Fall – My Favorite Time Of Year

By Cheryl Ryan

I love this time of year. I love the changing light. I love the smell of the first rain and the wind as it knocks loose leaves to the ground and carries them dancing down the street.

More than any other season, it signals change to me. It reminds me of the passing of time as children progress to new grade levels. The dying of hydrangeas and garden crops – making way for the new ones next spring. I had to pull sweaters out and store sandals to make room for boots, all in preparation for the cold months ahead. 

Because it’s been such a late growing season this year, I am just now picking the last of my tomatoes and using them any way I can. I’m making fresh tomato and summer veggie pasta and tomato and mozzarella salads. It’s the first year I’ve tried to freeze tomatoes for later. We’ll see how that works. 

And this year, I finally got a decent apple crop from the tree that I planted a few years ago. Since they all ripen at once, you have to get creative, and I’ve been making this cinnamon forward homemade applesauce and dehydrated apple chips. Both of which are proving quite yummy and if you don’t have an apple tree – there are still some at the farmer’s market. 

Food, Food and more Food

I’ve been using my applesauce in plain yogurt with granola and walnuts, and it honestly tastes like a fall cookie each morning. So good.

It’s also that time of year when we cook and watch TV a bit more. I really enjoyed NYAD and Living to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, both on Netflix.

I’ve been looking for recipes for Thanksgiving, and I like this Brussels, kale and apple salad. I have always loved pork tenderloin as a Turkey alternative. And I’ve been making this lentil and potato stew but it would also be great for day ahead guests.

I wish you all a memorable Thanksgiving full of family, friends and great food!