Tastes of Fall: This Way and That

I have a theory I'd like to share with you. It's about the seemingly-universal obsession with all things autumnal , and the popularity of fall-flavored foods. I've always wondered why we all get swept up in the season, and how it is that no other time of year can illicit the same kind of exhilaration as can the change from summer to fall. My theory is this: blame the thermometer. To my mind, no season change is felt so drastically, so immediately, as that of balmy summer to chill autumn; it's that very first moment which steals away your breath when you walk outside and realize... holy moley, it's COLD out here!, sending a signal directly to the brain and triggering all five senses.

Well, here are three more entries in the annals of sensory yumminess: pumpkin spice cookies with browned-butter frosting, apple cranberry crisp, and apple cinnamon pork chops.

The first is a new recipe for me, though not a new concept. These cookies were easy to make, and produced a soft and cakey cookie that is extremely satisfying. They're tasty enough sans sugar, but the sweet frosting is really what makes this dessert shine. I baked a batch for my work friends -- gone! And another batch for J and my in-laws -- gone again! Something tells me that won't be the last batch I ever make.

J calls them the best cookies... ever. I'll take it!

Next up is a seasonal favorite in the family. Again, it's a relatively simple dessert to make, and with fresh apples and local cranberries, it probably qualifies as J's most-requested treat. I received the gorgeous pie plate last year, and was so happy to dust it off and fill it with all the tangy-sweet flavors that make this crisp so rich.

One

Two

Three! 

Finally, I'll showcase a dinner I made for the very first time. In fact, it's the first time I've ever made pork in my entire life! I decided to ease my way into my new piggy relationship with a sweet (rather than savory) crock pot recipe. J gave the trial a thumbs-up, though I think it was just slightly overcooked. Next time I'll also turn the juices into a thicker sauce, but it does add a lovely flavor to the meat.

Pork Before

Sweet!

And pork after! The white rice served to cut the sweetness very well.

And there you have it, a nice little variety of seasonal flavors. And just for your viewing pleasure, a tiny taste of the season we're in... with a dusting of the season to come!

The Mt. Washington Hotel with snow-dusted peaks behind.