The flower falls, life flows away, but in the grape it is reborn

September's seasonal fruits and vegetables

In the first month of autumn, many delicious vegetables and fruits are in season. We can choose from countless options when we want to cook something tasty, and what's more, the recipes we present are quick and easy to prepare.

Grapes: seasonal grapes are tied to September just like the start of the school year. On 60 percent of domestic vineyards, white table grapes are grown, but Hungarian black grapes can also be found. In supermarkets and larger stores, grapes are much more expensive this year than last year, so we recommend looking around the markets, because at small producers you can find them for a fraction of the shop price. Another option is to choose one of the pick-your-own events, where you not only get this month's star fruit at a good price, but you can also have a great adventure.

Plums: the domestic plum season lasts from July to October thanks to its variety. It's true that this year's weather was not favorable to the domestic harvest, but imported goods cannot compare to it in taste. You can make jam, soup, or dessert from plums, or even use them with meat.

Green beans: many varieties of beans are known – green beans, shelling beans, speckled beans… and although we primarily use them for making soups, beans have far more sides than we might think. This is best proven by a culinary curiosity: the 15-bean soup, which actually contains 15 different types of beans. In addition to their diverse uses, beans are worth consuming because of the vitamins they contain, as they contain more than five types of vitamins and nearly 10 minerals.

Cucumber: the cucumber is a close relative of the pumpkin and zucchini. While zucchini is seasonal in the summer months, and pumpkin in the second half of autumn and winter, cucumber fits right between these two. You can find pickling cucumbers on shop shelves all year round, but if you haven't fermented them yet in the summer, this is the last season when you have the chance to do so using domestic cucumbers.

Grape focaccia with goat cheese and walnuts

Ingredients: For the dough

• 550 g fine flour
• 7 g instant yeast (one small packet)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2.5 dl water

For the topping

• 180 g blue grapes (one medium bunch)
• 70 g goat cheese
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 5 dkg walnuts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Pour the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast into a bowl. Add olive oil and lukewarm water, mix thoroughly, and knead for a few minutes. The dough consistency is good when it separates from the bowl walls and no longer sticks.
2. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an hour.
3. Once the dough has risen, stretch it to one centimeter thickness. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and place the dough in it.
4. Wash the grapes and cut them in half. Chop the goat cheese, mince the rosemary and walnuts.
5. Evenly distribute the grapes on the dough, cut side down, then sprinkle the cheese, walnuts, and rosemary on top. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over the top of the dough, and place in a preheated 200-degree oven for approximately 35-40 minutes until nicely golden brown.
6. Once done, sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.

Voilà! Bon appétit!

Grandma's fermented cucumbers

Ingredients:

• 2.5 kg cucumbers
• 10 peppercorns
• 5 cloves garlic
• 3 l water
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 1 bunch dill
• 1 large slice of bread

Preparation:

1. Select medium-sized, healthy cucumbers.
2. Wash thoroughly and gently clean with a nail brush.
3. Cut off both ends, and make three or four lengthwise cuts so the salty, spiced brine will penetrate well.
4. Wash the dill and peel the garlic. Bring the water to a boil, and when it starts to bubble, add the salt.
5. Place half of the dill on the bottom of a thoroughly washed and dried glass jar, and pack the cucumbers in vertically, tightly. Sprinkle peppercorns in between, and add garlic cloves on top.
6. Add the remaining dill and bread, then pour the brine over it. Make sure it reaches everywhere and covers the cucumbers and bread well.