There’s something refreshing about September. Mornings are a little cooler, the markets are overflowing with seasonal treasures, and our homes start to shift into cozy fall mode. One of the easiest ways to bring the season indoors is with a handmade wreath, and dried wheat is a beautiful, and inexpensive material for fall. Add a beautiful ribbon in warm autumn tones, and you’ve got a piece that feels both timeless and festive. And while we’re creating, we can’t help but mention that figs are also abundant right now. Fresh figs are one of those fleeting pleasures of early fall, and we love using them in simple, delicious ways — but more on that after we make a wreath. How to Make a Dried Wheat Wreath Supplies: A wire or straw wreath form (14 inch works well) Bundles of dried wheat stalks (available on Amazon or farmers markets) Floral wire Floral cutters or sharp scissors Hot glue gun (optional) A wide fall ribbon (think burnt orange plaid, antique blue, or moss green) Step-by-Step Directions: Prepare Your Wheat: Trim wheat stalks into even lengths, about 8–10 inches. Gather small bunches (about 10 stalks each). Attach the Wheat: Starting on the outer edge of your wreath form, lay down one bunch of wheat at an angle and secure tightly with floral wire. Layer and Overlap: Place the next bunch so it overlaps the stems of the first, continuing around the wreath in the same direction. Repeat until the form is covered. Fill in Gaps: Tuck in smaller pieces of wheat where needed. Use hot glue for extra hold. Add the Ribbon: Tie a large bow at the top or side. Let the ends trail down for a softer look. Hang and Enjoy: Display on your front door, over a mantel, or even as a centerpiece laid flat with candles in the center. The beauty of a wheat wreath is that it lasts for years if stored carefully in a dry space. It’s a one-time effort that pays off season after season. Fresh Figs: The Flavors of Fall Now onto figs — because honestly, they deserve their moment in the spotlight. When figs are fresh, ripe, and in season, there are endless ways to enjoy them: With Whipped Goat Cheese & Prosciutto: Split figs in half, spread with creamy goat cheese, and wrap in prosciutto. A perfect bite for entertaining. Cambozola & Honey: Top figs with creamy Cambozola cheese and a drizzle of honey for an indulgent treat. In a Fall Salad: Toss halved figs with mixed greens, candied pecans, and a balsamic vinaigrette. Homemade Fig Jam: Cook figs with brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice until thickened. Add vanilla. Spread on toast or add to your fall charcuterie boards. Fig jam also makes a thoughtful fall gift when packaged in small jars with ribbon. Figs and wheat might seem like two very different things, but both remind us to slow down, savor the season, and create traditions that carry us through autumn.
Apple Season is Here: Best Varieties for Eating, Baking & Cider
The start of apple season is one of our favorite times of the year. There’s just something about the crisp air, the turning leaves, and the thought of bushels of apples waiting to be picked that feels like the official start of fall. Whether strolling through a local orchard or bringing home a big bag from the farmers market, apples are a fruit that can do it all. At Shookhill Secret, we have a few favorites that always make it into our baskets. Each variety has its own unique flavor and purpose, and we love knowing exactly what to use depending on the recipe or occasion. Fuji Apples – Sweet & Crisp Fuji apples are perfectly crisp and delightfully sweet. We like to keep these on hand for snacking—they’re great to slice and enjoy on their own or with a swipe of almond butter. They also make a wonderful addition to cheese boards, pairing beautifully with sharp cheddar, cambazola or creamy brie. Molly’s Delicious – Light & Tender Molly’s Delicious is an old-fashioned heirloom apple, and while you might not find it everywhere, it’s worth seeking out. The flavor is delicate and lightly sweet, with a tender bite. These are ideal for eating fresh or adding to a salad with walnuts and blue cheese. Honeycrisp – Juicy & Refreshing Honeycrisp apples have gained a huge fan following, and for good reason. They’re incredibly juicy, with a balance of sweetness and tartness that makes them the perfect “all-around” apple. If we had to pick one apple to eat fresh out of hand, this would be it. Granny Smith – Tart & Bold When it comes to baking, Granny Smith apples are our go-to. Their tart flavor holds up beautifully in pies, crisps, and breads. They don’t become overly sweet when baked, which makes them the perfect counterpoint to sugar and spices. Plus, their firm texture means they won’t turn mushy in the oven. Winesap – Rich & Spiced Winesap apples are a wonderful variety with a spiced, almost wine-like flavor that makes them unique. We love using these in baked goods or cooking them down for homemade applesauce. They also shine when paired with aged cheese or cured meats, making them perfect for autumn charcuterie boards. Don’t Forget the Cider Of course, apple season wouldn’t be complete without cider. Fresh-pressed cider is a fall ritual for us. Sometimes we drink it cold and refreshing, other times warmed gently with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise for a cozy treat. And let’s not forget hard cider—it’s a grown-up way to enjoy apple season with friends around the fire pit. Apple Treats We Love For us, apples aren’t just for eating fresh—they belong in all sorts of fall recipes. We are sharing our favorites : Apple cider donuts with a sugar-cinnamon coating (recipe below) Shookhill Apple bread that fills the kitchen with the sweetest aroma (link to our best recipe) Classic Old Fashioned Apple Pie, this Southern Living classic is bubbling over with cinnamon-spiced filling Apple season is short, but it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in these simple pleasures. Pick a bushel, bake something warm, pour a glass of cider, and let the season unfold.