October 2026 - Issue 38
Lost on the Lake TABLE ROCK
Lake Lifestyle Magazine
Autumn on the
Lake INSIDE: • Lake in Transition • October Fishing • The Last Boat Ride • The Rogue Chef Recipe • & more
1- Lost on the Lake
From My Slip on the Dock October always feels a little different at Table Rock. Summer is loud about being here. October just quietly changes everything while we aren‘t looking. One morning you need a sweatshirt on the dock. A few trees turn red. The next thing you know, you‘re looking across the lake wondering when the whole hillside changed. I love this part. The boats haven‘t all disappeared. The fish certainly haven‘t. There are still beautiful afternoons made for being on the water, but now we know enough to bring a jacket for the ride home. This issue is about the turn, that stretch when Table Rock begins trading summer for fall. We‘re fishing changing patterns, taking one more boat ride, looking at the hills from the water and staying outside after dark when October really starts showing off. Don‘t spend the whole month waiting for peak color or the perfect fall weekend. Go now. October doesn‘t stay put for very long. See you on the lake, Myra Publisher, Lost on the Lake
2- Lost on the Lake
CREATIVE EDITOR Myra Thornton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS The Rogue Chef Tracey Lightfoot Myra Thornton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS The Rogue Chef Tracey Lightfoot Myra Thornton ADVERTISING SALES Myra Thornton
Find us on Facebook
Publisher Myra Thornton www.lostonthelake.us
email: hello@lostonthelake.us
Phone: 417-593-1167
3- Lost on the Lake
Table Rock’s Hidden Wonder
www.talkingrockscavern.com
5- Lost on the Lake
Contents
OCTOBER 2026 - Issue 38
14
8
THE TURN
LAKE IN TRANSITION
Lake Living
Look Closer... 22 The Rogue Chef - Recipe 26 6- Lost on the Lake
Fishing
20
THE VIEW FROM THE WATER
Explore
24
THE LAST BOAT RIDE
Boating
31
35
THERE’S MORE TO EVENTS AROUND FALL THAN PUMPKIN THE LAKE SPICE Cooking
Lifestyle
7- Lost on the Lake
The Turn October Changes the Rhythm of the Lake
8- Lost on the Lake
Fall doesn’t happen overnight. 9- Lost on the Lake
OCTOBER CHANGES THE RHYTHM OF TABLE ROCK LAKE October brings one of the biggest transitions of the year to Table Rock Lake. Summer crowds are gone, temperatures begin to fall, the Ozark hills start changing color, and both wildlife and fish respond to the changing season. But fall doesn’t arrive at Table Rock all at once. Early October can still produce surprisingly warm afternoons and plenty of good days on the water. At the same time, cooler nights begin dropping water temperatures, mornings require an extra layer, and the first splashes of red and gold appear around the lake. By later in the month, Table Rock can look like an entirely different place. Welcome to the turn. FALL COLOR DOESN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT One of the best things about October in the Ozarks is watching fall color develop throughout the month. Missouri’s trees don’t all change at the same time. Sumac, Virginia creeper and sassafras are among the plants that can show color early, followed by species including dogwood and black gum. Oaks, hickories and maples add more color as the season progresses. That means you don’t necessarily have to wait for one perfect “peak color” 10- Lost on the Lake
weekend to enjoy fall at Table Rock. Early October might mean mostly green hills with scattered flashes of red and yellow. A week later, entire stretches of shoreline may look different. Weather also plays a major role. Temperature, sunlight and moisture all influence the timing and intensity of fall color, so every October around Table Rock is a little different. ONE OF THE BEST VIEWS MAY BE FROM THE LAKE Most fall-color trips involve getting in the car. At Table Rock, you can get in the boat. October boating offers a completely different view of the Ozarks. From the water, the hills rise directly from the shoreline, making it possible to see long stretches of changing forest at once. On calm days, those colors are reflected across the surface of the lake. There’s another benefit: considerably less traffic than during the height of summer. A familiar summer route can feel entirely different when you’re cruising it on a cool October afternoon without holiday-weekend boat traffic. Just remember that October boating requires a little more planning. Air temperatures can change quickly, particularly late in the day, and the ride back across open water can feel considerably cooler than the afternoon you started with.
Translation: put the sweatshirt in the boat. THE FISH ARE MAKING THE TURN, TOO The seasonal change isn’t limited to what we can see from shore. As water temperatures cool, fish begin transitioning from summer patterns toward fall behavior. Bass anglers start following baitfish movement and paying closer attention to points, bluff ends and other structure as conditions change. Table Rock’s official fall fishing guidance specifically identifies points and bluff ends as productive areas as water temperatures fall. October fishing can require some flexibility because conditions at the beginning of the month may look very different from those several weeks later. That’s part of what makes fall fishing interesting. Instead of fishing according to the date on the calendar, watch what’s actually happening on the lake. THE WOODS GET BUSY October is also an active month on land. Acorns and other nuts become important food sources for wildlife. Deer become increasingly active as fall progresses. Migrating birds pass through the Ozarks, while year-round residents take advantage of the seasonal abun-
dance of seeds, nuts and berries. And then there are the squirrels. Anyone who has spent an October morning beneath an oak tree knows they are apparently preparing for winter with the organizational urgency of a major military operation. For visitors, all that activity makes October an especially good time to slow down and pay attention along hiking trails, shorelines and quieter roads. SUMMER BUSY GIVES WAY TO FALL BUSY Table Rock doesn’t shut down when summer ends. It simply changes gears. October weekends bring visitors looking for fall color, fishing, hiking, festivals, scenic drives and cooler-weather getaways. Branson and communities around the lake continue hosting seasonal events, while area attractions move into their fall schedules. There is one important difference from July: check before you go. Some lake businesses, restaurants and attractions begin changing their hours after the summer season. A place that was open seven days a week in July may have reduced days or hours in October. A quick check before heading across the lake or driving around it can save a disappointing arrival at a locked door. DON’T WAIT FOR “PEAK” 11- Lost on the Lake
Every October, we start asking the same question: When will the leaves peak? It’s useful information, especially if you’re planning a trip. But it can also make us overlook half the season while we’re waiting for one supposedly perfect weekend. October at Table Rock isn’t just about the moment when every hillside reaches maximum color. It’s the transition itself. It’s boating in a T-shirt at two o’clock and needing a sweatshirt by sunset. It’s fishing a spot differently than you did three weeks ago. It’s noticing the first red tree tucked into an otherwise green hillside, then coming back the following weekend and barely recognizing the same view. And it’s getting one more month to enjoy the lake before winter changes it again. Summer may get most of the attention at Table Rock Lake. October proves it doesn’t get the final word. The lake is making the turn. And this month, watching it happen is half the fun.
12- Lost on the Lake
Nick and Amy Morris
Nick &Insurance Amy Morris Licensed Agents
Licensed Insurance Agents
Lake In Transition OCTOBER CHANGES THE RHYTHM October can be one of the most interesting months to fish Table Rock Lake. The summer crowds have thinned, cooler nights begin pulling water temperatures down, and fish start adjusting to the changing season. But October isn’t a single fishing pattern. What works during the first week of the month may look very different by Halloween. That’s why successful fall fishing often comes down to one thing: 14- Lost on the Lake
FISHING
Pay attention to what the lake is telling you. BASS: FOLLOW THE CHANGE Table Rock’s largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass are all in play during October, and 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for black bass. Missouri Department of Conservation surveys found good numbers of largemouth in the 15- to 18-inch range, along with abundant spotted bass and good numbers of keeper-size smallmouth.
cont page 10
15- Lost on the Lake
As October progresses and the water cools, bass begin shifting away from some of their summer patterns. Points and bluff ends are good places to start searching. They give fish easy access to multiple depths as conditions change, and Table Rock’s 2026 fall fishing report specifically recommends working these areas rather than getting locked into one depth. The same rule applies to your tackle. Crawfish-pattern crankbaits are a good October option, along with plastic worms and Ned rigs. Crawfish-inspired colors, including PB&J, can be particularly useful when fishing the Ned rig. But don’t spend the entire day throwing something simply because it’s supposed to work in October. Let the fish make that decision. DON’T FORGET THE BAITFISH Fall fishing on Table Rock isn’t only about finding a promising-looking point. You also need to find food. As conditions change, baitfish movement becomes increasingly important. Spotted bass in particular are often found suspended over deeper water following schools of baitfish, which makes good electronics especially valuable on Table Rock. If you’re fishing beautiful structure 16- Lost on the Lake
and aren’t seeing bait or fish, don’t be afraid to move. October rewards anglers willing to search. CRAPPIE AGAIN
GET
INTERESTING
Bass may receive most of Table Rock’s attention, but October is also worth watching for crappie. MDC rates the lake’s overall 2026 crappie outlook as fair, with the James, Kings and Long Creek arms holding higher densities. Fall is one of the better crappie periods, with small plastic jigs and minnows effective around woody structure and the lake’s numerous brush piles. There’s an interesting wrinkle this year, too. Surveys in the James River Arm found good numbers of 7- to 9-inch crappie in fall 2025, with MDC expecting many of those fish to reach Table Rock’s 10-inch legal minimum during fall 2026. That makes October a particularly interesting time to see how that year-class has developed. DON’T FISH THE CALENDAR Perhaps the biggest mistake an angler can make in October is deciding what the fish should be doing before leaving the dock. Early October can still behave suspi-
ciously like late summer. Then a stretch of cool nights arrives. Water temperatures drop. Bait moves. Fish reposition. Suddenly the spot that produced last weekend seems empty. That’s normal. Fall fishing is a transition, not a switch. Watch water temperature. Look for bait. Use your electronics. Fish different depths. Move when the evidence tells you to move. And remember that Table Rock itself isn’t uniform. The shallower river arms, mid-lake areas and clear, deep water closer to the dam can behave differently at the same time. OCTOBER TACKLE BOX You don’t need to bring the entire tackle shop, but a few options deserve space in the boat this month: For bass: crawfish-pattern crankbaits, plastic worms and Ned rigs in crawfish-inspired colors. For crappie: small plastic jigs and minnows worked around brush piles and woody cover. And don’t leave the electronics
turned off. In October, knowing what’s happening beneath the boat may be every bit as important as what’s tied to the end of your line. THE OTHER ADVANTAGE There is one October fishing advantage that doesn’t require a lure. The lake gets quieter. The recreational traffic of summer has eased, mornings are cooler, and an early run across Table Rock can come with calm water and Ozark hills beginning to change color. Yes, you’ll probably need another layer. Yes, your fingers may complain during the first few casts. And yes, that cup of coffee in the boat suddenly becomes considerably more important. But then the sun reaches the water, you find the bait, and somebody’s rod bends. October fishing has begun. October is changing Table Rock every day. Fish the lake that’s in front of you. And don’t be too busy to notice the mist on the water and the eagles flying overhead, even a bad day of fishing can be amazing on Table Rock Lake. 17- Lost on the Lake
Imagine
963 Hallie Drive | Blue Eye, Missouri Imagine waking up to the rst light dancing across Table Rock Lake. Coffee on the deck. Eagles soaring overhead. Family gathered around the re pit after a day on the water. Some homes offer a place to live. Others create a lifetime of memories. This month’s featured lake home is one of those rare places where every season feels like vacation.
Active Vacation Rental
Why We Love It 260 feet of lake frontage Gentle walk to the shoreline Panoramic lake views Vaulted log interior Resort-style pool Fire pit gathering spaces Proven vacation rental Room for family & friends 5 Bedrooms - 3 Baths - 3628 sq ft - 2.5 acres - 2 Master Suites In-Ground Pool - 1 Car Garage - Blue Eye, Missouri
LIVE, VACATION, INVEST Tracy Lynn Lightfoot Ozark Mountain Realty Group Broker-Owner C: 417-251-1946 O: 417-213-5516 www.bransonhomeender.com
THE VIEW From the Water
October Might Be Table Rock’s Best Boat Ride There are plenty of ways to see fall color in the Ozarks, but one of the best views might be from the middle of Table Rock Lake. By October, boating has changed. The heavy traffic of summer has eased, mornings are cooler, and the hills surrounding the lake begin trading their solid summer green for patches of yellow, orange and red. Even stretches of shoreline you’ve traveled dozens of times can suddenly look completely different. The lake itself hasn’t changed, of course, but without the constant motion of peak summer, you have a little more time to notice what has been there all along. From the boat, fall also looks different than it does from the road. Table Rock winds through miles of wooded hills, rocky bluffs, points and coves, and the water gives you a front-row seat as October works its way across the Ozarks. On a calm afternoon, the color can reflect across the surface, doubling the view. A bluff that seemed almost entirely green the week before may suddenly have streaks of gold running through it. One 20- Lost on the Lake
brilliant red tree can stand out from an entire hillside. Then you come back a week later and discover that the trees around it have caught up. October may also be the perfect month to forget about having a destination. During summer, a boat ride often has a purpose. We’re headed to the swimming hole, meeting friends, pulling a tube, going to lunch or trying to get somewhere before everyone else does. A fall boat ride can simply be a boat ride. Pick a direction and cruise. Follow a shoreline you normally pass while headed somewhere else. Idle into a cove you’ve never bothered exploring. Shut off the motor for a while and listen. With less recreational traffic on the water, Table Rock feels bigger again, and wandering a little farther from the usual route becomes part of the reason for going. Of course, October boating comes with a few reminders that July is behind us. That beautiful 70-degree afternoon can become a surprisingly chilly ride home once the sun drops behind the hills. Keep sweatshirts or jackets aboard even when you’re convinced you won’t need them. Daylight disappears earlier, too,
so pay attention to how far you’ve traveled and how much light you have left for the trip back. Seasonal hours can also change at marinas and lakeside businesses, making it worth checking ahead if lunch, fuel or another stop is part of the plan. Don’t get too caught up in waiting for the mythical perfect “peak color” weekend, either. Fall around Table Rock doesn’t happen everywhere at exactly the same time. Tree species, elevation, temperatures and weather all influence when individual areas change. One part of the lake may still look mostly green while another has already moved firmly into fall. That uneven transition is part of what makes an October boat ride interesting. You aren’t just going out to see the finished show. You get to watch it develop throughout the month. And then there’s the light. Summer sunshine can be bright and direct, but October brings a softer look to the lake.
EXPLORE Mornings may begin with mist hanging over the water, and late-afternoon sun reaches across the hills at a lower angle. Those final hours before sunset can turn rocky shorelines and changing trees golden. If you’ve ever needed an excuse to take the long way back to the dock, October will happily provide one.
Eventually, there will be a last boat ride of the season for many of us. The boat will be winterized, temperatures will drop, and another Table Rock summer will officially become a collection of photos and stories. But we’re not there yet. So fill the thermos. Put an extra sweatshirt in the boat. Leave enough time to take the long way home. You already know Table Rock Lake. October gives you a chance to see it differently.
21- Lost on the Lake
Look Closer ...
Why Do Leaves Change Color? Every fall, the Ozark hills trade their summer green for yellow, orange and red. But those colors aren’t simply appearing. In many leaves, they’ve been there all along. During spring and summer, leaves are filled with chlorophyll, the green pigment plants use to capture sunlight and make food. There is so much chlorophyll that it masks other pigments already present in the leaf. As autumn days grow shorter and temperatures cool, trees begin preparing for winter. Chlorophyll production slows and eventually stops. As the green fades, pigments called carotenoids become visible, revealing the yellows and oranges we associate with fall. Red and purple are a little different. 22- Lost on the Lake
Those colors come from anthocyanins, pigments produced in some leaves as sugars become trapped inside them during the transition toward winter. Sunny days followed by cool nights can help produce particularly vivid reds. Eventually, the tree forms a layer of cells where each leaf connects to its branch. The leaf falls, allowing the tree to conserve water and energy through the colder months. So when you look across Table Rock and see the hills beginning to change, look a little closer. That brilliant yellow leaf didn’t suddenly learn a new trick. Some of its fall color was hiding beneath the green all summer.
Why Just Visit?
Live It
It isn’t just a house. It’s kids jumping off the dock. It’s sunset cruises that turn into lifelong memories.
Tracey Lightfoot license ID: 2013014900
701 S Sycamore St Branson, Missouri 65616
417-251-1946 VISIT WEBSITE
23- Lost on the Lake
The Last Boat Ride
Maybe It Is. Maybe It Isn’t. Better Make It Count. Nobody really announces the last boat ride of the year. There’s no official ceremony at the dock. No one stands beside the boat holding a tiny checkered flag while someone plays a sad song in the background. Usually, you just go boating. But October makes you wonder. You head out on one of those unexpectedly beautiful fall afternoons when the sun is warm enough to convince you summer hasn’t completely left. The lake 24- Lost on the Lake
is quieter. The hills have started changing. You brought a sweatshirt because you’ve learned not to trust an October afternoon, but for now it’s sitting untouched on the seat beside you. And somewhere during the ride, the thought sneaks in. What if this is the last one? For those of us who spend as much of the warm season as possible on Table Rock Lake, boating becomes part of the rhythm of life. We stop thinking much about the first ride back in spring or the countless trips that follow. We load coolers, grab towels, untie ropes and head out. There’s
BOATING always another Saturday coming. Another sunset. Another reason to cross the lake. Until suddenly there might not be. That possibility changes an October boat ride. You notice things you probably ignored in July. The sound of the water against the hull. The rocky shoreline. A familiar bluff beginning to turn gold. The empty dock you passed every weekend all summer. The way the sun hits the lake late in the afternoon. Without the constant buzz of summer traffic, even familiar parts of Table Rock can feel new again. There’s also no particular reason to hurry. The swimming gear may stay dry. Nobody needs to prove anything on a tube. You don’t necessarily need a destination at all. Cruise along the shoreline. Find a quiet cove. Stop somewhere for lunch if the season and hours allow it. Or shut off the motor and sit for a while. October boating can be wonderfully uneventful, which may be exactly what makes it so good. Of course, fall has its own rules. Days are shorter, weather changes quickly, and a pleasant afternoon can become a cold ride once the sun slips behind the Ozark hills. Keep an extra layer aboard, check the forecast before heading out and leave yourself enough daylight to get home comfortably. If your route includes fuel, food or a marina stop, check seasonal hours before counting on it. Then there is the decision every lake person eventually has to make. Is it time to put the boat away? Maybe. Or maybe next weekend will be 72 degrees
and sunny. This is Missouri, after all. Predictability has never been part of the arrangement. So perhaps the best approach is not to declare anything. Don’t call it the last ride. Don’t make everyone pose solemnly for a commemorative photograph. Just go. Take the route you love. Turn into the cove you haven’t visited in months. Let the kids drive for a bit if they’re old enough. Bring the dog. Pack something good to eat. Stay long enough to watch the afternoon light move across the hills. And if you happen to get another beautiful boating day next weekend? Excellent. You can have another last boat ride. Eventually, though, one of them really will be the final trip of the season. You’ll tie up at the dock, unload the cooler, carry everything back up the hill and go home without realizing that you won’t do it again for a while. Maybe that’s why October deserves a few extra trips. Not because we’re trying to hold onto summer. Every season on Table Rock has something worth waiting for. But because there are still good days left in this one. So when October hands you sunshine, calm water and an open afternoon, take the hint. Grab the keys. Bring the sweatshirt. And go for one more boat ride. 25- Lost on the Lake
Fresh Recipe The Rogue Chef Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops With Rosemary
Time 35 Minutes. Servings: 4 Servings Ingredients 4 Bone-In Pork Chops, 1-Inch Thick 1 tsp Kosher Salt 1⁄2 tsp Black Pepper 1 T Olive Oil 1 C Apple Cider 2 T Dijon Mustard 1 T Pure Maple Syrup 1 T Apple Cider Vinegar 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced 1 T Fresh Rosemary, Chopped 1 T Unsalted Butter Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. 3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. 4. Sear pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown. 5. Whisk apple cider, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, garlic and rosemary together in a small bowl. 26- Lost on the Lake
6. Pour cider mixture into the skillet around the pork chops and bring to a gentle simmer. 7. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F. 8. Remove pork chops from the skillet and rest for 5 minutes. 9. Simmer remaining cider mixture over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, or until reduced and slightly thickened. 10. Stir in butter until melted and the glaze is smooth and glossy. 11. Spoon apple cider glaze over the pork chops and finish with additional fresh rosemary, if desired. Go Rogue by adding thinly sliced apples to the skillet before it goes into the oven. Want The Rogue Chef to make this delicious dish for you? Contact us at www.TheRogueChef.com
27- Lost on the Lake
When the Sun Goes Down, Don’t Go Inside Yet Summer evenings on Table Rock Lake seem to stretch forever. Dinner happens late, kids stay in the water until somebody finally orders them out, and sunset feels like the beginning of the evening instead of the end of the day. October changes that. The sun disappears earlier behind the Ozark hills, temperatures drop quickly, and suddenly the sweatshirt you tossed in the car that morning becomes the most important thing you brought. But earlier sunsets don’t mean the day is over. In October, some of the best hours at Table Rock begin after dark. This is the season for a fire outside. Not the decorative little flame you politely sit around while sweating through a July evening. A real fire. The kind everyone keeps inching closer to as the night gets colder. Add a few chairs, something warm to drink and maybe marshmal28- Lost on the Lake
lows if you’re willing to accept the inevitable sticky fingers, and there isn’t much reason to go anywhere else. October nights also sound different. Much of the summer boat traffic is gone, and the lake settles down after sunset. Sit outside long enough and you begin hearing things that were easy to miss a few months ago: leaves moving in the woods, an owl somewhere across the cove, acorns dropping through the trees and the occasional fish breaking the surface in the darkness. Then look up. Away from the brightest lights around Branson and the busier parts of the lake, an October night can offer an impressive view of the sky. Cooler fall air often feels clearer than the hazy humidity of summer, and without daylight hanging around until late evening, you don’t have to stay
up until midnight to enjoy the stars. If you’re still on the water when darkness arrives, October brings another kind of experience. The hills become silhouettes, lights begin appearing along the shoreline, and the lake that seemed so familiar during the afternoon suddenly feels much larger. It can be beautiful, but fall boating after dark deserves extra care. Temperatures can fall quickly, visibility is limited, and familiar landmarks look very different at night. Slow down, keep navigation lights on, carry warm layers and make sure everyone aboard has what they need for a safe ride home. Of course, you don’t need a boat or a campfire to enjoy October after dark. Sit on the resort balcony. Take the dog outside. Wrap up in a blanket on the porch. Walk down to the dock with a cup of coffee that has absolutely no business being called coffee at 8 p.m.
anymore. And for once, don’t immediately reach for the television. Summer at Table Rock gives us long days and endless reasons to stay busy. October offers something different. It gives us permission to stop. The lake goes dark. The fire gets warmer. The stars become easier to see. Conversations last longer because nobody is rushing toward the next thing. So when the sun disappears early this month, don’t assume your Table Rock day is finished. Grab a sweatshirt. Pull your chair a little closer to the fire. October is just getting started.
29- Lost on the Lake
30- Lost on the Lake
COOKING
There’s More to Fall Than Pumpkin Spice Written By: The Rogue Chef www.theroguechef.com
The minute the temperature drops a few degrees, pumpkin spice takes over. It shows up in coffee, cookies, candles, cereal, creamer and probably a few places it has absolutely no business being. Somewhere along the way, we decided fall had one flavor, and apparently, it comes with cinnamon and a leaf printed on the cup. 31- Lost on the Lake
I have nothing against pumpkin spice. But fall deserves a bigger menu. Some of the best flavors of the season aren’t sweet at all. They’re smoky, savory, buttery, earthy, tangy and deeply caramelized. October is when I start reaching for ingredients that can handle a little more heat, a little more seasoning and a lot more time getting brown around the edges. Start With the Herbs If summer belongs to basil and cilantro, fall belongs to rosemary, sage and thyme. These herbs can stand up to richer foods and longer cooking times. Rosemary loves beef, pork and roasted potatoes. Sage is hard to beat with chicken, squash and browned butter. Thyme works its way into just about everything from soups and sauces to roasted vegetables. The trick is knowing when to use them. Heartier herbs like rosemary and thyme can go into a dish early and cook along with it. More delicate herbs are usually better added toward the end. And don’t underestimate what happens when herbs hit hot butter or oil. That’s when their aroma really wakes up. Let Something Get Brown
Put the meat in the hot pan and give it a minute. Leave those vegetables alone long enough to develop some color. If you’re constantly flipping, stirring and checking, you’re interrupting the very thing you’re waiting for. Fall Needs Acid, Too Once food starts getting richer, it needs something bright to keep everything balanced. That’s where apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon, balsamic vinegar and even a splash of wine come in. A little acidity can wake up a creamy sauce, cut through the richness of pork or bring roasted vegetables back to life. Apples and pears can do the same thing. They don’t have to end up in pie. Pair apples with pork, sharp cheddar or sage. Add pears to salads with toasted nuts and a strong cheese. Sweet and savory belong at the same fall table. Don’t Forget the Smoke October is not the month to retire the grill. Cool evenings and live fire belong together. Smoke adds another layer to foods that already work beautifully this time of year—pork, chicken, squash, potatoes, onions and even fruit.
Fall food needs a little color. Brown the butter. Sear the pork. Roast the squash until the edges caramelize. Let the onions stay in the pan long enough to turn golden instead of stopping when they’re simply soft. Browning creates flavor, and this is the time of year to use it.
You don’t need to overpower everything with smoke, either. A little char on a piece of meat or some crispy edges on a vegetable can completely change the dish. The goal isn’t burned. It’s flavor.
One of the biggest mistakes home cooks make is moving food around too much.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice aren’t reserved for pie. Used carefully,
32- Lost on the Lake
Use Warm Spices Somewhere Besides Dessert
warm spices can add depth to savory food without making dinner taste like a candle. A tiny amount of cinnamon can work in a chili or spice rub. Nutmeg is excellent in cream sauces and mashed potatoes. Cloves and allspice can add warmth to braised meats and sauces. The key word is tiny. You should wonder what’s making the dish taste so good— not immediately identify the spice rack. Give Fall the Whole Table Pumpkin spice can keep its seat. It just doesn’t need to sit at the head of the ta-
ble. Give me rosemary hitting a hot skillet, onions slowly turning golden, pork sizzling over a flame, apples cooked with something savory and butter that’s gone just far enough to become nutty and brown. That’s what fall tastes like to me. So this October, enjoy the pumpkin spice latte if that’s your thing. Then go home and cook something that reminds you fall has a whole lot more to offer.
33- Lost on the Lake
EVERYTHING TAILS
Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
Whether you live here, or are visiting with your pet, don’t rush home to take care of them, LET US HELP!
SERVICES: 45 minute Dog Walk 3-4 Visits a Day In Home Pet Sitting James & Debbie Hawkins have cared for pets for over 7 years. They are fully insured and have references throughout the Table Rock Lake area.
CALL or TEXT: 417-559-3226
34- Lost on the Lake
A Few October Events ALL MONTH | SILVER DOLLAR CITY HARVEST FESTIVAL Branson / Indian Point Area Silver Dollar City’s Harvest Festival continues through October 31, with visiting craftspeople, fall foods and seasonal entertainment during the day. After dark, Pumpkins in the City lights up the park with more than 20,000 glowing pumpkins, larger-than-life displays, night rides and family activities. Silver Dollar City operates select days, so check the calendar before heading over. Silver Dollar City Attractions Silver Dollar City Harvest Festival OCTOBER 10 | HOLLISTER GRAPE & FALL FESTIVAL Historic Downtown Hollister One of Hollister’s longtime fall traditions returns October 10 with vendors, crafts, food, live entertainment and some events that deserve their own category of entertainment. The Color Me Grape 5K begins at 9 a.m., the Dogs Gone Grape Pup Pageant takes the stage at 11 a.m., and the grape-stomping competition begins at 2 p.m. Yes, grown adults will be stomping grapes in barrels. October has officially arrived. OCTOBER 10 | ROCKTOBERFEST Black Oak Amphitheater, Lampe Black Oak Amphitheater hosts its 1st Annual ROCKtoberfest on Saturday, Octo-
ber 10. It’s another reason to head toward the quieter southwest side of Table Rock and make a full fall day of it. OCTOBER 10–11 | ULRICH MARINE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE Still Waters Resort / Indian Point Anglers hit Table Rock for the Ulrich Marine Ultimate Challenge Owner’s Tournament, hosted by Still Waters Lakefront Resort. The tournament weekend combines competitive fishing with resort activities and lake time. OCTOBER 17–18 | OZARK MOUNTAIN TEAM TRAIL Port of Kimberling Fall tournament season continues with the Ozark Mountain Team Trail at Port of Kimberling. The current tournament schedule lists approximately 150 boats for the October 17–18 event, making this one worth knowing about even if you’re not competing, particularly if you’re launching or boating near Kimberling City that weekend. October is a very good month to take the long way home. Dates, hours and event details can change. Check directly with organizers before making the trip. 35- Lost on the Lake
36- Lost on the Lake