My Favorite Fall Things

Every season has its perks and certain characteristics, but one that I am especially fond of is fall. I love everything about it and even now as I think through what I’m writing, in my head I have changed the lyrics of the song from The Sound of Music to, “these are a few of my favorite fall things.” The smells, the change, the colors, I love everything fall.

Let’s get right to it! Here are some of my favorite things in the fall, of course this will include recipes. I didn’t realize how much food connects us until I started writing this blog! 😉

1. The Colors

We have the privilege of living at the foothills of the mountains in North Georgia. I remember visiting this area when I was a child, coming north to go camping and to look at the leaves on vacation. Even after living here several years, I still marvel at the beauty of fall. It doesn’t last long, but it is something to anticipate. People travel far distances and try to time their visits just right to just drive around our area and view the leaves as they change. I don’t take for granted that we get to see it firsthand, entire mountains covered with red and golden leaves. It is at the top of my list of my favorite things about fall.

2. Hot Tea

I am not a coffee drinker, but I do love hot tea… but only in the fall and winter. The cooler air ushers in the time when I start drinking my tea. I like basic black tea with cream and honey, but have found a tea that tastes like fall. It’s Bigelow caramel vanilla tea. The smell alone is delicious and makes you want to put on your cabin socks and get a blanket. I’ll make it easy for you to get some! Just click on the picture below…

I think I also like that tea makes you slow down just a little bit. To get a good cup of tea, you have to wait on the water to boil and then wait for the tea to steep. Recently, I was at a restaurant by myself and the waitress brought me tea service. Not only did the service make me feel like the Queen of England, but I loved that I had to sit and wait and slow down to wait on my tea to steep. (Insert deep, relaxing breath here!)

3. Boots and Sweaters

I am pretty cold natured, especially when it comes to my hands and feet. As soon as the weather gets cooler, my feet turn to ice! I don’t mind so much because I love to wear boots. I love how snug they feel on my feet and of course, I like that my toes stay warm. Tall boots, short boots, it doesn’t really matter. I just want them to be comfortable and warm! My favorites have been Merrell for my tall boots and Reef for my short boots, as far as the cutest and most comfortable. (yes, the surfing brand, Reef. They make the most comfortable boots too!) I pretty much wear a sweater or cardigan over everything when there is the slightest bit of cold. Boots and sweaters- my favorite part of dressing for fall.

4. Pumpkin Muffins

It is not uncommon for me to get or send a text that has a picture like one of these during the fall. In these pictures are the best that Dunkin’ Donuts has to offer! These are their pumpkin muffins, only available for a couple of short months during the year. My friend, Jen, and I bonded over DD pumpkin muffins and now make it a point to send a picture to each other anytime we get one. This has been going on for years now! These muffins are huge, silky smooth, and have a crumbly streusel topping that is unforgiving on your black pants if you try to eat it in the car. 😉 I was heartbroken recently when I was anticipating one and they were sold out! I had my heart set on it, so I said in a sad voice, “well, can I have just one pumpkin munchkin?” She must have sensed the disappointment and didn’t even charge the crazy pumpkin lady for her one pumpkin munchkin!

5. Pumpkin Bars

I know you must be thinking, “is food all she talks about?” Usually not, but I would deprive you of fall goodness if I didn’t tell you about these treats that are seasonally specific! 🙂 I was not even a huge pumpkin fan until I met the pumpkin muffin and this particular treat. My friend, Melissa, that I worked with brought pumpkin bars to work one day and I may have eaten half the pan! She knew how much I loved them and made them for my birthday and even gave me an empty platter, telling me she would fill it with pumpkin bars any time I wanted! (just a reminder, Melissa!) Now, you will find pumpkin bars popping up at other fall parties and gatherings that involve teachers from our school. They have become all of our favorite. I don’t know if we like the cake part or the cream cheese icing the best. Why do we have to choose? Let’s just have the whole bar!

Melissa has passed the recipe on to all of us and I will pass along to you. Even if you think you don’t like pumpkin, just give them a try! (Note: We made these with gluten free flour for my daughter and they are equally as delicious!) You can find the recipe below.

6. Apples and Caramel

As a child, my grandfather had an apple peeler that would core and peel apples into these thin rings. It was always a treat when he would get it out and make apples with caramel for us. He would warm up some store bought caramel and pour it over the apples. It was fun to watch and delicious to eat!

My dad also has an apple peeler, but he has stepped it up a notch! He makes the most amazing homemade caramel that you have ever had. You serve it warm as a dip or poured over apples and it is incredible! It is so good that his church always asked him to make them for their fall festival. He would have people lined up and waiting to get some of his apples with caramel.

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The apples don’t have to be peeled with the special peeler, they can just be cut up, but there is something fun about watching the apple be peeled and cut in a spiral. Plus, the thin apples slices really are delicious! If you want to pick up an apple peeler for your family, I’ll make it easy for you here as well. You can click on the picture to get one and have it in 2 days!

I asked my dad for his secret recipe a few years ago and he gave it to me. I love making it and taking it in a crock pot to schools for teachers or to a fall party. Since the recipe is kind of a family secret, I am going to be sending it to those who subscribe to my blog instead of posting it with the blog. Just click on one of the subscribe boxes on the side or bottom of this post, and I’ll send you the caramel and we can keep it in the “family.” 🙂

Comment below and let us know some of your favorite things in fall. It’s a great time to be together and share these fun treats!