Autumn Menu Ideas

Posted by Michael Vyskocil Sep 22, 2007

Autumn can seem like an all-too-short interlude between summer vacations and Christmas. Yet this season is one of the best times of the year for trying out some new recipes. Take advantage of this season to enjoy dinner with family and friends, maybe even indulge in one last grilling venture outdoors before the weather turns cold.

Autumn is resplendent with the colors of changing leaves and a medley of familiar flavors. Experiment with cooking butternut squash and mixing fresh salad greens with a tangy apple-cider vinaigrette. If you like beets, you can always make roasted beets for a simple appetizer. Gold pears cooked with onions can make a flavorful base for a seasonal salad; for dessert, try sauteeing them, glazed with golden honey.

Cooler days also bring with them a need to make hearty meals. You can combine potatoes with fresh herbs and make a flavorful version of mashed potatoes. Roast chicken can be paired with a rice pilaf.

Of course, who can ignore the ultimate of autumn fruits--apples. Baked with sugar and spices or rolled in sheets of puffed pastry, the ideas are limitless.

So take advantage of these autumn months and make a meal brimming full of the bounty of the season.