From Gourds to Game Meat: How to Infuse Your Menu with Seasonal Splendor.

With autumn knocking on our doors, our culinary palettes inevitably shift towards the flavors that embody the essence of the season. The vibrant leaves herald a new chapter of gastronomic possibilities—whether you’re a foodie or a casual cook, it’s time to explore new avenues of taste and texture. Here’s a guide to making your fall-themed meals a culinary tapestry rich in seasonal ingredients and spices.

If you thought pumpkins were only good for lattes and jack-o’-lanterns, think again. These gourds offer a versatile base for a range of dishes. Award-winning chef Elena Rodriguez suggests, “A pumpkin is like a blank canvas. From a smooth and creamy soup to a hearty stew or even a delicious cake, this all-purpose vegetable adapts itself beautifully to your culinary mood.”

The apple, often considered autumn’s most iconic fruit, is the superstar in both sweet and savory dishes. Seasonal farmers’ markets become a gallery of apple varieties to choose from. Culinary expert Tim Clark advises, “Always pick ripe, juicy apples for your fall recipes. They pair excellently with roasted vegetables and are the star ingredient in classic desserts like pies, crisps, and donuts.”

Oyster lovers, rejoice! Autumn is the peak season for these briny delicacies. Whether you enjoy them raw or prefer to add them to a pasta dish, oysters bring a touch of luxury to your fall menu. And don’t hesitate to get creative; culinary blogs are filled with novel oyster recipes to tantalize your guests’ tastebuds.

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves are quintessential in evoking that autumnal atmosphere in your cooking. “The warm, comforting nature of these spices not only enhances the flavors of meats, stews, and lattes but also works as a nostalgia trigger,” says Martha Sullivan, author of the book ‘Seasonal Spices and Why We Love Them.’

When the hunting season arrives, game meats such as venison, moose, and goose become available as a rich, pleasing alternative to the routine proteins. Wild Game introduces unique, bold flavors to your menu and can offer a gourmet twist to your fall celebrations.

The autumnal equinox invites us to turn over a new leaf, both literally and gastronomically. With a palette of ingredients ranging from the earthy to the luxurious, autumn presents an opportunity to stretch your culinary creativity. So, as the leaves change their hues and the air turns crisp, your menu, too, can reflect the beauty and abundance of the season. Bon appétit!

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A Kaleidoscope of Learning and Fun: From Writing Contests to Seed Saving Workshops.

When autumn leaves begin to fall, the Samuels Public Library bursts to life with a plethora of events tailored for everyone, young and old.

In this town talk, our publisher, Mike McCool, speaks with Michal Ashby and Erin Rooney from Samuels Public Library. Michal is the Youth Services Supervisor, and Erin is the Adult Reference Supervisor at the Samuels Public Library. Samuels Public Library brings people, information, and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.

Perhaps the most awaited highlight this season is the library’s 45th annual Holiday Writing Contest, a grand tradition for students ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade. Young minds are called upon to pour their creativity into short stories or captivating artwork. The prize? An opportunity to see their works professionally published in a keepsake book. An event honoring these budding talents is slated for December, but if you have a young Shakespeare or Picasso at home, make sure their entries are in by November 4th.

Children, of course, have always held a special place in the heart of libraries. Samuels Public Library is no exception. Regular children’s story hours, tailor-made homeschool programs, and dedicated outreach events are a testament to this. On the lookout for something unique? Mark your calendars for a Saturday story walk on October 7th at Eastham Park. This isn’t your typical walk, as fire trucks and firefighters will be lending their voices for some fiery storytelling.

For those with green thumbs, there’s a unique feature near the reference desk: a seed lending library. Here, gardening enthusiasts can “borrow” seeds to nurture in their gardens. In return, they’re only asked to share seeds from their ensuing harvests. And if you’re wondering about the best practices to harvest and store these seeds, an informative workshop on October 19th has got you covered.

Bookworms can continue to delve into their favorite genres with clubs and discussions. Whether you’re swooning over the latest romantic tales in the “Bad Romance” group or delving deep into the worlds of thriller authors like Riley Sager and Grady Hendrix, there’s something for everyone. Plus, for the tech-savvy and history buffs, sessions on technology assistance and genealogy are regular features.

A myriad of other special workshops pepper the calendar. For instance, an October 21st photography class, in collaboration with Shenandoah River State Park, promises to guide participants on capturing the true essence of fall colors. Furthermore, from enlightening dental lectures to spirited Girl Scout gatherings, the library’s meeting rooms remain a hive of activity.

At the heart of all these endeavors is the overwhelming support and appreciation from the community. Ashby warmly remarks on the library’s patrons, “It’s the people that come in our doors. They seem so appreciative of the smallest thing we do.” Rooney echoes this sentiment, expressing how the community’s gratitude feels like a golden embrace.

With its rich tapestry of events, the Samuels Public Library cements its place as a cherished community nexus and a “second home” to many. And as McCool aptly puts it, all it takes is a free library card to unlock a universe of opportunities.

Click here to see all the upcoming events.

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Joins us on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, when the Warren County High School Girl’s Volleyball team takes on Meridan High School. The JV game starts at 6 p.m. and the Varsity game at 7:15 p.m.

Catch all the LIVE action here on the Royal Examiner starting at 5:45 p.m.

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Challenging Republican Norms: LaRock Aims to Fill Open District 1 Senate Seat.

Dave LaRock is taking an unexpected route back to political prominence. After suffering a primary defeat at the hands of businessman Timmy French, LaRock is embarking on a write-in campaign for the Virginia State Senate seat in District 1. As election day approaches, LaRock sits down with Mike McCool in the Royal Examiner studio, shedding light on his unexpected political move and the reasons behind it.

Questioning Republican Values
Virginia stands at a crucial juncture with a Republican governor, Youngkin, at the helm. LaRock feels the urgent need for “good representation” that genuinely resonates with core conservative values. In the interview, LaRock voiced concerns about French’s commitment to Republican ideals, even going so far as to label him a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only). French’s campaign signs, seen alongside those of Democrats in Frederick County, further raised LaRock’s eyebrows. This, according to LaRock, poses a “dilemma” for GOP leaders, leaving them in a quandary about rallying behind French.

Addressing his unique write-in strategy, LaRock intends to underline these worries, hoping to sway voters in his favor. Though write-in campaigns are challenging, he drew parallels with successful efforts like that of Lisa Murkowski in Alaska, indicating a glimmer of hope for his cause.

Comparing Political Chops
LaRock didn’t mince words, pointing out French’s ambiguity on pressing GOP matters like abortion and the Second Amendment. Moreover, with seasoned Valley legislators hanging up their boots, LaRock believes French’s lack of political experience might be detrimental. “We need power and credibility,” he emphasized.

In stark contrast, LaRock proudly recalled his ten-year stint as a delegate, marked by his readiness to diverge from party leadership when necessary. For instance, he cast a dissenting vote against Dominion Energy’s proposed legislation, which was backed by others. Such independence, in LaRock’s view, is essential for thorough bill scrutiny and effective legislation.

Acknowledging the arduous road ahead for write-in candidates, LaRock remains optimistic. He believes that a well-informed electorate could tilt the scales in his favor. Moreover, he threw down the gauntlet, inviting French for a public discourse to juxtapose their beliefs and qualifications.

LaRock’s determination is evident. His mission is clear: ensure District 1 is led by a committed conservative leader in Richmond. As the election looms, LaRock is all set for a spirited, if unconventional, fight for the State Senate seat that eluded him just a few months ago.

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Front Royal Police Department’s arrest report for the past 7 days:

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This week, we proudly honor our Athlete of the Week, who happens to be a remarkable member of our Women’s Cross Country team. Ruth Teferi, a standout runner, played a pivotal role in securing a first-place victory for the Girl’s Cross Country team at the first GPAC meet of the season. This achievement marked a significant milestone for Ruth as she placed 3rd overall, her personal best in GPAC standings.

Ruth’s outstanding performance mirrors the team’s exceptional track record from last season, and they’ve kicked off this year with even greater momentum and determination.

Learn more about Randolph-Macon Academy: www.rma.edu

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