Comfort Foods: Creative and Satisfying Options for Your Fall Wedding

August used to mean the waning days of summer vacations with back-to-school thoughts not far behind.

 Today, though, when the calendar pages turn from July, many people start counting the hours until the first appearance of all things pumpkin spice. And while it may seem like everyone from the local coffee shop to candlemakers is rushing the season a bit more every year, the fact is, pumpkin-spiced foods and beverages sell not just because they taste good but because people equate them with comfort, coziness, and warmth on cooler days.

 This means pumpkin-based cuisine is a natural for a late summer or fall wedding reception.

At least that’s the view of Chef Gabrielle Batiste of New Orleans’ Chef G. Adriane. In an interview with nola.com, Batiste said that pumpkin and its seasonal companions, sweet potatoes and squash, are all finding their way onto wedding menus for September, often in the form of slightly sweet and creamy soups that replace the salad course.

But why limit these versatile vegetables? Pumpkin and sweet potato are equally good in risotto while butternut squash and roasted apple slices atop bruschetta is an easy autumn riff in place of the more traditional tomato and basil recipe. Or what about pumpkin ravioli served in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin — that’s food and décor cleverly combined into one.

Of course, individual pumpkin pies can take center stage on a dessert buffet, but they’re hardly the only fall fare to entice guests with sweet tooths. How about a s’mores bar, sweet potato macarons, spiced carrot cake, mini fried apple turnovers, churros, or even bite-sized cinnamon rolls?

 Comfort Food Cornucopia

 Chillier weather definitely means more comfort food, according to Brides Magazine, and that’s true even if your tastes are outside the pumpkin patch. After all, from appetizers to the main course, fall comfort food can come in many creative forms, including:

·      Grilled cheese roll-ups with tomato soup.

·      Bacon-wrapped figs stuffed with bleu cheese and toasted pecans.

·      Baked brie topped with cranberry chutney.

·      Fried mac and cheese, maybe topped with lobster.

·      Homemade biscuits (with sausage gravy if you’re in the South).

·      A cornucopia filled with grapes, figs, cheeses, and mini croissants.

·      Wood-fired mini pizzas.

·      Cider-braised chicken or pork tenderloin with fall vegetables such as Brussels sprouts.

·      Slow-roasted eggplant.

·      Pan-fried fish with carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips.

·      Squash empanadas.

·      Brisket or other smoked meat sliders.

·      Individual potpies.

·      Mini meatloaves with mashed potatoes.

·      Meatballs! Have your caterer put them on skewers for less mess.

What to drink with these savory items? In addition to the usual choices, mulled wine is a seasonal specialty, an apple cider bar (with or without alcohol) just about shouts autumn, and hot chocolate with various dippers is not only fun, but it’s also a can’t-miss, fall-into-winter tradition.

 “Worried that a classic homestyle menu might be too casual for anything but a rustic wedding, and you’re going for something more formal? Even MarthaStewart.com is behind the comfort wedding food trend.

 If you think your favorite comfort foods are too casual for your wedding day, think again! Wrote Rosie Purdy, the site’s former assistant digital editor. “These homestyle classics have been reimagined and are ready for even the most formal of celebrations.”

 By working closely with your caterer, you’ll harvest all sorts of great ideas and make your fall wedding reception something your guests will fall in love with, regardless of how they feel about pumpkin spice.