Lady Autumn drifted through the forest on a sparkling day, leaves rustling crisply under her feet. Wrapping her cloak tightly around herself against the chill, she swept her amber eyes across the landscape, seeking spices and herbs for her harvest soup.

A main ingredient was needed. Pumpkin?

Butternut squash?

Or perhaps…

Cantaloupe?

Ah, a pinch of saffron.

Some cinnamon and nutmeg.

Russet potatoes, finally chopped to give the broth some heft.

And mushrooms. Always mushrooms.

Already her imagination conjured the aroma of bubbling broth, hearty and savory, laced with the essence of wood smoke.

A zest of lemon would do nicely, she thought.

Even a little lime.

Nuts would have been a nice touch. Alas, one of Her Ladyship’s small footmen had found these acorns first. A field mouse, a chipmunk, or perhaps a gray squirrel had taken them for his larder.

Lady Autumn didn’t mind. She would not begrudge her creatures a tasty and nutritious morsel when they have need of such sustenance.

A splash of claret.

A good soup tastes better with wine, Her Ladyship knew.

A sprinkle of sage…

Ginger…

And a generous dash of paprika to top it off.

Lady Autumn walked through the forest on a golden afternoon, gathering the seasonings for a fine harvest soup.

What do you think it will taste like?