What to Eat for the Harvest Moon

The September full moon was made for feasting. I've got 100 awesome recipe ideas to help you decide what to eat for the harvest moon. It's gonna be delicious!

The Harvest Moon is my absolute favorite. I have childhood memories of viewing a huge orange full moon out of the back window of the car, watching it follow me all the way home. She was so impressive. I was absolutely mesmerized. I should have known then that I'd learn to love her so deeply.

It also falls at my favorite time of year, near the autumn equinox. Nature is extra beautiful in transitional seasons, and since I grew up in a place that regularly saw summer temperatures above 100 degrees, the relief that autumn brought was very much welcome. There's just something a little bit more magical about a harvest moon, don't you think?

Spiritual Meaning of the Harvest Moon

The Harvest Moon usually falls in September, except on that rare occasion when the October full moon is closer to the equinox. It's big beautiful, often orange-tinged light would have made it possible for our ancestors to continue gathering in those vital crops past dark. The harvest season is a balance of labor and abundance, so our ancestors were willing to put in the extra hours to gather the resources to sustain them through the winter.

This was also a time of gathering as people would trade the excess of what they'd grown. Today's county fairs stem from this tradition. Whether they were selling homemade jam, entering a pie baking competition, or showing off their prized livestock, this season was what all the hard work was leading to.

But even if you're far removed from agricultural cycles, you can allow this full moon to shine a light on what you're harvesting in your own life. Is your hard work bringing you what you desire? If so, how can you give thanks and celebrate? If not, how do you want to change the way you work to make sure your life brings you what you desire?

What's in season at the Harvest Moon

The great thing about eating at the Harvest Moon is that almost everything is available. Many of your tender summer crops are still available, like berries, tomatoes, and lettuce. But you're now also starting to see hardier winter crops like potatoes, squash, and pumpkins available as well. And the one food I associate most with September is apples. Basically, you're spoiled for choice.

As always, check and see what is local in your specific area. Visit the farmer's market and support small, local growers where you can. Ask them what's most delicious right now. I'm sure they'll be happy to share their pride in what they've grown.

Here are a few things that are typically in season in September.

If you're a meat eater, beef, lamb, and turkey are also in season this month.

Pisces foods

In 2024, this Harvest Moon falls in the watery sign of Pisces. Symbolized by the fish and ruled by Neptune, foods of this sign include anything from the sea, but also fruits and vegetables with a high water content.

Here are a few foods that can help you call in Pisces energy

• Cucumber
• Lemon
• Lettuce
• Lime
• Pumpkin
• Raspberries
• Thyme
• White Chocolate

Recipes for the Harvest Moon

Depending on where you live, September can still be quite warm, but you may notice a slight chill on the air in the mornings and evenings and the days grow shorter and we come to the autumn equinox. In other parts of the world, it may already be quite cold. I'm looking at you, Scotland. We also have so much bountiful variety to choose from, it was honestly hard to narrow it down to just 100 recipes. I could have doubled that easily. I hope you find something delicious to inspire you.

Breakfast

With school in full swing, those weekend breakfasts might feel a bit more precious. Whether you love fluffy pancakes, hearty hash browns, or creamy peanut butter, I've got something awesome to jump start your harvest energy.

• Lemon Ricotta Pancakes - These light and fluffy little pancakes have a zingy lemon flare.
• Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast - It's just plain fun, and the kids will love it.
• Breakfast Pizza - Piled high with sausage, hash browns, cheese, and eggs.
• Herb Biscuits & Sausage Gravy - I imagine this is the kind of thing a busy farmer would love to eat for breakfast.
• Breakfast Nachos - Made with thin cut potatoes, sausage, and a spicy cheese sauce, it's a pile of awesomeness.
• Egg & Mango Chutney Flatbread - Try something a little different in the morning.
• Bacon Egg & Cheese Grilled Potatoes - Cook these in the campfire, on the grill, or in the oven.
• Breakfast Pot Pie - So delicious for a lovely brunch party.
• Sausage Egg & Cheese Biscuits with Apple Butter - A beautifully autumnal breakfast sandwich.
• Whole Wheat Lemon & Chia Seed Waffles - These healthyish waffles will make your day so sweet.
• Chorizo & Potato Breakfast Burritos - A delicious breakfast on the go.

Soups, Salads, Sandwiches

I definitely think you should park yourself in front of a window and watch the leaves change while you indulge in one of these awesome light meals that will warm your heart and your belly.

• Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Subs - These are so delicious and a little bit messy. Use jarred tomato sauce to make your life easier.
• Cheesy Potato Soup - There's also bacon in this delicious, somewhat over the top soup.
• Chicken Corn Soup - Inspired by the Chinese take out classic, this soup is ready in about 15 minutes.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Soup - With spicy Southwest flavors, this is a bowl full of delicious veggies and healthy protein.
• Green Minestrone Soup - An excellent way to make use of your garden abundance.
• Italian Grilled Cheese - With basil, crispy prosciutto, melty mozzarella, and a balsamic glaze.
• Fig Jam & Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese - Sweet and smoky and crunchy and awesome.
• Bacon & Egg Salad - Made with a warm mustard viniagrette that uses the bacon grease in place of oil.
• Leek & Potato Soup - My husband's favorite soup.
• Cheddar Corn Soup - This is always requested at harvest season feasts.
• Sharp Cheddar & Apple Butter Grilled Cheese - Apple and cheddar are a match made in heaven.

Dips & Appetizers

I suppose it bears mentioning that harvest season is also football season. Gather people 'round to watch the big game and feed them something delicious. Or get together for any number of reasons, or just because it's awesome.

• Jalapeno Popper Dip - Spicy and creamy and easy to feed a crowd.
• Homemade Chunky Salsa - Mix up a pitcher of margaritas and laugh over plenty of chips and salsa.
• Scallion & Chili Yogurt Dip - Something a bit different and totally moreish.
• Sweet Potato Nachos - A perfect autumnal game day snack.
• Bacon Parmesan Cheese Balls - A little bit kitschy and totally delicious.
• Brie en Croute - Wrap your cheese with whatever seasonal ingredients look awesome to you.
• Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers - My husband wishes he could eat these every day.
• Sour Cream & Chive Dip - The homemade version is so much more fresh and flavorful than store bought, and it's hardly any more work than opening up a container.
• Pumpkin Hazelnut Crostini - Something a bit more elegant for your next coven gathering.
• Jalapeno Deviled Eggs - These deviled eggs really bring the heat.
• Jalapeno Hush Puppies - Make a lot because people won't be able to stop eating.

Dinner

Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or something a bit more involved, I assure you, everything on this list is absolutely awesome.

• Leftover Turkey Enchiladas - If you've got leftover turkey or chicken, cook them into these cheesy and delicious enchiladas.
• Homemade Sloppy Joes - Made with canned tomato soup, this mixture is a delicious take on an old school fave.
• Slow Cooker Meatloaf - Take your time and fill your day with other awesome autumnal activities.
• Spaghetti Arrabbiata - Bring the heat with this simple plate of spicy pasta.
• Spicy Bacon Mac & Cheese - This dish uses a variety of chili peppers, so take a look at what's available in your area.
• Mexican Chicken Marinade - This is awesome for grilled chicken if it's still nice enough to cook outdoors where you live.
• BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger - Nothing beats a good burger night.
• Turkey Meatballs - These healthyish meatballs cooked in tomato sauce are so versatile.
• Lahmacun - My take on little Turkish pizzas with ground lamb and flavorful herbs and spices.
• Cheesy Chorizo Chili - Nothing says autumn like a pot of chilli.
• Loco Moco - A modern Hawaiian dish that's delicious whether or not you've spent the whole day surfing.
• Vegan Tomato Curry - Use up the last of your tomato harvest on this quick and easy curry.

Side dishes

If you've got an awesome side dish, it almost doesn't matter what the main is. Make your meal extra awesome with one of these tasty options.

• Sweet Potato Gratin - Cheesy and rich, these layers of sweet potatoes and cream are full of flavor.
• Loaded Baked Potato Casserole - Loaded up with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives, this casserole is freakin' awesome.
• Bacon & Egg Potato Salad - This is delicious eaten warm or cold, so make enough for leftovers.
• Garlic Herb Bread - The only thing you need with a bowl of pasta.
• Parmesan Fried Gnocchi - For roasted potato flavor in about five minutes.
• Grilled Potato Foil Packets with Lemon Dill Creme Fraiche - These slow cooked potatoes can be made indoors or outdoors.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Spiced Maple Butter - My favorite way to eat sweet potatoes.
• Spicy Cheese Fries - You won't actually want anything else.
• Red Bean Salad - A no-cook vegan dish with beautiful color.
• Maple Glazed Carrots - Everything's better with a touch of sweetness.
• Cajun Sweet Potatoes - Such a simple dish, it has no right to be so delicious.

Breads

What's better on a rainy day than a good book and some bread baking. Maybe a cup of hot chocolate and some cozy socks. It's like an autumn fantasy.

• Sweet Potato Rolls - These have such a beautiful sweet potato flavor and color.
• Cheddar Jalapeno Biscuits - You've got so much flavor going on in these tender, flaky biscuits.
• Parmesan Oregano Bread - Perfect for dipping in tomato soup.
• Potato Bread - A lovely soft loaf for sandwiches.
• Skillet Cornbread - For all your chilli cook offs.
• Bacon Goat Cheese & Green Onion Biscuits - These drop biscuits are great on their own or for soup dipping.
• Satsuma & Dark Chocolate Brioche - Bring a little sweetness to your bread baking game.
• Corn & Green Onion Biscuits - With just three ingredients, these are a weeknight no brainer.
• Cheddar Habanero Corrnbread - This is great with chilli, but I also like it with butter and honey for a spicy dessert.
• Smoked Cheddar & Sage Biscuits - Turn your bread into an energy cleansing spell.
• Rosemary Potato Rolls - Enhance your wisdom and your dinner plate with these herby rolls.

Desserts

I'm never not eating dessert, and if that's wrong, I don't want to be right. Bring a bit of sweetness into your life with a seasonal cake, brownies, or even some ice cream.

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake - With peanuts in season, it's th perfect time to enjoy an indulgent cheesecake.
• Lemon & Blackberry Pound Cake - Hold onto those flavors of summer for a little bit longer.
• Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes - The funnest after school treat I can think of.
• Peanut Butter Ice Cream - If you're a peanut butter lover, you'll go nuts for this.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie - A creamy and indulgent no-bake dessert.
• Bakewell Tart - This is awesome with a cup of tea after a long walk in the countryside.
• Giant Peanut Butter Cups - A seriously indulgent dessert for two.
• Baked Sweet Potato Brulee - Have you ever just had a roasted sweet potato with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon? It's awesome!
• Sweet Potato Bread Pudding - Turn stale bread into a delicious fall treat.
• Orange Cheesecake Brownies - It's two desserts for the price of one.
• Pumpkin Spice Gooey Butter Cake - A semi-homemade thing of beauty.

Sweet Treats

Harvesting is hard work. Reward yourself with a little sweet treat in the afternoon to keep you motivated. It works for me.

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies - These cookies are rich and fudgy with delicious peanut butter chips.
• Peanut Butter Cup Brownies - A lunchbox hit!
• Orange Poppy Seed Muffins - A sweeter version than their lemon cousins.
• Lemonade Scones - Leavened with bubbles from fizzy soda, these scones rise beautifully.
• White Chocolate Raspberry Blondies - People lose their minds when they try these.
• Apple Butter - Did you get a bit overzealous when you were apple picking? Make a big batch of apple butter to share with friends.
• Jam Tarts - Use the jam from summer fruits to extend the season.
• Peanut Butter Fudge - I can't be in the same room as this stuff without eating some.
• White Chocolate Chip Brownies - Dark fudgy brownies studded with white chocolate chips.
• Peanut Butter Button Cookies - These cuties combine peanut butter and chocolate i a most delicious way.
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins - A coffee shop favorite at home.

Drinks

Raise a glass to a successful harvest. You've worked hard, and you deserve to celebrate with a magical autumn libation.

• Raspberry Lemonade - You can make this with frozen berries if your season has already ended.
• Kir Royale - Celebrate your manifestations with this beautiful champagne cocktail.
• White Hot Chocolate - Creamy and sweet and so comforting.
• Apple Brandy Frozen Punch - Perfect for those of you still sweating your way through September.
• Green Apple Martini - A cheeky bar classic that's absolutely delicious.
• Ginger Iced Tea Lemonade - Bring a bit of fire energy to your iced tea.
• Pumpkin Spice White Russian - It's basically a boozy pumpkin spice latte.
• Cloudy Cider Cup - Add fresh fruit and herbs to your favorite scrumpy cider.
• Carrot Ginger Orange Mimosa - The color on this drink is perfect for fall.
• Apple Margarita - Pair this with your nachos and salsa.
• Orange Amaretto Cider - A fortified cider cocktail that tastes like a harvest part.

Celebrate the Harvest Moon

I hope the Harvest Moon brings you many blessings. May you feast be plentiful. I'd love to see what you're cooking up, so feel free to send me photos on Instagram of anything you've made.

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