Written by Food, Travel & Lifestyle Creator Jacqui Toumbas @jacquitoumbas
This season, we've partnered with Brisbane-born Australian nutritionist & content creator, Jacqui Toumbas. Jacqui loves wholesome foods, curating unforgettable events, exploring her culture and heritage, and opening up dialogues and conversations with some pretty incredible people. All of this done from the kitchen, over a love for cooking and food.
The shift into autumn and winter always feels like a welcome change. There's something calming about the cooler air and shorter days that invites us to slow down. For me, it's about finding balance, embracing the opportunity to cosy up at home, nourish myself with warm, hearty meals, and take moments to reset and reflect. It’s the time of year when the pace of life naturally slows, encouraging me to prioritise rituals of self-care and connection.
This season is also about celebrating the simple things: a hot cup of tea on a cold morning, the comforting scent of a slow-cooked stew simmering away, and evenings spent wrapped in blankets, catching up on a good book or podcast. It’s a chance to take pleasure in those everyday moments that sometimes go unnoticed in busier seasons. Autumn and winter truly remind me to lean into comfort, both at home and within myself.
Cosying Up Your Home
As soon as the temperature drops, I make a few changes to my home to reflect the season. Adding layers is key: soft, warm throw rugs on the couch and textured bedding to make bedtime that much more inviting. I also bring out my cast iron French oven pot, which becomes a staple for simmering soups, slow-cooked stews, and braises. And let's be honest, there’s no better feeling than slipping into plush pyjamas, a cosy gown, and slippers after a long day.
Here are a few favourites that always help me feel warm and snug during the season:
• Bedding: Add layers with textured quilts or seasonal tones.
• Throw Rugs: Ideal for wrapping yourself up with a cup of tea in hand.
• Cast Iron French Oven Pot: Perfect for slow-cooking hearty meals.
• Pyjamas, Gown, and Slippers: Essential for staying comfy on chilly days.
These small additions help me embrace the season fully, making home the best place to be during autumn and winter.
What’s In Season This Autumn and Winter
Cooking seasonally is something I always come back to. I love working with produce that naturally suits the time of year. Autumn and winter bring an abundance of earthy, comforting fruit and vegetables, perfect for slow-cooked and roasted meals.
Here’s what’s in season right now:
• Fruit: Apples, pears, citrus (oranges, mandarins, lemons), figs, and persimmons.
• Vegetables: Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, leeks, cauliflower, and leafy greens like silverbeet and kale.
I find that using these ingredients adds warmth and flavour to every meal, making me feel more connected to the season.
Seasonal Wellness and Rituals
Autumn and winter encourage us to slow down and create space for moments of reflection and rest. One of my favourite ways to unwind is by curling up with a good book. Right now, I'm reading The Land Where Lemons Grow: The Story of Italy and its Citrus Fruit. There’s something about winter that always has me dreaming of a European adventure, and reading something inspirational about Italy helps transport me there, especially when it involves food and culture.
When I’m not reading, I’ve been sticking to my movement rituals. Early morning reformer Pilates helps me feel grounded, followed by a walk along the river to clear my mind and enjoy the crisp, quiet mornings. It’s a small act of self-care that sets the tone for the day.
For a bit of inspiration, I’ve been listening to the Offline podcast. It’s filled with thoughtful conversations around connection and personal growth, perfect for this slower season.
These small rituals help me stay balanced and inspired, making the most of the calm, introspective energy that autumn and winter bring.
Recipes
Food takes on a special role in autumn and winter, it’s all about nourishment and comfort. Here are two recipes I’ll be making on repeat this season:
Warm Apple Pie
There’s nothing quite like a homemade apple pie to make your kitchen smell amazing. The combination of tender apples, warm spices, and buttery pastry feels like a hug in dessert form.
Ingredients:
• 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Pink Lady), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• Pastry (store-bought or homemade)
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.
3. Line a pie dish with pastry and fill with the apple mixture.
4. Cover with a pastry lid, crimp the edges, and cut a few slits on top.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
6. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or custard.
Cauliflower and Chickpea Coconut Curry
Ingredients:
• 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp curry powder (or your preferred curry blend)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 400g can diced tomatoes
• 400ml can coconut milk
• 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
For garnish (optional):
• Fresh coriander leaves
• Chilli flakes (if you like extra heat)
• Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving
Method:
1. Roast the cauliflower:
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Toss the cauliflower florets in 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and spread on a baking tray.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, until golden and tender.
2. Start the curry:
In a large pot, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
Stir in the curry powder, cumin, and ground coriander, toasting for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the liquids:
Add the diced tomatoes and coconut milk to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add chickpeas and cauliflower:
Stir in the chickpeas and roasted cauliflower. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon or lime juice to taste.
5. Serve:
Ladle the curry into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander and chilli flakes.
Serve with steamed rice or warm naan bread.