Wild rice is tossed with cranberries, toasted almonds, and scallions to make a simple but filling fall side. More

Tender, softly-onion leeks are roasted with the autumnal flavors of thyme and Parmesan for a soft, earthy, nutty, awesome side dish. More

If you've ever wondered how to get juicy, crisp chicken without pulling out the deep fryer, this is the technique to do it (it will work for chicken thighs, too). The only secret is to lightly pound the meat to an even thickness so that it cooks consistently throughout just as the bread crumbs are perfectly golden. Paired with some farmer's market apples, dried cranberries, and the tangy, creamy dressing, this chicken completes a salad of fall flavors. More

As we get older, Halloween should get more fun, not less. Parties. Pumpkin beer. The realization that you can buy as much of your favorite candy as you want without any social stigma. Halloween becomes the holiday that embraces our younger selves as well as our mischievous adult natures. I'm not the biggest pumpkin fan, but on Halloween I go nuts. More

Perfect for autumn, this Spanish-style salad combines peppery arugula, juicy apples, crunchy almonds and Manchego, the deliciously piquant sheep's milk cheese from the region of La Mancha in Spain. Tossed in a cider vinaigrette, it's got that salty-sweet-tangy flavor combination that everyone loves. More

It's a bright, beautiful bowl of roasted dumpling squash, baby spinach, and quinoa, tossed together with a zingy cilantro-lime dressing and a few crunchy pepitas. Is it a salad? Sure, you could call it that if you feel like it, and even serve it chilled. But if you're in the mood for a warming main at dinner, you could also serve it hot. More

Sweet and appropriately spiced for the fall season, apple butter makes great use of the bounty of apples that is currently upon us. Especially if you don't know how to control yourself at the pick-it-yourself orchards like me. More

While pumpkin is an essential ingredient, you don't really taste the mild pumpkin flavor. It's there in just a whisper; the chocolate and spices vie for flavor dominance. If you prefer a less spicy cake, reduce the pumpkin pie spice from two teaspoons to one. This minor change allows the pumpkin to shine just a bit brighter but when competing with chocolate, it's still just a minor player. More

Tiny Seckel pears are wonderful pickled and are delicious additions to salads, cheeseboards or served with any roast meat that needs a little zing. They make great holidays gifts, so start stocking up now for an easy Christmas/Hanukkah season. More

Brown rice pudding flavored with ginger, cinnamon and raisins. More