Autumnal delicacies and DIY decorations with rose hips

Autumn is a wonderful time to enjoy nature to the fullest. The colorful leaves, cool air, and bountiful harvest invite you to get creative—both in the kitchen and in your decorating. In this article, we present two delicious recipes that feature rose hips, as well as some DIY ideas for autumnal table decorations that are perfect for an autumnal dinner.

Culinary highlights with rose hips

Rosehip and chestnut puree

This creamy purée combines the nutty flavors of chestnuts with the fruity freshness of rosehip. It's perfect as a side dish or as a spread on fresh bread.

Ingredients:

• 200 g cooked chestnuts (peeled)
• 100 g rosehips (pitted and cooked)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 250 ml vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (e.g. thyme or parsley) for garnish

Preparation:

1. Fry the onion in olive oil until translucent.
2. Add cooked chestnuts and rosehips and fry briefly.
3. Deglaze with vegetable stock and bring everything to a boil.
4. Simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes until everything is soft.
5. Use a hand blender to process into a creamy puree.
6. Season with salt, pepper and fresh herbs.

Rosehip and pumpkin soup

This warming soup combines the sweet taste of pumpkin with the fruity note of rosehip – perfect for cold autumn days!

Ingredients:

• 500 g pumpkin (e.g. Hokkaido), diced
• 100 g rosehips (pitted and cooked)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
• 750 ml vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pumpkin seeds for home decor

Preparation:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan and fry the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the diced pumpkin and fry briefly.
3. Add the rosehips and deglaze everything with the vegetable stock.
4. Bring to a boil and then simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes until the pumpkin is soft.
5. Puree with a hand blender until the soup is creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds if desired.

Suitable side dishes and drinks

To round off your autumn dinner, we recommend the following side dishes:

• Fresh baguette or wholemeal bread: Ideal for dipping into the rosehip and chestnut puree.
• Roasted root vegetables: A mix of carrots, parsnips and beets brings additional color to the table.

For drinks, you can serve an autumnal apple wine or cider, which pairs beautifully with the flavors of the food. A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a fruity red wine also pairs well with these dishes.

DIY autumn decorations for your table

To enhance the autumnal ambiance in your home, we have some simple DIY ideas for you:

Rosehip garland

A garland of rose hips brings color to your table!

Materials:

• Fresh or dried rose hips
• String or thin wire
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Cut the rosehip stems to a uniform length.
2. Thread the rosehips onto the string or wire, distributing them evenly.
3. Drape the garland along the table or around candlesticks for a festive look.

Pumpkin centerpiece

A simple centerpiece made of small pumpkins creates a cozy atmosphere.

Materials:

• Small pumpkins in different sizes
• Eucalyptus branches or other autumnal plants
• A shallow bowl or a table runner

Directions:

1. Place the small pumpkins on a shallow bowl or directly on the table.
2. Add eucalyptus branches or other plants around the pumpkins to create a natural look.
3. Optionally, you can place candles between the pumpkins for atmospheric lighting.

With these recipes, matching side dishes and drinks, and creative DIY decorations, you can create an unforgettable autumn dinner! Let your creativity run wild and enjoy this wonderful season with your loved ones!