The Last Day of Summer

Susan Pachikara (COPYRIGHT 2011)

I am conflicted when my dahlias finally open their petals with the panache of frozen fireworks. By the time they appear, much of the community garden is in need of rest. The corn flowers stoop. The zinnias bend their necks. The oak trees begin to shed their scalloped leaves. One-by-one, they hit the ground brown and crunchy. With autumn on its way, the landscape is inevitably being drained of color.

Susan Pachikara (COPYRIGHT 2011)

I have a passion for fiery fall leaves, but I am never ready to give up the comfort of the flowers that grow in my neighborhood. It is particularly difficult knowing that in Chicago the brilliance of autumn gives way to weeks of gloomy gray skies. I guess it's the price Nature exacts upon those that want to experience all four seasons.

Susan Pachikara (COPYRIGHT 2011)

Thankfully, the farmer's market is still full of color. For added comfort, I remind myself that autumn brings a stretch holidays that feature food front and center.

Susan Pachikara (COPYRIGHT 2011)

SWEET POTATO AND PINTO BEAN TACOS

Serves 4 to 6 

INGREDIENTS

For the sweet potatoes:

2 cups diced sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For beans:

2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup finely sliced red onion
1 1/2 teaspoons slivered garlic
1/4 teaspoon cumin
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
8 ounces white mushrooms, finely sliced
1 15-ounce can pinto beans

For guacamole:
1 medium avocado, seeded and peeled
1 small lime
Salt and pepper to taste1/4 cup finely diced tomato
1 tablespoon minced cilantro

Susan Pachikara (COPYRIGHT 2011)

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat the oven to 400 degrees.

Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread the potatoes over the foil. Sprinkle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub the potatoes to make sure they are coated evenly with oil.

Bake until fork tender, about 10 minutes.

Heat the oil for beans in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic. Cook until the onions soften, about 5 minutes. Add the cumin, oregano and salt. Cook for 2 minutes.

Increase the heat to medium-high and the add mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms soften, stirring off and on.

Lower the heat to medium. Add the beans. Stir. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

On a quarter plate, mash the avocado with a fork. Squeeze the lime over avocado.

Add salt and pepper. Mix with a spoon.

Add the onions, tomatoes and cilantro. Mix together.

Susan Pachikara (COPYRIGHT 2011)