Hello, friends and fellow food enthusiasts! Chef Valerie Hanson here, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to another flavorful installment from the Art of Cookery Cooking School. As the days grow shorter and that crisp autumn breeze starts to whisper through West Michigan, our local farms are bursting with a late-summer harvest that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Below, find upcoming classes, two recipes, pairing tips and more.
The Magic of Summer’s End in West Michigan
There’s something special about this time of year in our neck of the woods. The farmers’ markets are overflowing with apples, pears, root vegetables, squash, and more. It’s the perfect time to gather up these treasures and create mouthwatering meals that celebrate the bounty of the season.
Here is a quick pairing some of the season’s produce:
Fruit/Vegetable | Wines | Cheeses | Herbs |
Apples | Chardonnay, Riesling, Cider | Cheddar, Brie, Gouda | Rosemary, Thyme, Sage |
Pears | Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio | Blue Cheese, Goat Cheese | Tarragon, Basil, Mint |
Acorn Squash | Pinot Noir, Zinfandel | Gruyère, Parmesan | Sage, Thyme, Rosemary |
Sweet Potatoes | Merlot, Syrah | Feta, Mozzarella, Cheddar | Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Thyme |
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, the abundance of fresh produce makes it easy to whip up something spectacular. Personally, I think there’s nothing quite like the crunch of a just-picked apple or the comforting aroma of cinnamon and caramel bubbling away in the kitchen.
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Equipment
- 8x8 baking dish
- 1 medium bowl
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old bread, cubed anykind works, but I love a rustic sourdough
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, diced NOT red delicious
- 2 cups milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce see recipe below, or use store-bought
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
- Spread the cubed bread and diced apples evenly in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour the mixture over the bread and apples, pressing gently so everything absorbs the custard.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and set.
- Serve warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for good measure!
Notes
Easy Button 1-Ingredient Caramel Sauce:
Making caramel sauce using sweetened condensed milk in a pressure cooker is a simple and delicious method. Here's how you can do it:- Prepare the Can: Remove the label from a can of sweetened condensed milk. Make sure the can is not dented or damaged.
- Place in Pressure Cooker: Place the can on its side in the pressure cooker. Add enough water to cover the can completely, ensuring there is at least an inch of water above the can.
- Seal and Cook: Seal the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook the can for about 40 minutes. If you prefer a darker, thicker caramel, you can cook it for up to 60 minutes.
- Release Pressure and Cool: After the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure according to your pressure cooker's instructions. Allow the can to cool completely before opening it. This is very important to avoid any risk of burns or injury.
- Open and Enjoy: Once the can is completely cool, open it, and you'll have a rich, creamy caramel sauce ready to use!
Art of Cookery’s Upcoming Classes & Costs
Ready to sharpen your culinary skills or just have a deliciously good time? Here’s what’s coming up at Art of Cookery:
Class | Date | Time | Cost |
Sweet Pickled Beets | 09/24/2025 | 1:00 PM | $40 |
Sushi Sensation | 09/22/2025 | 5:00 PM | $40 |
Tamale Making | 09/29/2025 | 1:00 PM | $50 |
Veggie Burger | 10/01/2025 | 2:00 PM | $30 |
Pumpkin Pie Perfection | 10/14/2025 | 1:00 PM | $40 |
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner | 10/17/2025 | 5:00 PM | $39 |
Yaki Udon | 10/19/2025 | 1:00 PM | $39 |
All classes are hands-on, fun, and designed for cooks of every level. You’ll leave with new skills, recipes, and maybe a few new friends! Want a different topic? Reach out and make a request. Go to our website and scroll down to find our calendar of classes to see more of the upcoming schedule.
Join Us in the Kitchen!
If you’re inspired by the harvest and eager to learn, come join us at Art of Cookery in Whitehall. Our kitchen is always filled with laughter, learning, and lots of delicious food. I can’t wait to cook with you!
To sign up for classes, visit our website at https://artcookery.com or send an email to ICan@artcookery.com or text to 231.740.4065. Let’s toast to the end of summer and the start of a mouthwatering autumn. Happy cooking!
My husband John and I are taking some foods and going to a local brewery with friends to enjoy it. Food is a very important part of the derby, per the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs.
