There is something deeply satisfying about walking through dried leaves and hearing the crunch underfoot. While I may not be the first in line to jump into a pile of raked leaves, I love the simple pleasure of stomping on the orange, yellow, and brown leaves that have made their way to the ground.
Though the transition from summer to autumn does bring its fair share of gray and chilly days, the vibrant colors of the leaves more than make up for it. Autumn is certainly my favorite season, as I see my favorite colors all around—different shades of yellow, orange, and red popping against the evergreen trees in the forests surrounding us. Even my daily walks to bring the girls to and from school feel more delightful in this colorful backdrop.
And on those days when the sun comes out and these colors shine against a clear blue sky, it’s breathtaking. I often find myself stopping to take it all in, feeling thankful to live in a place where the leaves change in such a spectacular way.
I’ve embraced the arrival of autumn by doing the following:
1. Lighting Candles Around the House
As it gets colder and darker earlier, lighting candles makes our apartment feel cozier and adds a wonderful scent.
2. Watching The Great British Bake Off
The Great British Bake Off is my guilty pleasure. The girls and I always look forward to a new season, which typically starts in September and runs through November. We even enjoy watching the recorded shows with advertisements—they’re a novelty for the girls! I always learn something new and feel inspired by the amazing bakers on the show.
3. Carving Pumpkins for Halloween
As part of our growing Halloween tradition, we carved pumpkins this year. Halloween is becoming more popular here, and for the first time ever, the girls went trick-or-treating. Becca joined her classmates, thanks to one of her friend’s parents who organized a group outing. Sarah and I joined the English-Speaking Group in Biel, which held a trick-or-treat event in their neighborhood. The girls returned home with buckets of candy, which they’re still working through!
4. Cooking More Comfort Foods
With the colder weather comes an irresistible urge to cook warm, hearty meals that fill both the belly and the soul. Soups, stews, and creamy risottos have taken center stage in our kitchen lately, adding both warmth and aroma to our home. There’s something deeply satisfying about stirring a pot of soup as it simmers on the stove, or ladling out a thick stew brimming with vegetables and tender meat.
I’ve also recently started making potato hash as a hearty alternative to Swiss rösti, which I typically make from a package. This homemade hash has quickly become a favorite, with its golden-brown, crispy edges and delicious savory flavor. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, and I love using it as a comforting carbohydrate base for our meals, usually pairing it with eggs and ham or sausages.
Adding new recipes to my rotation this season has made me look forward to dinnertime even more. The girls are loving these cozy meals too, and I’ve noticed that cooking has become a relaxing ritual as the days grow shorter.
Potato Hash
Serves 2 as a main, 4 as a side
Ingredients:
For the Potatoes:
• 1 tbsp clarified butter or oil of choice
• 800g waxy potatoes (such as those suitable for French fries), cut into approximately 1 cm cubes
To Finish the Hash:
• 80g diced bacon (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
Procedure:
1. Heat the clarified butter or oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and sauté for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft. Remove the lid and increase the heat slightly.
2. Add the bacon (if using), onions, and garlic. Sauté for about 10–15 minutes, or until the bacon crisps up, the onions soften, and the potatoes turn golden brown and crispy. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Add eggs: If desired, make wells in the potatoes, crack eggs into them, season with salt and pepper, cover, and cook over low heat until the egg whites are set and the yolks are done to your liking.*
