Dishing Up a Delicious Fall

Autumn is a season that fills the senses. Visions of lush red, yellow, and orange tree leaves are everywhere. So is the scent of smoke trailing from chimneys of cozy homes--along with the cool air on breezy days and chilly nights...To many fall is a time of reflection and respite. To others, however, fall is a time of...well, food.

Fall is also traditionally the season of harvest--which means you can enjoy its luscious bounty for less. Stock up on squash, sweet potatoes and, of course, pumpkin--all rich in nutrients and low in price at this time of year. Starting with yummy Halloween candy, through Thanksgiving dinner and leftovers, all the way to winter holidays, autumn is a time for togetherness, laughter, fun times and delicious food!

1. Pumpkin Bread: Pumpkin bread, apple bread, banana bread...Basically any warm bread will do. But add a little sugar, cinnamon, and sweet fruit, and you have an irresistible fall delight. The only problem--keeping too much of these treats around doesn't suit the ole' physique...Ah yes, but swimsuit season is over! Bring on the warm bread.

2. Beef Stew: Actually, like warm bread, pretty much any stew will do, whether beef, chicken, or vegetable. There's just something about a succulent stew with juicy carrots and perfectly steamed potatoes that adds the perfect touch to a clear, breezy day. The ease of this dish is just a bonus--all you need is a crockpot (try this Crock Pot recipe)--just toss in the ingredients (purchased with grocery coupons, of course), add a few spices--and a few hours later...heaven in a bowl!

3. Indian Pudding: This delicious autumn meal is one I haven't been lucky enough to try it, but am intrigued. Any dish made of brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves sounds like my kind of dessert! A crisp autumn afternoon, hot cup of tea, and delectable concoction like this one can top off a meal makes a perfect snack or dessert any day of the week. (Need to make a batch? Here's a great Indian pudding recipe.)

4. Clam Chowder: Who can possibly resist a steamy bowl of chowder doused with fresh, tasty clams? Hot potatoes, carrots, and celery add just the right zest to this hearty meal. Need to fill a hungry belly and rejuvenate weary muscles? This dish can turn a day from cold and boring to warm and cozy in a jiffy. (Epicurious got rave reviews about their recipe for New England Clam Chowder.)

5. Squash, Yams, and Cranberries: Autumn produce is a cook's dream. Bread it, fry it, bake it, or boil it. Honestly, you simply can't go wrong with squash and yams even if you try! Cranberries? Well, they make nice...um...decorations? Potpourri? Hmm. It's hard to say why, but fall just isn't fall without cranberries. (Hope that doesn't offend any die-hard cranberry fans out there.)

These are just a few fall dishes. I left out my personal favorites, as many people in this neck of the woods haven't yet tried pickled greasy back beans (oh yes, that is indeed a real food) and Southern fried cornbread patties...Or is that the same thing as a Johnnycake?

What are your favorite fall dishes? Regional, national, and international, we'd love to know!