{Tips & Tricks} Fall Cooking

As the temperature begins to dip and you start to feel the crispness of fall, you might be taking your jeans, boots, sweaters, jackets and scarves out of hibernation. However, your attire isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons. Food is another item that is sensitive to the changing of the seasons.

During the transition from summer to fall, various fruits and vegetables go in and out of season, meals turn from small and light to hearty and wholesome, pumpkins and apples start to make a presence in baked goods, and cooking techniques start to change as we all put away our outdoor grills in preparation for the colder months.

When you head out to the market or grocery store, be sure to select the fall fruits and vegetables that are in season depending on your region's climate. Luckily, this interactive map from Epicurious.com will help you learn about what's fresh in your area.

Typically, the following fruits and vegetables are in season during fall:

• Apples
• Artichokes
• Arugula
• Beets
• Broccoli
• Brussel sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Chard
• Eggplant
• Figs
• Grapes
• Green beans
• Green onions
• Kale
• Leeks
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Okra
• Onions
• Parsnips
• Pears
• Pomegranates
• Potatoes
• Pumpkins
• Radicchio
• Radishes
• Rutabagas
• Sweet Potatoes
• Turnips
• Winter squash
• Zucchini

Not only do the fruits and vegetables change, cooking techniques seem to adapt to the cold weather as well. I don't know about you but when the fall season makes an appearance, I immediately start to crave wholesome and hearty dishes that are warm and comforting. Instead of heading out to the grill, I tend to turn to a few of the gadgets listed below to help me prepare dishes during the fall:

• Indoor electric grill -- The fall weather might be a bit too chilly to head into the great outdoors to fire up the grill. Instead, fire up the indoor electric grill and prepare healthy meals.
• Slow cooker -- This is perfect for chili, stews and soups. Simple add the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and by dinner time you will have yourself a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for the entire family.
• Mini-fryer -- With fall comes the start of football season which means tailgating and parties is at an all-time high. Mini-fryers are perfect when you want to serve up the crispy finger foods to enjoy during the games.

What is your favorite fruit or vegetable to cook with during the fall season?

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