The leaves are fiery, pumpkin spice is here to stay and a Spirit Halloween store is on every other corner, in other words, fall is in full swing. But it is not just the leaves that are in the middle of a flaming transformation. As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, my life has taken an exciting leap in a new direction. Now moving right along into October’s edition, I am proud to officially debut what began as an idea and with a lot of hard work has transformed into My Metropolitan Kitchen. So with that, we take another turn into this month’s menu, crafted to encourage and celebrate transformation with as many exciting and fun updates to look forward to as tasty recipes to keep you comfy, cozy, and ready to take on whatever is in store. 

Starting with what is in store for My Metropolitan Kitchen, we’ve got the first official episode launching next week on Wednesday, November 1. I know, right?! So if you have not already, make sure you head over to Hour Detroit Magazine on IG and subscribe to their email list to be notified! For a little taste of what we have in store, I have our first location that we will be showcasing to you all, EMMA Acres Farm. This stunning first stop is a bucolic family farm outside of Ann Arbor committed to ethically raising healthy, tasty, and happy food for you and your family. Specializing in pasture-grazed chicken, pork, turkey, and pastured eggs as well as 100% grass-fed lamb and beef, they also grow a wide variety of organic vegetables during the summer months. However one of the most interesting and rarities of EMMA Acres would be their Mangalitsa pigs. Mangalitsas are a rare Hungarian heritage breed that used to be restricted for consumption by the Hungarian Monarchy. While the monarchy is no longer around, the pigs persisted. Mangalitsas were first brought to America in 2007, and are

known as one of the few "Kobe beef of pork" breeds that produce dark red generously marbled meat. So leaving this incredible cut of information here, get ready for one mouthwatering debut episode and stream My Metropolitan Kitchen next week. 

With all this local inspiration for your kitchen it is only fitting that we keep that spark alive with all the seasonal produce to bring these tasty creations to life. Starting with apples (going strong), asian pears, arugula, broccoli (stay tuned for something good with this one),  brussel sprouts, carrots, collard greens, cranberries, horseradish, kale, leeks, lima beans (aka butter beans), persimmons, pumpkin (who would of thought?!), radicchio, spinach and finishing up with turnips. As always you can check out the full list here and also get more info on the seasonality of each fruit and veggie you're interested in. 

Now there are those who wait all year for pumpkin spice to come back in season, and then there are those of us who are at the edge of their seat, spoon in hand, bowl at the ready, waiting for the infamous soup season to officially begin. So for those of you who fall into the latter (or maybe you’re both) I now present a soup lover's dream, not one, not two but an entire TRIO of warm delicious magic in a bowl for you to enjoy at your cozy leisure. Starting with my ribollita, there was something about using bread as a soup thickener that intrigued me… and now I understand why. This is a traditional Tuscan soup that is loaded with all the veggies & protein and honestly hits all the bases for a tomato-based vegetable soup to keep you posted up on your couch all evening. Next in our trio is the tried and true broccoli and cheddar soup. Thanks to our trusty seasonal list, you all know that this is also the perfect time to include our star broccoli into the kitchen and there is never a wrong time for cheddar cheese… so what are you waiting for? Go. Get your soup, bread bowl not included but highly recommended. Finally crowning the trio of soups, is the incredible, protein packed, homage to Olive Garden, zuppa tuscana. Yes, if you have any memories of sliding into a booth surrounded by what you thought was as close to Italy as you could imagine and getting a basket of garlicy bread sticks and endless bowls of soup, then you will be very pleased to know that this recipe takes that feeling to a whole other level in every bite. But wait! With all this talk of breadsticks, we couldn’t leave the table without a toasty, soft, yet crunchy, yeasty confection to accompany the trio. So for your dipping pleasure, I present the easy, delicious and above all EASY no knead bread. 

While soup absolutely feeds a part of your soul, we’ve got even more good reads and recs to assist with this month's October edition of the self love and self care section. Starting with this months book, If We Were Villians by M.L. Rio, a mystery, thriller and suspense novel to keep you on your toes for the peak of spooky season. While you are in the abyss of Amazon and are on the hunt for more of my go-to recs feel free to check out my storefront full of all my current favorite items.  Now moving from mind to body, specifically, hair care and I can tell you that this one has CHANGED my life. After I underwent infertility treatments (and all the hormone injections that came along with it), my hair took quite a negative turn from thinning, dryness, growth stunt, etc. After wearing extensions for 2 years, I found this product line and it has truly brought my hair back to its original healthy state… maybe even better than before. It is a customized plan tailored specifically to your hair texture and goals (and pro tip, do not skip out on the pre-shampoo mask)!! So with that glowing review, check out this Prose link for $20 off and get to shampooing. Next up are again, my tried and true, Higher Dose products. I cannot recommend this brand enough from their Infrared Sauna Blanket to the Red Light Face Mask which I have been LOVING. The mask paired really well with my current skin routine and the vampire facial treatment I received earlier this month by the talented Jodie at Beauty Fusion. Head to the link HERE to book with her!  

Finally, keep your eyes on the website because we have a whole lot of great recs, resources and more coming your way in one central hub. 

In terms of this month’s full moon, we are in for a special one that coincides with a partial lunar eclipse on October 28, 2023, adding an extra layer of astrological significance. The energies of a lunar eclipse often bring about powerful revelations and a heightened sense of emotions. During this period, it's especially beneficial to focus on self-awareness and personal growth. This is a moment to let go of any emotional baggage and negative patterns that may be holding you back. In the coming month, use the transformative energy of this eclipse to set intentions, release what no longer serves you, and steer your life in a direction aligned with your true desires. The impact of the partial lunar eclipse will vary for each zodiac sign, so be sure to consult your horoscope to gain insights tailored to your unique astrological profile. For more info on what to expect for your sign and this transition head over to this handy overview. 

That’s all for this month, thank you all for your support. All my love and see you just in time for the biggest culinary event of the year ;)

• Megan LaVigne