Hello October!

J'adore October.

I always have trouble with the transition from summer to fall, but by the time October rolls around I'm ready for some strolls in the crisp autumn air, pumpkin scented candles, leaf peeping, anniversary celebrating (3 years, can you believe it!?) and of course my beloved Halloween!! In honor of the start of one of my favorite months of the year, here are some tasty fall-inspired recipes for you to enjoy. Cheers to fall my friends!

Spiral Apple Bread with Caramel Apple Glaze. OOOO.MMMMM.GGGGGGeeee!!! 

Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

Nothing says fall like some homemade Corn Bread.
Full recipe HERE.

Soup is just about ready to re-emerge from the back of my pantry and recipe list. 

Check out this yummy Creamy Pumpkin Soup for a seasonally perfect meal.

Pin it HERE. Full recipe HERE.  

And because no season is complete without a thematic cocktail, I present the Caramel Apple Pie Martini!

Pin it HERE. Full Recipe HERE.

Apples, Pumpkins & Leaf Peeping (hehe)

All the colors of fall...

One of my favorite things about fall is that the season provides for some of the best field trips! Whether you're looking to hike in crisp air, photograph brilliantly colored leaves, pick apples for the freshest pies you've ever made or stock up on pumpkins for Halloween - there are endless options to choose from. So pack a picnic lunch and get adventuring!!

* Hike / Leaf Loving
If you live in the NY/NJ region, there are tons of trails to get your red/orange/yellow leaf loving on. Click HERE for the "Top 10 Fall Hikes to View Spectacular Autumn Foliage in New York-New Jersey Region" and if you aren't from this neck of the woods, click HERE for the HuffPost's nationwide recommendations!

* Get your Apple on
Kids and grownups alike can enjoy a day at the apple orchard. Dr. H and I have been known to collect far greater quantities than we know how to consume, but it's led to delicious apple crumbles (this recipe looks mighty fine) and maybe this year I'll be brave enough to attempt my first pie (brave enough for THIS!?) Pick your apple orchard HERE and HERE.

* Pumpkins Galore!
This is only the beginning of my all-things-black and orange, who should I carve a jack o' lantern of this year, Halloween obsession, but like so many other wonderful things in life, it all starts at the farm!! Click HERE for the best pumpkin patches NY/NJ have to offer or HERE if you're from somewhere else (because I love all my readers!) Don't forget to leave time for the corn maze and some cider!

* Arts, Crafts & other Fall Goodness
As with the start of any new season, NYC is buzzing with activities, free events, cool concerts and festivals of all kinds (the Feast of San Gennaro is happening in Little Italy right NOW through Sunday... did someone say fried oreo!?) HERE is a Fall Arts Preview courtesy of AM New York and THIS Fall Dance Festival looks fantastic as well. Good luck squeezing it all into your calendar!

Feed your face in fall.

Fall Feast.

Happy Monday my merry friends (and L'shana Tova to those celebrating the new year!) It seems that autumn in New York is here to stay, so let's put on our hoodies and get back to celebrating the season's arrival. In true meri merry fashion, I say we start with some tasty fall eats and pumpkin flavored treats (because you can't think about shopping or field trips on an empty stomach.) Enjoy!!

Mmmm.

Goodbye summer fruit salad, hellllo fall bagel brunch! Though many rave about Trader Joe's pumpkin cream cheese (and you KNOW how I feel about Joe:) I think I'm going to have to take this simple cream cheese recipe for a spin. It calls for cream cheese, canned pumpkin, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. Who's coming over this Sunday?

If it has apple it's healthy right?!

This recipe boasts "3 ingredients, 3 minutes"... we HAVE to give it a try!!! Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip sounds like the perfect way to turn fall's apple crop into a delicious dessert.

Break out the crockpot!

Remember back in spring when I was all "shed the bulky clothing, no more rich, creamy goodness..?" Well F that shizz, it's getting cold and I want something piping hot and full o' flava. Here are 12 Fall Crockpot Recipes which include everything from mac cheese and meatloaf to jambalaya and pulled pork. Get cookin peeps!!

2 ingredients!? Just TWO!?!

I'm not much of a baker, but this recipe claims that if I combine those 2 ingredients above, I'll get a Weight Watchers approved, tasty pumpkin muffin. I'm off to preheat the oven!