A Season of Transformation: How One Autumn in Europe Sparked Love, Freedom, and My Favorite Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

Six years ago, in the enchanting autumn of 2007, I witnessed a breathtaking spectacle as leaves transformed, first into a vibrant golden yellow, then shifting to a rich, warm auburn. This specific hue of auburn has forever become synonymous with one of my most cherished seasons. Even now, here in Buenos Aires, as spring paints the landscape in bright greens and the air warms with new life, it is always autumn that holds an unparalleled, special place in my heart.

To be perfectly honest, it was that pivotal autumn of 2007 that truly made me fall deeply in love with this extraordinary season. It was more than just a change in weather; it was a profound period of personal revelation and growth. This was the autumn that brought me a sense of exhilarating freedom, and it was also the autumn during which I unexpectedly found love, forever altering the course of my life.

A German Adventure Begins: The Autumn of Freedom

That memorable autumn, a small group of friends and I embarked on a thrilling student exchange adventure, boarding our flight to Germany with eager anticipation. It marked my first extended stay overseas, an experience I would undertake in the company of friends rather than family. The air buzzed with an infectious excitement; I instinctively knew this journey would be special, yet I couldn’t possibly fathom how profoundly it would literally change my life. The possibilities felt endless, and every moment was steeped in the promise of new discoveries.

Before our academic year officially commenced at the University of Mannheim, my friend Faye and I, along with a few other companions, decided to leave our heavy luggage in Mannheim. We then set off for a whirlwind tour of Italy, an unforgettable journey that spanned just under two weeks. This impromptu pre-semester trip would become one of the most defining experiences of my early twenties, an immersion into a culture and landscape that would captivate my senses and open my heart.

Falling for Italy: A Mediterranean Odyssey

During those truly beautiful Italian days, nestled in the sun-drenched south of Europe, we reveled in the captivating allure of the boot-shaped country. Every sight, sound, and taste was a new sensation, igniting a passion for travel and discovery that has stayed with me ever since.

Bologna: Northern Italy’s Quaint Charms

Bologna, a vibrant student town in Northern Italy, is famously the birthplace of the rich, meat-based Bolognese sauce. I recall its pretty and undeniably quaint atmosphere, with narrow streets that whispered tales of centuries past. While specific details might fade with time, the vivid impression of us wandering its charming streets remains. I remember being constantly drawn to the intricate Italian architecture, camera in hand, snapping dozens of pictures of the ornate facades and bustling piazzas, trying to capture the essence of its unique character and timeless beauty. The energy of the student population blended seamlessly with the historical grandeur, creating a truly unique urban tapestry.

Venice: A City of Melancholy Beauty

And then there was Venice, a city whose melancholic beauty and inherent charm effortlessly surpassed its legendary fame. Its iconic romantic gondola-filled canals and labyrinthine, tiny cobbled streets, which intricately linked the entire city together, were bathed in warm, dappled sun rays. These narrow pathways and waterways teemed with a harmonious mix of curious tourists and everyday locals, creating a lively yet dreamlike atmosphere. I remember being utterly fascinated by the enchanting shop windows, which proudly displayed exquisite handmade masks and pasta in every conceivable size, shape, and color. It was an incredible feast for the eyes, a truly unique and captivating experience that felt like stepping into a living painting.

Cinque Terre: Where Sea and Soul Embrace

But above all, my heart was truly stolen by the breathtaking Mediterranean Coast. In Cinque Terre, a region whose name literally translates to “Five Lands,” referring to its five neighboring villages nestled along the Ligurian Sea, we breathed in salty sea air that carried the intoxicating scent of freedom and the bittersweet essence of summer giving way to autumn. We found ourselves lounging on large, sun-warmed flat stones, allowing the gentle sunshine to softly toast our skin, feeling completely at peace. We would later sit at cliff-top ristorantes, delighting in rich, robust tomato-based pasta brimming with the freshest seafood, caught that very day. Our mornings often involved invigorating hikes up picturesque hills, trudging through tall blades of grass, occasionally encountering a friendly local Italian farmer who would offer a warm “Buon Giorno.” Ahhh, during those idyllic days, it truly felt like a slice of heaven on earth.

It was then and there that I knew, unequivocally, that I had fallen deeply in love with Italy. This South European country, with its exquisite food, its warm and welcoming people, and its stunning, diverse landscapes, had somehow managed to engulf me in a way I couldn’t quite fully comprehend or explain. It was an emotional and sensory overload, a profound connection that felt both ancient and entirely new.

The Autumn of Love: A Life-Changing Connection

While I won’t delve into overly sentimental details, I will confess that it was also during that transformative autumn in Mannheim that I came to a profound realization about love. I understood that true love wasn’t merely about superficial attraction or fleeting heart flutters; it was about genuine care, about someone treating you with unwavering kindness, respect, and making you feel truly wanted. Love, I learned, is built on countless small gestures of consideration and empathy, woven through days of shared celebration and offering solace during times of sadness. It was a discovery that transcended conventional romance, revealing a deeper, more meaningful connection. I found a love that instilled in me a genuine desire to share my life and experiences with another person, a motive not born of selfishness, but from a pure, unadulterated love for someone else.

This was the autumn that brought me to meet Juan, the extraordinary individual who is the very reason I proudly call Buenos Aires home today. It was the autumn during which I truly fell in love, and in doing so, I learned the true, deep meaning of what it means to genuinely love another soul. This period wasn’t just about experiencing new places; it was about a profound personal awakening and finding a companion for life’s journey.

Commemorating a Golden Season: The Apple, Butternut Squash & Quinoa Salad

Because that particular autumn holds such immense personal significance for me, etched forever in the canvas of my memories, I felt compelled to commemorate that special season. I wanted to create something tangible, something edible, that could encapsulate and bring forth the vibrant colors and comforting tastes that remind me so vividly of that time. This is why I’m excited to share a salad recipe with you, a dish designed to evoke the very essence of that golden autumn.

Imagine colors like the deep, rich auburn reds of turning leaves, intense oranges reminiscent of sunsets over the Mediterranean, and the luminous golden yellows of early autumn mornings, all harmoniously blended with the honeyed browns of toasted nuts. These aren’t just colors; they are feelings, memories, and sensations.

The flavors too, are carefully chosen to transport you back. Experience the natural, crisp sweetness of red apples, perfectly balanced by the rich tenderness of butternut squash. The squash is salted and peppered, then roasted until it’s irresistibly soft and caramelized, releasing its earthy sweetness. Then comes the slight nuttiness and delightful chewiness of springy quinoa, adding a wholesome texture. Finally, the satisfying crunch of finely chopped almonds brings another layer of complexity. All these elements are beautifully brought together with a vibrant honey mustard dressing, combining the savory kick of mustard, the natural syrupy sweetness of honey, and a quick, refreshing squeeze of lemon juice. Each bite is a journey back to that unforgettable autumn.

Yes, these are the very shades, tastes, and textures of a season that remains forever etched in my memory—a season as exquisitely beautiful as it was profoundly intense. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an edible homage to a pivotal moment in time, a culinary narrative of a life-altering autumn.

I sincerely hope you enjoy this vibrant salad, and that it helps you appreciate the beauty of the season to which it is dedicated. But most of all, I wish you love, in all its forms and expressions, just as I found it in that magical autumn.

Recipe: Apple, Butternut Squash & Quinoa Salad + Honey Mustard Dressing

(Serves 4 as a side, 2 as a main course)

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 small butternut squash, peeled, de-seeded and cubed
• 2 red apples, cored and cubed
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of chopped almonds

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

• 5 tablespoons of mustard (Dijon or whole grain recommended)
• 5 tablespoons of honey (local honey for best flavor)
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Juice from 1/2 a fresh lemon

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once the water is vigorously boiling, carefully blanch the cubed butternut squash for exactly three minutes. This step helps to tenderize it slightly before roasting. Remove the squash promptly and drain well.
3. Generously sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the blanched butternut squash cubes. Toss them well to ensure an even coating of seasoning, enhancing their natural sweetness during roasting.
4. Lightly coat the surface of a baking tray with your preferred oil (olive oil or avocado oil works well). Heat the oiled tray in the pre-heated oven for about 5 minutes. This pre-heating step helps achieve a crispier exterior on the squash.
5. Once the oil is heated, carefully arrange the blanched and seasoned butternut squash on the tray. Ensure they are spread in a single layer and do not overlap, which allows for even roasting and caramelization.
6. Roast the butternut squash for at least 45 minutes, or until it is beautifully tender and slightly caramelized at the edges. The exact time may vary based on your oven and the size of your squash cubes.

To begin, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, blanch the cubed butternut squash for three minutes, then remove it from the water and drain:

7. While the squash is roasting, rinse the uncooked quinoa thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes saponins, which can give quinoa a bitter taste.
8. Combine the 1 cup of rinsed uncooked quinoa and 2 cups of water in a small, heavy-bottomed pot.
9. Bring the quinoa-water mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let the quinoa gently simmer and cook for the next 15 minutes. This allows the quinoa to absorb all the water.
10. Once the 15 minutes are up and the quinoa has absorbed all of the water, switch off the heat completely. Keep the pot covered and allow the quinoa to stand undisturbed for an additional 5 minutes. This steaming process helps it to become light and fluffy.
11. After the quinoa has rested for 5 minutes, uncover the pot and use a fork to gently fluff the quinoa. Allow it to cool down to room temperature before assembling the salad.
12. In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, honey, and fresh lemon juice until you achieve a smooth and well-combined honey mustard dressing. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
13. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cubed fresh apples, the cooled cooked quinoa, the crunchy chopped almonds, and the tender roasted butternut squash. You can also divide these ingredients equally into individual smaller bowls if you prefer.
14. Finally, generously drizzle the prepared honey mustard dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every component is coated with the delicious dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Sprinkle salt & pepper generously over the butternut squash, and mix well. Coat the surface of a baking tray with oil, heat it in the oven for about 5 minutes. Once oil is heated up, arrange blanched butternut squash on the tray, making sure they are in one layer and do not overlap. Roast butternut squash for at least 45 minutes until tender:

Combine the 1 cup of rinsed uncooked quinoa and 2 cups of water in a small pot. Bring quinoa-water mixture to a boil, then bring fire down to low, cover the pot, and let quinoa cook for next 15 minutes:

Once 15 minutes is up and quinoa has absorbed all of the water, switch off the heat and allow it to stand for 5 minutes, still covered. After quinoa has stood for 5 minutes, uncover pot and fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool:

Mix cubed apples, cooked quinoa and roasted butternut squash in a large bowl (or divide it equally into the number of smaller bowls you prefer). Drizzle honey mustard dressing over, mix well and serve: