Hi friends, it’s ~officially~ October here, which means leaf peeping season is in full swing. The Hudson Valley is showing off, and the air feels crisp enough to fetch my jackets out of hibernation. Not to mention, farm stands are overflowing with apples so big they could practically be a meal. (Truly I don’t know what’s in the soil this year but they’re HUGE.) Meanwhile, I’ve got an action packed newsletter for you today, we’re talking all things sporty and spooky!
Heads up! We only have three custom snack plates left in stock. If you want one, now’s the time before they sell out!
GAME DAY APPS
Another highlight of October? Football season (but let’s be honest, I’m mostly here for the apps.) I recently teamed up with Certified Angus Beef® to craft three delicious game day dishes using their Prime New York Strip Steaks from Market 32 by Price Chopper. I whipped out my grill skills for this one and did not disappoint. Here are the recipes so you can recreate my version of classy game day grazing.
THE VIBE
I wouldn’t say I’m the most sporty gal, so when it came to planning the decor, I leaned into my whimsical upstate girlypop vibe with colorful floral arrangements, taper candles, and a burlap ‘game day’ sign. I was thrilled with how it turned out. Honestly, it’s about time sporty gatherings had a chic aesthetic. Of course, I had to add a foam football to the tablescape to really tie the theme together.
LINKS
THE BITE
Steak & Blue Cheese Crostini with Red Pepper Jelly and Thyme
Makes 9 Bites
Ingredients:
1 Certified Angus Beef® Prime New York Strip Steak
Olive oil, salt, and cracked black pepper
1 baguette, sliced and toasted
4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
¼ cup red pepper jelly
Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions:
Bring the steak to room temperature, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
Grill or sear over high heat for about 3 minutes per side, or until medium rare. Let rest 7 minutes, then slice thin.
Top with a hunk of blue cheese, a slice of steak, a dollop of red pepper jelly and a sprinkle of thyme.
Serve warm and enjoy!
THE BOWL
Steak Harvest Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 Certified Angus Beef® Prime New York Strip Steak
3 cups mixed greens (arugula, radicchio, spinach)
2 apples, thinly sliced
2 cups roasted squash (butternut or delicata)
1/2 cup candied pecans
Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Horseradish Cream Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil (adjust for consistency)
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tsp prepared horseradish
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped dill
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Grill or sear over high heat for about 3 minutes per side, or until medium rare. Let rest 7 minutes, then slice thin.
In a bowl, combine greens, apple slices, roasted squash, and candied pecans.
Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
Toss the salad lightly with the dressing, top with steak, and drizzle any extra dressing over top.
THE BOARD
Steak Waffle Frites
Serves 3-4
Ingredients:
1 Certified Angus Beef® Prime New York Strip Steak
Frozen waffle fries (enough to form a border around the steak)
Flaky salt and fresh cracked pepper
1 tbsp chopped dill
Optional: Extra horseradish cream dressing for dipping
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (or follow the package directions).
Spread waffle fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until deeply golden and crisp.
Grill or sear over high heat for about 3 minutes per side, or until medium rare. Let rest 7 minutes, then slice thin.
Layer the steak in the center of a platter, surround with waffle fries. Top with chopped dill.
Sprinkle with flaky salt and serve with the horseradish dressing.
Pair these apps with a cold cider or a glass of red, light a few candles, and lean into the cozy chaos that is October weekends. After all, fall is for grazing.
PAIRINGS FOR HALLOWEEN HOSTING (PART TWO)
Since we’re talking seasonal snacks, the cheese and candy pairings I shared a few weeks ago have been such a hit that I decided to come up with a few more (with drinks.) Consider this your guide to snacking through spooky season in the most elevated way possible.
Aged Gouda + M&Ms + Espresso Martini
The caramelized aged gouda notes complement the chocolate, while the espresso adds a nutty depth.Brie + Kit Kats + Champagne
The creamy brie works wonderfully with chocolate, and the wafer adds a bit of crunch. Champagne bubbles cleanse the palate.Cheddar + Twix + Hard Cider
Sharp cheddar is contrasted by caramel and chocolate notes, while hard cider makes the combo reminiscent of a candy apple.Manchego + Snickers + Rioja
Spanish wine and Spanish cheese is always a good idea — the chocolate and caramel bridge the gap with sweetness.Chèvre + Starburst + Pinot Grigio
For my fruity candy friends: bright, zesty, and sweet with a lemony tang and crisp finish.Blue + Heath Bar + Stout
The opposite of the previous pairing — pungent blue meets sweet toffee, all tied together with a creamy stout.
THE PLAYLIST
Music is just as important to any gathering as the decorations, and ambiance is one of the keys to a successful snacky party! Here are some tunes to set the Halloween mood.
That’s all for now. Tag me if you host a spooky (or sporty) party this month! I’d love to see what you create <3
These apps looks so good! We host a Super Bowl party every year, I might have to make one of them for it!