (as well as your waistline). Regions like New England, Michigan, and Washington are especially known for their apple orchards, but wherever you live, chances are there’s a destination nearby.
Corn Mazes
If you live in corn country, you may find another popular adventure, a corn maze.
These intricate mazes, carved out of towering stalks of corn, offer a fun challenge for all ages. Nighttime events with navigation by flashlight under the stars can really amp up the experience, especially if there’s a Halloween theme.
“October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, but don’t let cyber scares keep you from enjoying the sights and flavors of fall, too.”
Wine and Craft Beer Tours
Fall is also an ideal time to get your Oktoberfest on, exploring local wineries and breweries, many of which celebrate the season with harvest festivals and seasonal tastings. See our October Lifestyle feature for a detailed look at some fall wine country getaways.
Leaf Peeping
Of course, no fall experience is complete without enjoying spectacular bursts of natural fireworks produced by fall foliage. Some popular tour destinations include the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, Vermont’s Green Mountains, and the Great Smoky Mountains, to name just a few. Depending on where you live, you might not even need to leave your own back yard.
Fall Food Fare
Fall is a time to savor seasonal flavors. Check the end of this article for two of our favorites: Pumpkin soup in the shell and Autumn baked apples!
Those are a few of our favorite fall things. And, in the interest of equal time, we’re bringing you some important info on the businesses side of things, as well:
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is set aside as a time for government and the private sector to partner and collaborate to strengthen and harden our cybersecurity habits and infrastructure. Our main feature story this month offers practical tips on how you can protect yourself from cybercrime.
October Tax Deadlines
The parade of fall tax deadlines continues this month. Here are key dates:
- October 10: Deadline for reporting September tip income to employers
- October 15: Deadline to file extended 2023 tax returns (Form 1040)
- October 15: If you’re filing an extended Form 1040, this is also the last day to withdraw excess 2023 IRA contributions to avoid penalties.
- October 15: Also applicable to extended filers, it’s the deadline to contribute to 2023 solo 401(k) plans or simplified employee pension (SEP) plans.
That’s what we have to share for the month of October. We wish you a fun-filled fall! Now, on to those recipes we promised…
Pumpkin Soup in the Shell
Here’s a fun and delicious recipe for pumpkin soup served directly in a hollowed-out pumpkin, perfect for a fall gathering on a crisp day or evening!
Ingredients
1 medium-sized pumpkin (suitable for serving 4–6 people, about 4-5 pounds)
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Pumpkin:
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- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the top off the pumpkin (about 3-4 inches from the stem) and remove the seeds and stringy insides.
Brush the inside of the pumpkin with a bit of olive oil or butter, season lightly with salt and pepper, and place the top back on.
Place the whole pumpkin on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the flesh inside is tender. Be careful not to over-roast, as you want the pumpkin to maintain its shape.
Make the Soup:
- While the pumpkin is roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté until softened (about 5–7 minutes).
- Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
- Add the vegetable or chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are fully cooked and tender.
- Once the vegetables are soft, remove from heat and blend the soup using an immersion blender (or in batches in a regular blender) until smooth.
Finish the Soup:
- Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and adjust the seasoning if needed. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Serve the Soup in the Pumpkin:
- Once the roasted pumpkin is ready, carefully remove it from the oven.
- Ladle the hot soup directly into the hollowed-out pumpkin, scraping a little of the roasted pumpkin flesh from the sides into the soup for extra flavor and texture.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve right from the pumpkin. You can scoop some of the pumpkin flesh from the inside with each serving for a hearty and flavorful bite.
Enjoy your warm and comforting Pumpkin Soup in the Shell!
Autumn Baked Apples
Here’s a simple and delicious Baked Apple recipe that’s perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert!
Ingredients:
4 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or any baking apple)
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
½ cup apple juice or water (for baking)
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the Apples:
- Wash the apples and core them using an apple corer or a paring knife, leaving about ½ inch at the bottom to hold the filling.
- Peel about ½ inch of the skin off the top of the apples (this helps prevent splitting during baking).
Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, chopped nuts, and raisins or dried cranberries (if using).
Stuff the Apples:
- Place the apples in a baking dish. Fill each apple’s hollow center with the brown sugar mixture, packing it in gently. Dot the top of each apple with a small piece of butter.
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour the apple juice or water into the baking dish to help keep the apples moist while baking.
- Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the apples are tender but not mushy. You can check the doneness by inserting a fork or skewer into the apple.
Serve:
Once baked, remove the apples from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Serve warm, drizzled with the syrup from the baking dish and topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired. Enjoy these warm and flavorful baked apples as a cozy dessert or treat!
