As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, it's time to embrace the season and all its beautiful offerings. Raise your hand if you are a sweater girl or a guy!

I love autumn. I hope you do as well!

So, let's dive into the joy of autumn activities and discover how our herbal goodies can enhance your experience. Lace up your hiking boots—this is mocktail and soup time!

Outdoor Adventures

Hit the Trails: Autumn is team apple, and what better way to enjoy all things apple than to grab our apple cider vinegar or apple chai spiced simple syrup? Mix with seltzer, throw it in your water bottle, and explore autumn foliage. Remember to stay hydrated and pack our Outdoor Ouchie Salve to soothe any minor scrapes or bug bites.

Apple Picking: Gather fresh apples from a local orchard and enjoy them in all their deliciousness. Apple pie, anyone?

Pumpkin Patch Adventures: Visit a pumpkin patch to carve your unique jack-o'-lantern. If the weather is getting a little nippy outside, grab some of our Elderberry Tonic, a natural immune booster, to stay healthy as the weather cools.

Cozy Indoor Activities

And what would fall be like without hearty soups? It's time to bring out the Instant Pot (my favorite go-to for quick and easy meals). Let's cozy up with some delicious soups.

So, let's get cooking.

If you don't have time to cook, it's time you looked at an Instant Pot. It is a game-changer. Basically, you throw your ingredients in, touch a preset button, and it keeps your food warm until you are ready to eat it. Read more about it here.

Soup Season:

Fall is the perfect time to warm up with hearty soups and stews. Use our Herbal Salt and Spice Blends to add a flavorful twist to your culinary creations. Here are some delicious combinations:

• Anise-Infused Butternut Squash Soup: Add a pinch of your anise blend salt to the soup while blending. It's our secret when your family raves about the secret ingredient that makes your soup taste so good. Don't worry you won't take the fennel taste when you cook with the blend. It just mellows out and joins in the chorus.
• Ginger Turmeric Spice Blend Roasted Vegetable Soup: Sprinkle roasted vegetables with the ginger turmeric spice blend before adding them to the soup.
• Italian Spice Blend Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of your Italian spice blend to the soup while simmering. Remember, tomatoes are abundant at your local farmer's market this time of year!
• Lovage-Infused Seafood Chowder: Add a pinch of the lovage salt blend to the chowder before serving. ( I bet you didn't see that suggestion coming.)

Are you ready to get creative with the spice blends, simple syrups, and tonic? Let's embark on a culinary adventure.

Soup Recipes:

Here some interesting combinations.

1. Anise Blend and Apple Chai Spiced Simple Syrup: Add both to a butternut squash soup for a sweet and savory combination.
2. Ginger Turmeric Spice Blend and Apple Ginger Turmeric Shot: Combine these in a roasted vegetable soup for a double dose of ginger and turmeric.
3. Italian Spice Blend and Rose Hibiscus Simple Syrup: Add both to tomato soup for a sweet and savory twist.
4. Lovage and Apple Cider Vinegar Shot: Combine these in a seafood chowder for a tangy and herbaceous flavor.

Herbal Tea Time:

Enjoy a relaxing cup of herbal tea. (You know I have the good stuff.)

Try our Elderberry Tonic, Apple Chai Spiced Simple Syrup, and Rose Hibiscus Simple Syrup as warm beverages for a twist. Add a tablespoon to hot water and enjoy your hot toddy.

Mocktail Madness:

October is also a great time to get together with friends and share laughs around a fire. Surprise them with some delicious mocktails or desserts.

• Anise Blend and Rose Hibiscus Simple Syrup: Add both to sparkling water for a floral and savory mocktail.
• Ginger Turmeric Spice Blend and Apple Ginger Turmeric Shot: Combine these in tonic water for a spicy and refreshing drink.
• Italian Spice Blend and Apple Chai Spiced Simple Syrup: Add citrus juice and sparkling water for a sweet and savory spritzer.
• Lovage and Apple Cider Vinegar Shot: Combine these in lemonade for a tangy and herbaceous twist.

Quantity Guidelines for Salt and Spice Blends:

For an 8 oz glass:

Salt Blends: Start with a pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) and adjust to taste.
Spice Blends: Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Remember: These are general guidelines. The exact amount may vary depending on your preferences and the other ingredients in your recipe.

Enjoy Fall. The colors and smells are spectacular; enjoy them with your friends and loved ones.