Fall Is in the Air!
Fall is in the air, and honestly, what’s not to love? Crisp mornings, golden leaves, cozy sweaters, and the wonderful aromas of something delicious roasting, simmering, or baking in the kitchen.
November brings us right into the heart of harvest season, when produce departments are overflowing with pumpkins, apples, pears, squash, grapes, root vegetables, and so much more. Mother Nature certainly knows how to dress for fall with all those gorgeous shades of red, orange, gold, green, and purple!
And then there’s Thanksgiving, the grand finale of fall food holidays! It’s a day rooted in gratitude, tradition, family, friends, and, of course, FOOD! Many of us look forward all year to those favorite dishes passed down through generations: herb-roasted turkey, stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, and pies filled with pumpkin, apples, or pecans.
But Thanksgiving is also a great time to shake things up a little and add something new to the table. Roasted Brussels sprouts, colorful carrots, winter squash, specialty potatoes, and fresh seasonal salads can easily earn a spot next to those treasured family favorites.
Seasonal produce really is the star of November. Pumpkins, Butternut Squash, and Sweet Potatoes bring color and comfort to both sweet and savory dishes, while apples and pears are ready for crisps, cobblers, pies, salads, and snacking right out of hand. Pomegranates, grapes, and citrus add a welcome pop of color and freshness to richer holiday foods. And don’t forget the root vegetables! Parsnips, beets, carrots, turnips, and Celery Root are absolutely delicious roasted together until tender and caramelized.
Of course, we can’t talk about holiday cooking without mentioning fresh herbs. Sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley are those little bundles of flavor that make the kitchen smell like Thanksgiving before anyone even sits down to eat. Toss them with roasted vegetables, tuck them around the turkey, add them to stuffing, or chop them into potatoes and sauces. Sometimes it’s the simplest ingredients that make the biggest difference.
But November isn’t only about what’s on the table. It’s about who is sitting around it. Setting the table, sharing old family recipes, trying a new dish, baking pies together, or introducing someone to a fruit or vegetable they’ve never tasted before are the little moments that become traditions of their own.
So, enjoy the season, gather your favorite people, try something new, and don’t forget to leave room for pie!
VETERANS DAY
On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, we observe Veterans Day, a special day to honor and thank the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died while serving our country, Veterans Day recognizes all who have served honorably, in wartime or peacetime.
Across the country, communities mark the day with ceremonies, parades, school programs, gatherings, and moments of reflection. But honoring our veterans doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes a sincere "thank you for your service," sharing a meal, making a phone call, or simply spending time together can say more than we realize.
And since November is all about comfort food, why not gather around the table? Sweet Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and root vegetables can become warm, hearty side dishes, while apples and pears are begging to be baked into crisps and cobblers. Pomegranates and grapes brighten salads and grazing boards, and a big pot of soup filled with lentils, mushrooms, or seasonal vegetables is pretty hard to resist on a cool November evening.
Food has a wonderful way of bringing people together, and Veterans Day gives us another reason to do just that. Share a meal, share a story, listen, laugh, and most importantly, take a moment to thank the veterans in your life for their service and sacrifice.
