Recently I’ve been considering what it is we see and how it is we see it. I know, pretty heady stuff, but because it’s leaf-peeping season here in New England I’m hyper-aware of my surroundings. So strange—temperatures are warmer and drier than usual, much of what is typically brilliant red and gold has turned brown and fallen to the ground. It’s almost as if the leaves are a tree’s tears, falling uncontrollably. Global warming is making its presence known.

So, my takeaway is that when things are extremely harsh we cannot see the beauty in front of our eyes. The political discourse in the US has become so harsh that it’s easy to forget there are honest, truthful, generous people in the world who are doing great things all the time. They―the volunteers who bring food to the needy, the neighbor who stops to say good morning, school teachers who bring out excellence in children, and more. These people don’t get the recognition they deserve. The beauty they create is largely unnoticed. I’m committed to changing that. Even if it’s something small, like a stranger offering to bring my cart back at the grocery store, I promise to notice and let them know they are appreciated.

Our farm share is filled with root vegetables this season. Some, like the sweet potatoes are a bit homely to begin with, but I see huge potential in them. This dish of Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes was inspired by the season. The potatoes are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. Their tender filling is combined with apples, cheddar cheese, sauteed onions, and fresh thyme. The reserved roasted shells are filled and baked once more. When they come out of the oven, this fragrant dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Make it the center of a meal that includes a green salad and cider. It will ground you.

I look forward to seeing you in my kitchen, gathering flavors, soon.

Dena