Fired Up for Fall!

Today’s photo has us feeling inspired for fall. While the crisp air is a welcome change, and the changing leaves are gorgeous, it’s really the fall food we’re so excited about!

We’re sharing some of our recent fall inspired finds:

• If you love homemade applesauce, but believe you don’t have time to make it, there are no more excuses. The New York Apple Association has an amazingly simple recipe for applesauce that allows the microwave to do the work. Mixing McIntosh and Gala varieties, Sam added some brown sugar and cinnamon to taste, and found it was a big family hit. Stacey’s grandmother’s recipe is made on the stovetop and just as easy.

• Let the apple flavor linger all season long with dried apples. These make for great snacking, for both adults and kids. Apples are low calorie, and offer Vitamin C and fiber, all in a portable package.

• Still searching for canned pumpkin? Fortunately, the shortage is over. What a relief! Canned pumpkin is famous for showing up in many a baked good, but it can work elsewhere in the kitchen, too. As a type of winter squash, pumpkin is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium and fiber. For far more fall inspired recipes than one can handle, see the Food Network’s Fall Produce Guide.

• Don’t feel like cooking? Nation’s Restaurant News shares news about fall trends in the restaurant business.

• What says fall comfort food more than a grilled cheese sandwich? To improve your version of this tasty, classic sandwich, check bon appetit’s 5 Steps to the Ultimate Grilled Cheese.  What’s the most unusual ingredient that you like to add to grilled cheese?

• And finally, going back to today’s photo, once the grilling is done you can use the coals to roast marshmallows for s’mores or to enjoy right off of the skewer. Just be careful – the skewer gets hot!

What are your favorite fall foods? Apple and pumpkin are mainstays, but do you also cook with fall’s more unusual fennel, figs and fresh chili peppers?