Tag Archives: fall

America’s Finest East Coast Foliage

Midwestern and Mountain West towns garner much of the foliage acclaim each autumn, with places like Aspen, Colorado, and Michigan’s Great Lakes region lighting up in a crimson and gold blaze each year. The eastern United States reliably offers the authentic fall experience as well, featuring the comfort of chestnut-tinted maple forests with a cup of hot cider and apple spice donut. The coast’s many cider mills and apple orchards flourish in the extended crisp weather. Early October is usually peak foliage season east of the Mississippi River, and taking a tour of the color on foot, or by car, is sure to invoke that familiar nostalgia. Whether you’re a Halloween junkie, or an enthusiastic hiker looking for ways to extend the activities into a new season, these hot spots have it all. Grab your coziest sweater and check out these renowned destinations for foliage viewing on the East Coast.

Catskills, New York

When to go: mid-October
Best foliage hike: Catskill Scenic Trail

catskills new york
View of the Catskills from Giant Ledge Trail

This 6,000 square miles of birch, maple, and oak forest makes for staggering views of rolling hills in the jarring southeastern New York. Viewing options are as simple as driving along one of the forests many scenic roads, or hiking into the leafy blaze yourself on the Catskill Scenic Trail, a flat, 26-mile out and back trail perfect for all skill levels. Many of the local villages host seasonal festivals in September and October, so be sure to check in and see what the weekends have to offer.

Green Mountain Byway, Vermont

When to go: early October
Best foliage hike: Cady Hill Trail near Stowe, Vt.

stowe vermont
Fall foliage in Stowe, Vermont

The state of Vermont has the most maple trees in all of New England, imparting it with universal fall appeal. The vermillion forests are hard to miss in this charming East Coast state, which offers visitors quaint Bed and Breakfasts and family-owned diners in nearly every town. For the best foliage views, drive the 11-mile stretch of Vermont’s Route 100 between the towns of Waterbury and Stowe, and if you’re looking for time spent in the trees, the easily traversed Cady Hill Trail near Stowe is quintessential for both mountain and forest views.

Lower Connecticut River Valley

When to go: early November
Best foliage hike: Gillette Castle Trail

gillette castle connecticut
Gillette Castle, Connecticut

This historic region of Connecticut is at the juncture of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. To see the state’s impressive peak foliage in a truly New England fashion, take a riverboat excursion in Essex, or view foliage from Gillette Castle high above the river in Gillette Castle State Park. The Gillette Castle Trail, a 2-mile loop near the town of East Haddam, is great for history buffs and leaf-peepers alike.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

When to go: mid-October
Best foliage hike: Brooks Trail

portsmouth new hampshire
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portsmouth is the first stop on New Hampshire’s scenic foliage driving tour, State Road 1A to Seabrook Beach. It’s a great place to stop and grab dinner, or organize a romantic night in after a day spent in the autumn air. After taking a walk on the Urban Forestry Center’s Brooks Trail, check out Thirsty Moose Taphouse and grab some fresh seafood at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe.

Acadia National Park, Maine

When to go: mid to late October
Best foliage hike: The Beehive Loop Trail

east coast foliage
Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia is considered one of the first places to see sunrise in America. During peak foliage season, the park can be understandably busy. Each season, its thousands of maples, poplars, and aspens irradiate in a plume of color, and given the park’s many high vantage hikes, it makes for a dazzling spectacle. The 1.3-mile Beehive Loop Trail is one of the best places to see the forest from above, kindled by the country’s first sunlight.

We’re Obsessed with These Fall Jackets

The Great Pumpkin hatched Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte. Squirrels are scurrying around our yards, burying and reburying their acorns. Pumpkins, some painted, some carved, are popping up on porches and in big box stores. And the leaves are changing from green to gold, red, and orange. This can only mean one thing: it’s officially jacket season.

The changing of the seasons, though, doesn’t mean that you have to overhaul your closet. Yes, you can keep out your sundresses, short-shorts, and white jeans. Our rule of thumb: when in doubt, don’t toss it out—add a layer.

Jackets are year-round layer slayers. So, we scoured the catwalk for six, trendy coats that you can throw on, zip up, or effortlessly drape over your shoulders like the street stylin’ pro you truly are.

 

Floral Print Maxi Kimono Jacket

While attending the opening of Hamilton, Jessica Alba showed off her blossoming baby bump in a simple black dress and Topshop’s Floral Print Maxi Kimono Jacket. Then Catt Sadler, an anchor for E! News and the Daily Pop, and Füsun Lindner, a German beauty blogger and editor, slipped on the sunny statement jacket with a vintage floral print—one that you might find in your aunt’s living room—resulting in an online fashion grab.  “The jacket is sold out online,” a Topshop representative told Beyond Words,  “but it’s still available in select U.S stores.” If you can find it, pair it with a yellow vintage hat, silver glitterati boots, or a wide black belt, and you’ll tick off two of this season’s top fashion trends.

 

Skater Trench Coat

Asos’s Skater Trench Coat is perfect for the in-between seasons and the warmer-than-average Southern winters, where a light layer is all that you need.  A classic and a fall wardrobe staple, this millennial pink coat has a harder-to-pull-off double breast, a waist-cinching belt, and button detailing—three design elements that dominated the 2017’s fall runways.  And, of course, if you’re going pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this outerwear will give your wardrobe and your spirit  a little lift.

 

Satin Duster Jacket

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Cut from a lightweight material, Nordstrom’s Satin Duster Jacket provides more than enough warm and toasty coverage by reaching your mid-calf. Laid-back yet oh-so-luxe, this light grey duster has a sleek notched collar, choose-your-own-adventure slits, and long, cuffed sleeves. Layer it on top of fishnet tights and a lace slip dress for a go-to date night outfit — even with the extra element of unpredictable fall weather.

 

Red Wool Midi Coat with Hood

Powerful. Evocative. Dynamic. Say hello to Grenadine, the fiery red color that’s making a comeback this fall, according to the Pantone Fashion Color Report. If you’re looking to make a statement that goes beyond the color wheel, buying from mom and pop shops,  then you’ll want to snap up Xiaolizi Handmade’s Hooded Red Wool Midi Coat. With an empire waist, wide-flowing skirt, extra long sleeves, and a roomy hood, this wool coat will turn you into a real-life fairytale:  the Grimm brothers’ Little Red Riding Hood. *Photo is featured image at top of article.

 

1969 Denim Jacket

Have you ever wished that you could hop into a Delorean and travel back in time to the decade that captures your personal style? Well, now you can — sort of.  Don and Doris Fisher opened the Gap in 1969. Nearly half a century later, the retail giant has revived one of its first Denim Jackets. This medium blue wash outerwear has subtle faded accents, whiskering, and angled welt pockets. However, if you’re really looking to make a statement (and play with the time continuum a little by meshing the past and the present ) follow in the footsteps of fashion designer Adam Lippes and his models, who carried signs that read  “My Body, My Choice”, “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights”, and “Fashion Stands With Planned Parenthood” during New York’s fashion week.  Iron on a protest patch or pair your jean jacket with a protest t-shirt.

 

Vero Moda Velvet Bomber

Bomber jackets are basically letterman jackets that have taken a daring fashion turn. With tweed and leather insets, lace-like embellishments, and high-shine, they can be paired with almost anything from mid-length skirts to Victorian collars to steel-toed boots, making them a smart piece to invest in. Vero Moda’s Velvet Bomber features a baseball collar, garnet-toned velvet, and vintage-embroidered flowers that won’t wilt your fashion sense.

Our Top Picks in Fall Makeup Palettes

From rich espresso browns and warm copper tones, to cool grays, plum purples, bold reds and notice-me pinks, to soft neutrals, we’re falling for these five stunning fall makeup palettes. Like the changing colors of the leaves on the trees, these eye shadows are mega-versatile and echo the season perfectly. With these palettes, you’ll be able to capture the magic of fall with your look with the swirl of a brush!

 

Huda Beauty Textured Shadows Palette Rose Gold Edition ($65)

huda beauty

This dream palette not only boasts the most beautiful and vibrant colors you’ll ever see on your lids, but it’s formulated with praise-worthy texture. With highly saturated mattes, chrome-pressed pearls, and 3D metal shadows, others will have to resist the urge to comment. The creator designed this palette to wear like a wardrobe for your eyes, befitting of any mood or occasion. This palette is fall ready with rose gold hues, neutral shades, soft tones, and burnt orange.

 

Anastasia Master Palette by Mario ($45) limited edition

anastasia palette

Made in collaboration with celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, this special-edition eye shadow collection is in high demand and it’s no wonder why. Featuring twelve neutral and jewel-toned shades in both matte and metallic finishes, this palette has all of fall’s breathtaking tones. From burnt orange in the “Isabel” shade, gold leaf in “5th Ave”, to the perfect shimmery olive in “Bronx”, this collection will have you looking as gorgeous as the foliage on the trees. Act fast, this edition won’t be on the shelves for too much longer.

 

Anastasia Modern Renaissance ($42)

anastasia palette

Fall is certainly one of the most magical and awe-inspiring times of the year, and Anastasia’s Modern Renaissance elegant 14-shade eye shadow palette captures the whimsical romance of the season in their present-day take on Renaissance colors. From neutral to berry tones in ultra-matte and metallic finishes, these highly pigmented shadows are crease and fade-resistant, giving you an enchanted look that lasts. This fan favorite features charming fall shades like Venetian Red (crimson), Cyprus Umber (espresso), Primevera (shimmery gold), and Antique Bronze (metallic sable with a satin finish).

 

Tarte Tartelette Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette ($45)

This all-matte eye shadow palette features four combination palettes in one, in 12 light to rich shades for those who like to highlight the season’s crisp cool weather, and for those who like to embody Autumn’s deep and rich, earthy tones. Tarte’s sleek palette features their signature Amazonian clay-infused eye shadow in these matte shadows, a must-have for the brand’s lovers. Shades include Free Spirit (cream), Force of Nature (nude), Dreamer (warm brown) and Best Friend (mulberry) to name a few.

 

Smashbox Matte Exposure Palette ($49)

smashbox

Smashbox’s all-matte palette features versatile neutrals in rich, smoldering fall hues with shades like Tonal (peach nude), Spice (burnt orange), Blackberry (deep burgundy), Black Plum (deep purple), and Truffle (light grey). These silky and high-pigmented shadows double as stay-put liners when wet. Created in Smashbox’s L.A. photo studio, this palette has been designed to make eyes pop in photos without any reflective sheen. This palette is your one stop shop to achieving the season’s smokey and smoldering look.

Our Favorite Cozy Fall Sweaters

There’s nothing that beats the feeling of having a super snuggly sweater wrapped around you when it’s impossibly chilly outside. And since we aren’t able to completely hibernate, these cozy sweaters are practically the next best thing from actually being curled up on the couch with your favorite mug in hand and blanket in lap. These are the sweaters you’re going to want to live in this holiday season. Sweater weather, meet your match!

 

Chunky Cowl Neck + Cashmere Turtleneck

These relaxed cowl neck sweaters with the dipped neck are ridiculously comfy and their slouchy fit goes great with fitted bottoms. While the cashmere turtleneck is a slim-fit, it keeps the warmth in and is ultra soft. It’s perfect paired underneath a leather jacket, heavy blazer, or peacoat.

cowlneck1-copy

cowlneck2-copy
Image courtesy of A Double Dose (@samanthabelbel)

 

 

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cowlneck3-copy
Image courtesy of A Double Dose (@samanthabelbel)

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cashmere turtleneck
Image courtesy of Joie Noel (@joienoel)

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Knitted Pullover

These cable knit pullover sweaters with draped dolman sleeves have an eye-catching stitched pattern that can be worn alone but also layer beautifully. Knitted pullovers are easy, they keep the cold away and the cozy in.  

knitpullover1-copy
Image courtesy of A Double Dose (@samanthabelbel)

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knitpullover2-copy
Image courtesy of Joie Noel (@joienoel)

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Fringed Hem

The flowy silhouette on this oversized wool-blend sweater go perfectly with the boho-inspired fringed hem and plunging neckline. This mega cozy and casual sweater with undeniable flare goes perfectly with skinny denim jeans and chunky-heeled booties.

fringe
Image courtesy of D’s Moments Blog (@dsmomentsblog)

 

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Laced Up 

One of trendiest sweaters of the bunch, this is the sweater that strikes the balance between looking good and keeping cozy best. With the deep V neckline, long stretched-out sleeves, and playful knit bodice, this sweater is the perfect pair to your favorite jeans.

 

laceup1-copy
Image courtesy of Bourks and Bees (@bourksandbees)

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laceup2-copy
Image courtesy of A Double Dose (@samanthabelbel)

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Cold Shoulder

This cold shoulder sweater will give onlookers anything but that. While the cut-out sections in this fashion forward piece leave arms not fully covered, it lays very comfortably. The ribbed material hugs your body, keeping it warm, while still making for a relaxed fit.

 

coldshoulder-copy
Image courtesy of Emma’s Edition (@emmasedition)

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 Bell Sleeve

The statement sleeves on this sweater will get any outfit noticed this season without sacrificing any of the cozy. In fact, the bell hem on the extra-long sleeves make this sweater feel even more cozy on top of looking chic and classy.

 

bellsleeve-copy
Image courtesy of My View in Heels (@myviewinheels)

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Fall Poetry to Embrace the Season

Fall, the loveliest season to some, is now upon us. While spring is the time of year known for new beginnings, fall is a season that reminds us of change and how truly beautiful it can be. Take a moment for yourself and sink into this selection of fall poetry like a heap of autumn’s fallen leaves.

If You Were Coming in the Fall – by Emily Dickinson

If you were coming in the fall,

I’d brush the summer by

With half a smile and half a spurn,

As housewives do a fly.

If I could see you in a year,

I’d wind the months in balls,

And put them each in separate drawers,

Until their time befalls.

If only centuries delayed,

I’d count them on my hand,

Subtracting till my fingers dropped

Into Van Diemen’s land.

If certain, when this life was out,

That yours and mine should be,

I’d toss it yonder like a rind,

And taste eternity.

 

 

 

two leaves on water
Image via Unsplash under license CC0

 

fromAutumn” – by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

With what a glory comes and goes the year!

The buds of spring, those beautiful harbingers

Of sunny skies and cloudless times, enjoy

Life’s newness, and earth’s garniture spread out;

And when the silver habit of the clouds

Comes down upon the autumn sun, and with

A sober gladness the old year takes up

His bright inheritance of golden fruits,

A pomp and pageant fill the splendid scene.

pumpkins
Image via Morguefile under the morgueFile License

 

Fall, leaves, fall – by Emily Brontë

Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;

Lengthen night and shorten day;

Every leaf speaks bliss to me,

Fluttering from the autumn tree.

I shall smile when wreaths of snow

Blossom where the rose should grow;

I shall sing when night’s decay

Ushers in a drearier day.

leaves between trees
Image via Snapwire Snaps under license CC0 1.0

 

Trees – by Joyce Kilmer

I think that I shall never see

a poem as lovely as a tree.

 

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the sweet earth’s flowing breast;

 

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

 

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

 

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

 

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

golden trees
Image via Splitshire under license CC0

Stretch your Summer Wardrobe into Fall

Fall has officially graced us, but while most of the population is happily toting their boots and snuggly sweaters, a few of us are still hanging onto what we have left of summer and aren’t quite ready to part ways with the dainty, patterned dresses and short-shorts just yet. Here are a few fail proof ways to transition your summer wardrobe into this season that are weather appropriate and will give your outfits a breezy fall flair!

Layer up dresses

Long live flirty, mini dresses. By extending their length by pairing them with a long-sleeve button-up, sweater, cardigan, or trench coat, you can instantly make one of your favorite summer dresses autumn approved. Try wearing a button-up or light sweater underneath v-neck dresses or dresses with a plunging neckline, or wear a sweater over princess style dresses that flare out at the bottom. Pair knitted cardigans or neutral trench coats over dresses or rompers. 

sweater dress

cardigan dress yellow

Mix feminine prints with bold textures

Floral flourished this year, and the chicest way to host it this fall is to contrast this feminine pattern with a bold, leather jacket. This outfit is the true lovechild of the two seasons, where edgy meets dainty. Finish this outfit off with a pair of ankle or over-the-knee boots.

marisa miller
Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com
leather jacket
Image via Pexels under license CC0

Shorts, skirts, and stockings

The simplest way to keep shorts or skirts in your outfit roster this season is to wear a pair of black stockings underneath them or to throw on a pair of knee high socks. Add the warmth by putting on a sweater, scarf and beanie, and some booties.

dress leggings
Image via Pexels under license CC0

leggings and skirt

Keep your toes out

The weather isn’t chilly enough that our toes can’t still get some exposure, so rock those stylish sandals until our feet have to go into hibernation for the winter. Pair sandals or open-toed heels with ripped jeans and chunky sweaters or sweater dresses. Sandals will keep your fall outfits elegant yet laid-back.

fashionable woman

sandals and jeans

Fall is without a doubt one of the most magical times of the year. While a change in weather invites a change in spirit, that doesn’t necessary mean that a complete overhaul of our closets is necessary too. Autumn is the perfect time to meld these two seasons together, just don’t forget to walk around without a pumpkin spiced latte, your most important accessory this season.

Fall Leaves: 12 Stunning Weekend Foliage Tours

As November dawns, our expansive, amenable country kindles with it. The gelid air and shorter days mean our summertime sadness withers with the onset of peak foliage season. Plumes of reds, yellows, and blues irradiate our hills and valleys, as if Georgia O’Keeffe’s brush colored the earth. While some of the best and earliest foliage is seen up north, almost anyone is within a day’s drive of this classic fall activity. Here are a few places to tour the season’s colors from anywhere in the country.

 

Vernonia, Oregon

Just a short drive from Portland, Vernonia is home to cozy diners, lazy rivers and the 21-mile Banks-Vernonia state hiking and biking trail, offering a seemingly endless vista of falling leaves and salmon sightings. Be sure to stop into Black Bear Coffee, a local staple, for a post-hike pick-me-up. For fans of the film Twilight, parts of the saga were filmed in none other than Vernonia.

vernonia oregon
Columbia County Fall | Photo via Carol Munro on Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

Hope Valley, South Lake Tahoe, California

It can be challenging to find foliage in the Southwest, given the temperate climate, but Lake Tahoe is perfect for anyone living in the perpetual summer of Southern California. Complete with miles of hiking trails, Hope Valley offers towers of golden aspens, and the nearby Sorensen’s Resort, where you can pop-in for lunch.

hope valley lake tahoe
Hope Valley, Lake Tahoe, California

 

Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Winding 50 miles from Estes Park to Grand Lake, Colorado, Trail Ridge Road is a comprehensive tour through the Rockies with continuously paved roads and elevations as high as 12,183 feet, with plenty of stops for photo opportunities. This is an ideal trip for anyone in New Mexico, Utah, or northern Arizona looking for a foliage fix. Estes Park renders dozens of attractions, notably the Stanley Hotel, which horror movie buffs know as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining.

Estes Park Colorado
Storm Pass trail head in Estes Park, Colorado

 

Bitterroot Valley, Montana

On the helm of the Bitterroot River, the valley incorporates nearly 100 miles of paved road through the Sapphire Mountains and Bitterroot Range. The preferred tour runs north to south on Highway 93, traveling from Florence to Hamilton, but offers hikes for rookies and experts on the way. The anchor cities are small, but proffer basic amenities such as fuel and food.

Bitterroot river in western Montana
Bitterroot river in western Montana

 

North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota

Located on Minnesota’s north coast, this tour spans 150 miles on Highway 61 from Duluth through Grand Portage State Forest. Minnesota is a classic state for foliage spotting due to its colder climate and proximity to the Great Lakes. Duluth offers all the benefits of a big city, and be sure to stop into the Duluth Grill while you’re there.

north shore lake superior
North Shore of Lake Superior

 

Branson, Missouri

This 90-minute driving tour takes you through Table Rock Lake and Kimberling City, exhibiting a variety of mountain and lake views, and two historic bridges. Located in southwestern Missouri, this is the quintessential tour for anyone in the western heartland.

Lake of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri

 

Arts Road 46, Bloomington, Indiana

The 40 miles along State 46 from Bloomington to Columbus, Indiana permeate old churches, historic bridges and plenty of places to stop and photograph foliage. The towns on the route include art, food, and midwest culture to be enjoyed by visitors and natives alike.

Brown county State Park Indiana
Brown County State Park, between Bloomington and Columbus, Indiana

 

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

Located on the south coast of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this recreation area offers scenic drives through winding roads and jagged, lofty rock formations. Being so far north, foliage peaks rather early, so if you’re in the area, head out during the month of October. If the weather holds, the park is home to waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and plenty of other hiking opportunities.

Grand Portal Point Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Michigan
Grand Portal Point at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

For southerners looking for a scenic foliage drive, Newfound Gap Road reveals views as high as 5,000 feet within the park’s misty mountains. Often referred to as a “drive from Georgia to Maine,” Newfound Gap includes numerous ecosystems, from spruce to pine forests. Being a southern tour, foliage tends to peak a bit later in the year, usually mid-October through November.

Horizon of the Great Smoky Mountains at the Newfound Gap Overlook
Horizon of the Great Smoky Mountains at the Newfound Gap Overlook
Great Smoky Mountains Trail
Great Smoky Mountains Trail

 

Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, New York

Spanning 90 miles along the Delaware River and crossing three New York counties, State Route 97 takes you through not only miles of neon foliage, but to local eateries, museums and theatres. It’s the perfect driving tour for anyone on the cusp of the Northeast.

Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
Upper Delaware Scenic Byway

 

Route 3, Acadia National Park, Maine

From Mount Desert Island to Cadillac Mountain, driving along Route 3 will yield dozens of remarkable photo opportunities in a state well-known for its fall colors.

Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park, Maine

 

Route 11 from Roanoke to Natural Bridge, Virginia

Virginia’s historic Blue Ridge is often called “America’s favorite drive,” and the 40-mile cruise northeast from Roanoke to Natural Bridge is no different. Offering a quiet, sparsely-traveled view along the Jefferson National Forest, this day trip includes various stops at local eating establishments and hiking opportunities.

Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway

Autumn Eats: Simple Recipes to Break into Fall

With autumn in full swing, you may find yourself tempted by store-bought apple cider and pumpkin pie. To truly capture the season’s essence, though, challenge yourself to more creative, non-traditional activities, such as baking apple pie from scratch, or visiting a local apple orchard for fresh cider. If you’re bored by the customary, try your hand at these recipes that’ll give the whole family new take on fall.

 

Sweet and Sour Apple Salad

Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Serves: 1-2

apple salad

What you’ll need:

2 granny smith apples, diced

1/4 cup toasted almonds

1/4 cup dried cranberries

8 oz. vanilla greek yogurt

 

How it’s done:

Combine tart apples, almonds, cranberries and yogurt in large mixing bowl and mix until evenly distributed. Serve chilled.

 

Mushroom Fontina Pizza

Preparation Time: 45 minutes | Serves: 3-4

mushroom pizza

What you’ll need:

1/2 lb. mushroom of your choice, sliced

3 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 tbsp. garlic powder

1/2 tbsp. thyme, fresh or powdered

1 tsp. paprika

3 oz. sliced fontina cheese

1 lb. pizza dough of your choice

Pinch of salt and pepper

Optional: 1 large egg

 

How it’s done:

Preheat oven to 450F and lightly grease a large baking sheet.

Combine oil, mushroom, salt, pepper and garlic in large skillet and fry until fully browned on high heat.

Place one layer of Fontina cheese on dough.

Transfer contents of skillet to a second layer.

Top with a final layer of Fontina.

Place pizza in oven and cook for about 15 minutes until crust is golden brown.

For additional flavor, add a fried egg with a slightly runny yolk to center of dish.

Sprinkle thyme and paprika over entire dish and enjoy.

 

Zesty Cheese Tortellini

Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes | Serves: 1-2

zesty cheese tortellini

What you’ll need:

1 cup tortellini of your choice (Recommended: Buitoni Three Cheese)

1 tbsp. low fat butter

2 tbsp. garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves

1/2 cup spinach

2 tbsp. fresh basil

Optional: 1 cup mixed mushroom

 

How it’s done:

Boil tortellini, spinach and mushroom in medium saucepan until fluffy.

Drain.

Mix butter and garlic in small bowl.

Add butter and garlic to mixture, stirring well.

Serve warm.

 

Rosemary Portobellos

Preparation Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 1-2

portobello mushroom

What you’ll need:

1 large portobello mushroom cap

2 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 tsp. grated rosemary

1 tbsp. fresh basil

1/2 tbsp. crushed red peppers

 

How it’s done:

Remove stem from portobello to make room for spread.

Spread oil, rosemary, basil and peppers on underside of mushroom.

Bake at 400F for 15-20 minutes, or until soft.

Enjoy with sauce of your choice.

 

Homemade Cinnamon-Spice Pumpkin Bread

Preparation Time: 90 minutes | Serves: 5-10

pumpkin bread

What you’ll need:

2 8×4 inch loaf pans

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

15 oz. pure pumpkin

2 large eggs

 

How it’s done:

Preheat oven to 325F.

Grease loaf pans thoroughly with unsalted butter.

Mix together flour, baking soda, salt and spices in a large mixing bowl. Mix well and set aside.

In a separate bowl, mix butter, sugar, eggs and pumpkin. Combine and mix both bowls.

Evenly pour mixture into loaf pans, a little more than half way.

Let bake 60-75 minutes using a toothpick to check consistency.

Let cool 10 minutes and serve with milk or coffee.