Tomorrow is the first day of fall, and one of the best things about this time of the year is food! Fall is the perfect time for pies, warm drinks, baked goods, and soups. These delicious autumnal dishes stem from the beautiful seasonal produce. Each season brings a new experience of flavors and ingredients. Certain fruits and vegetables grow seasonally, meaning that their harvest is at peak abundance and freshness. It is nice to eat locally and seasonally because it is usually cheaper, and the taste simply can not compare. 

  Apples, grapes, pomegranates, broccoli, and varieties of squash, such as acorn, butternut, kabocha, delicata, and of course, pumpkin, are foods that start to make their appearances during autumn. Even though apples and broccoli are available at the grocery store all year long, they are most often shipped from other parts of the country or world where they have a longer season. However, the best time to eat them is now! Whether you are looking forward to a traditional holiday meal or weekend baking, fall is the sweet spot for all things cozy. Freshman Marshall Buffaloe said his favorite fall dish is stuffing because “it reminds me of being with family on Thanksgiving, watching football, and having a good time.” Traditional stuffing is great, but it could be elevated by adding some squash or even apples. There are infinite possibilities. Thanksgiving and family gatherings are the perfect occasions to show off the beauty of fall produce and some cooking or baking skills.

  If you are not quite ready to take on a coveted side dish at the Thanksgiving table, these cinnamon-apple inspired energy balls are a great start to make sure you do not waste any apples! 

  Ingredients:

*two apples

*one third cup of almond butter

*one and a quarter cup of oats

*three dates 

*one half teaspoon of cinnamon

*one tablespoon of chia seeds

*salt to taste

  Steps:

1. Using the largest holes on a box grater, shred the two apples.
2. With your hands, squeeze as much liquid out of the shredded apples as you can, but save the leftover juice. 
3. In a food processor or blender, pulse the oats and dates until they have begun to break down and form a semi-sticky texture.
4. Place the remaining ingredients, including the leftover apple juice, into the food processor and pulse.
5. Once the mixture has become thick and moldable, roll it into tablespoon balls, and store in the fridge for future snacks!

  The next recipe is fries! Everyone loves them, and while potatoes work fine, try delicata squash for a more seasonal take on them! Delicata squash typically has a long cylindrical shape compared to its round and stout counterparts. This squash is slightly sweet and makes for a nice twist on fries. These are easy to make and pair well with any meal or for a healthier snack!

  Ingredients:

*one delicata squash

*oil or cooking spray

*salt (or other desired seasonings)

  Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Safely cut the delicata squash vertically into two halves.
3. Scoop out the inside seeds and flesh. 
4. Take a knife and cut semi-circle half-inch strips.
5. Transfer squash to a bowl and drizzle with oil or cooking spray. Then, season with salt and seasonings of choice. 
6. Arrange the squash so they are not touching on a parchment-lined baking tray, and bake for about 30-40 minutes until crispy.

There are so many amazing foods you do not want to miss out on this season! Let fall inspire you to seek out new recipes, and share them with loved ones!