A Taste of Autumn

Joanna Lefebvre

As summer's warmth peels away into fall's crisp air, it's time to turn your attention to the bounty of autumn fruits and vegetables coming into season. Apples, nuts, pumpkins and pears are ripe for the picking.

Why does food taste so great in autumn? Perhaps our bodies are listening to the metabolic cue—winter is coming, eat up!

Use seasonal ingredients to make the most of the season. Try an apple and pear streusel pie, maple-glazed pumpkin coffee cake or savory cheddar cheese corn muffins. For sweeter treats, try pumpkin cheesecake bars, or pumpkin pie biscotti. For more savory dishes, try cream of butternut squash and apple soup or pumpkin risotto.