Enjoy The Fall Color & So Much More
Come bask in our fall color with the rich golden hues of autumn; a time when anything is possible. When the common green leaf of a Maple Tree changes its shade to a golden glow that, when illuminated by filtered sunlight from above, becomes a canopy of golden fall color. We love to drive down our country roads where these magnificent Maples Trees line both sides; it seems as if we are being led down a procession to reveal a special realm beyond. In truth, it makes us want to turn around and drive through it again and again!
At Cranes Enjoy Apples, Pumpkins & The Corn Maze
We have some ideas to inspire you to explore Pure Michigan this glorious time for fall color tours in Saugatuck. Crane’s Orchards is one of our favorite local farms that delivers the quintessential Michigan fall experience: apple picking, pumpkin patch, and corn maze, all in one. Their 20-acre Corn Maze is unique and challenging, with a new design every year and ready to tour in the months of September and October. Just look at some examples of their past maze designs! And for those of you who want to pick your own pumpkins, here’s your chance to join the fun!
And, while you are out in that part of our countryside don’t miss your chance to visit some of the other Local Craft Drink locations on Wickwood’s Drinks Tour Map!
“Be well-rounded. Get plenty of sunshine. Give thanks for life’s bounty. Have a thick skin. Keep growing. Be outstanding in your field. Think big!”
~ A Successful Pumpkin’s Advice
About Our Pumpkin Recipes
In our humble opinion, pumpkins are more than jack-o-lanterns. The harvest of these grand gourds is something we look forward to, for the delight they give to our refined palate. One of our favorite dishes from Julee Rosso’s (and Wickwood Inn Owner) The Silver Palate Cookbook is our fluffy “Ginger Pumpkin Mousse” recipe. We love to serve fruit mousses as a surprise at Wickwood’s Breakfast, and while this Silver Palate Cookbook recipe is a bit unorthodox to be sure, it’s yet another of our hit recipes! Give it a try!
Ginger Pumpkin Mousse Recipe
When treats in individual portions. You can present your dessert mousses in the same way – spooned into chilled stemmed balloon glasses and garnished with berries, a slice of citrus, chocolate curls, or mint. Or, more simply, chill the mousse in your favorite clear bowl and then divide it among dessert plates at the table and serve with some delicious cookies. Either way, your guests will love this pumpkin mousse recipe as an elegant grand finale.
Ingredients:
4 eggs
7 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin|
1½ cups pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
¾ cup heavy cream, chilled
Minced crystallized ginger, for garnish
Directions:
- Beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is light colored and thick. Add the gelatin and beat to blend well. Mix in the pumpkin puree and spices and chill the mixture until it begins to set.
- Whip the cream into soft peaks; fold into the pumpkin mixture. Pour into 4 to 6 dessert dishes or a large serving bowl
- Chill for 4 hours. Before serving, decorate with the crystallized ginger. Serves 4-6
You just want a little something sweet, a cool, smooth mousse is the perfect dessert. The Silver Palate shop was never without row after row of those lovely light treats in individual portions. Present your dessert mousses in the same way – spooned into chilled stemmed balloon glasses and garnished with berries, a slice of citrus, chocolate curls, or mint. Or, more simply, chill the mousse in your favorite clear bowl and then divide it among dessert plates at the table and serve with some delicious cookies. Either way, your guests will love this pumpkin mousse recipe as an elegant grand finale.
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Soup
This pumpkin soup recipe is also a winner. It’s so velvety and intensely flavored, just a cupful of wonderful! Pumpkin—or butternut squash if your garden is overflowing—never tasted so delicious.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
4 cups canned pumpkin
2 cups cooked pureed sweet potatoes
1 cup smooth peanut butter
6 cups Chicken Stock or canned broth
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Snipped fresh chives, for garnish
Sour cream, for garnish
Directions:
- Melt the butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Stir in the pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and peanut butter.
- Add the stock, pepper, and salt, and stir will until smooth. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Before serving, garnish the soup with chives and sour cream.
Experience The Art Of Pumpkin Carving
The latest craze for fall festivals and special events is pumpkin carving! So, we are excited for the weekend before the Douglas Adult Halloween Parade (October 27), when a professional carver will be at Upscale Mercantile, creating small and large-scale works of art. All are welcome to stop by and enjoy the pre-Halloween fall fun. Find out why American Style Magazine named Saugatuck “one of the top 5 art towns in America.” Don’t let this glorious autumn season pass you by without a visit to Wickwood Inn in romantic Saugatuck, Michigan. Reserve your getaway today!