12 Most Fall-tastic Foods

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Autumn brings a different bounty of produce and foods to enjoy. Zucchini plants have finally finished producing and gardens are taken over with pumpkin vines. Gone are the fresh-picked blueberries and peaches and they are replaced with grapes and pears. Comfort foods are made more often in the cooler weather.

The season is full of celebrations and fantastic foods. Here are some of my Fall favorites:

1. Apples

Biting in to a crisp, juicy apple is a delight in itself. It is a great portable snack and helps to give you energy. The aroma of apples baking is mouth-watering. Bobbing for apples is a fun game for kids of all ages.

2. Butternut squash

This large pear shaped fruit is one of the most popular winter squash. It can be steamed, roasted, baked, puréed, and used in soups, stews, and baked goods.

3. Carnival foods

You can smell these foods a mile away from a fall festival or carnival. The scent of cotton candy, corn dogs, churros, funnel cakes, and kettle corn hangs in the air and makes you hungry right away. While most are not on the healthy side, they sure are a fun indulgence.

4. Cranberries

There is more than juice and sauce for this tart berry. The fresh fruit can be used in many ways including salsas, chutneys, salads, breads, cakes, pies, and sorbet.

5. Figs

This fruit is packed with fiber and calcium. It is a tasty and healthy snack that keeps you filled up. Fresh figs should be consumed within a few days as the shelf life is very brief. Store them in the refrigerator to slow deterioration or freeze them for up to a year.

6. Grapes

Vineyards all over the northern hemisphere celebrate the fall harvest season. Picking the grapes at the right time is critical in the wine-making process. Table grapes are also harvested in fall. They are great snacks and are a wonderful addition to salads. Freeze grapes to use as ice cubes in fruit-flavored beverages.

7. Halloween candy

Candy corn anyone? Oh the fun of trick-or-treating! Celebrating Halloween would not be the same without all those bite-sized treats.

8. Pears

Like apples, biting into a crisp and juicy pear is wonderful. Slice and add them to salads. Serve with blue cheese for a delicious appetizer. Poach them for a classic dessert.

9. Pumpkins

They are not just for jack-o’-lanterns and pies. Toast or roast the seeds to enjoy as a snack or as a topping for salads. Use the flesh to make muffins, pudding, breads, cakes, and many other savory foods. Use a pumpkin as a serving bowl too.

10. Sweet potatoes

Do you have visions of the classic sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top? Or a baked sweet potato as a side to a steak? You can also slice and cook them like french fries or chips. They can be used in soups or salads.

11. Swiss chard

A nutrient dense leafy green packed with vitamins K, A, and C along with minerals and fiber. Remove the stems, chop and sauté in olive oil with garlic and a splash of balsamic vinegar or a few red pepper flakes. You can also boil or steam it. Swiss chard is a great substitute for spinach in many recipes.

12. Thanksgiving feast

Turkey, ham, dressing, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and so much more. Families and friends gather to celebrate and be thankful over a special meal. Foods from the fall season are highlighted in so many of the recipes and traditions.

There are so many delectable, healthy, and indulgent options with the season. Savor the familiar and try a few different things too. You never know when you might discover a new favorite.

What foods do you crave in Fall? Are the cravings tied to the produce, events, or traditions?

Featured image courtesy of by Kam’s World licensed via Creative Commons.

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Renee Dobbs

http://magnoliadays.com/

Renee is a self-proclaimed Domestic Goddess in the South who loves to eat, drink, and dig in the dirt. When not cooking, dining out, sipping wine, and gardening, she is blogging about her adventures on Magnolia Days. Her goal is to taste the world with wines and foods from all countries. She believes a balanced diet comes from the moderation, enjoyment of all foods, and willingness to try new things.