5 Fun and Easy Recipes to Usher in a Taste of Fall

For most of the country, cooler weather, changing leaves, and fall rains have signaled the beginning of autumn, which the English author Samuel Butler says “is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers, we more than gain in fruits.” So, here are five fun and easy recipes that will help you bring the fruits—and vegetables—of fall to your family’s table.

via MidwestLiving.com

Easy Apple Butter

Fall means apple picking, and apple picking means all kinds of apple goodness coming from the kitchen. Instead of the usual suspects: pies, fritters, candy apples, etc., how about trying something different? I’ve always loved apple butter but was too intimidated to make my own until I found this easy apple butter recipe. The most laborious step is coring and slicing the apples, but it will go much faster with this nifty gadget. You can also enlist the help of older children, making this a fun family activity as well.

via midwestliving.com

Harvest Pasta

Eggplant and zucchini help this one-pan harvest pasta pack a tasty fall vegetable punch. And if your family isn’t a fan of either, you can substitute with other harvest veggies such as cauliflower or squash. This makes a nice side dish, or you can add a meat and serve it as an entrée.

via foodnetwork.com

Sweet Potato Mash

It doesn’t get much easier than this sweet potato mash. And unlike regular mashed potatoes, there’s no peeling or boiling involved. Sage leaves and scallions cooked in a little butter top this dish off perfectly.

via tasteofhome.com

Autumn Beans

Who doesn’t love baked beans? And these autumn beans provide a nice twist on this favorite by incorporating apple cider. The recipe also calls for bacon (yum!), onion, raisins, and cinnamon—all options you can include or leave out to suit your family’s tastes. This is also a perfect dish for the neighborhood potluck.

via food.com

Roasted Pears

Pears are a good source of fiber and vitamin C, making these simple roasted pears a relatively guilt-free dessert. Pumpkin pie spice sprinkled on top gives the dish an added “fall” flavor and slivered almonds provide a nice crunch. The aroma of these baking in the oven will set mouths watering throughout your house.

Share your favorite fall recipes in the comments below or on social media by tagging @K12Learn on Twitter and Instagram.

Featured Image – jeffreyw / CC by 2.0