
Warming Autumn Recipes To Cook In Your Holiday Cottage
Autumn is a season of change, bringing with it crisp, cool weather and a desire for comfort food. What better way to embrace the season than by curling up in your cozy self-catering cottage and whipping up some delicious, warming dishes?
At Squirrel Lettings, we believe that a truly enjoyable vacation experience includes the opportunity to savor delicious home-cooked meals. That’s why all of our properties are equipped with fully stocked and modern kitchens. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, you’ll find everything you need to create mouthwatering dishes that will warm your soul.
With such well-equipped kitchens, you can experiment with new recipes, cook your favorite comfort foods, or simply enjoy a home-cooked meal after a long day of exploring. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party for friends or family or simply want to relax with a quiet meal, our kitchens provide the perfect space for your culinary adventures.
Warming Autumn Recipes
Hearty Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 can (15 oz) vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare vegetables: Toss the butternut squash, onion, and garlic in a roasting pan with a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast: Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
- Blend: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender. Add the sage, thyme, vegetable broth, and milk. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, pumpkin seeds, or fresh herbs as desired.
Tips:
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of liquid or blend the soup in batches to allow it to cool slightly before adding the remaining liquid.
- For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the roasting pan.
- To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based milk and omit the sour cream.
Classic Beef Stew

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 potato, cubed
- 1 parsnip, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer stew: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the potato and parsnip. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Tips:
- For a thicker stew, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
- You can add other vegetables to the stew, such as mushrooms, peas, or green beans.
- For a heartier meal, serve the stew over mashed potatoes or a bed of rice.
Apple Crumble

Ingredients:
- 4 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, combine the apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
- Make topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to crumble the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble crumble: Pour the apple filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve: Let the apple crumble cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips:
- For a sweeter crumble, increase the amount of sugar in the topping.
- You can add other spices to the filling, such as cardamom or ginger.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour in the topping.
- Serve the apple crumble with a side of vanilla sauce or custard for a decadent dessert.
These are just a few examples of delicious and warming autumn recipes that you can enjoy in your self-catering cottage. With a fully stocked kitchen and a cozy atmosphere in a Squirrel Lettings holiday cottage, you’ll have everything you need to create unforgettable meals that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
