Preparing for Fall? Check Out the Farmer's Markets!

We're now approaching the end of the season of the farmer's market. The autumnal fresh produce is on its way. In the colder Northern states, this is the time of year when people tend to seek out comfort food. Apples and apple cider, blackberries and blueberries, winter squash, carrots and parsnips, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, cabbage... these are just some of the many fall fruits and vegetables that go wonderfully in warm, comforting meals and desserts.

One thing Ms. Scudere enjoys lately when she shops for fall foods is kielbasa, cut into pieces and cooked with onions. She adds some chopped up cabbage and about a cup or 1½ cup apple juice, plus some salt and pepper. She steams these for about 10 minutes, adds some fresh apple slices, cooks for an additional 3 minutes, then serve.

Butternut or acorn squash with brown sugar and butter or roasted pork loin with mashed potatoes are some other enjoyable cold weather recipes that have the added benefit of filling the house with the wonderful aromas of home-cooked meals.

Farmer's markets are also a great place to pick up fall decorations, which brighten up any home in the fall. So why not enjoy this last bit of one of the things we love most about summer while you can!