Fall Foods for the Family

Autumn has arrived, bringing a change in eating habits and a turn to warm, familiar family dinners capping off busy days of work, school, and playing outdoors in the crisp air. As the days shorten and the nights become cooler, hearty stews, warming soups, and comforting casseroles appear more frequently at meal time.

Around the country, we find the best of the season's harvest, and fall offers wonderful opportunities to introduce children to various types of produce. Many summer fruits and vegetables, such as sweet corn, zucchini, and tomatoes are still available in September. An outing to the farmer's market is a great chance to stimulate a child's senses: buy a variety of fruits and vegetables, and plan cooking activities with children that allow them to smell, touch and taste the foods they've helped select.

Apples

Apples are one of fall's best offerings. Orchards abound with fresh cider and crisp, juicy fruit ripe for the picking. Even toddlers can help gather apples at an orchard and learn how they come from a tree, and not just the grocer. Extremely versatile, apples can be baked, cooked, dried, frozen, mashed or eaten as a healthy snack right out of your hand.

Pork Chops with Apples & Thyme: If you're looking for a delicious, family-pleasing entree for autumn, this recipe fits the bill.

Apple Cranberry Crisp: The goodness of applies plus the tart taste and color of cranberries. Bring on the ice cream!

Baked Apples: This old fashioned treat is almost like an inside out apple crisp.