favorites: fall food edition — Vanessa in Boston.

Truth be told, it’s been a struggle for me to let go of summer. Especially when the weekends have been as lovely as they have been in Boston lately. I’m not sure if I’ve ever been able to style a pair of cut-offs this late into fall but I’m not exactly mad. That being said, I’m ready for fall and all that it entails. Most specifically, food.

Apples | This is kind of an obvious one (and one of many that you can probably enjoy year ‘round), but while they’re seasonal and P.Y.O. orchards are bustling, I love being able to be active and choose my own fresh produce this time of year. My all-time favorite varietal are Macoun but Galas are a close second. Last year P and I had a blast at Brooksby Farm but I cannot caution you enough, don’t forget to check your clothes/ skin for ticks when you’re done!

you read that right, rosé cider. available at Whole Foods.

Cider | As a follow-up, the spiced, liquid version of apples is a season staple for me. Whether chilled and from an Angry Orchard or mulled and garnished with cinnamon sticks, I think that cider is one of the coziest fall treats. You can find me most fall weekends, treating myself to this fall favorite in the afternoon or evening during a Patriots game, with friends playing games or having a low-key night out.

Donuts | In New England, doughnuts might as well be added to the food pyramid. We have so many local shops serving these up with creative recipes that even Adele has taken note. I’m partial to U nion Square Donuts because they have their own stall at Boston Public Market, in dangerously close proximity to my office.

Hot Coffee | On rainy summer days I’ve been known to partake in a warm beverage but there’s nothing like a hot coffee on a crisp fall day to warm your bones when you need it most. Plus, there’s the added bonus of quintessential fall flavors that make things feel extra festive even if it’s only Monday.

there is nothing "basic" about the pumpkin bread at Henrietta's Table. // credit: Henrietta's Table

Pumpkin | I embraced the “basic” life a long time ago. Especially when I realized that being “basic” just means liking a lot of things that everyone else likes, which, for fall in New England is pretty much everything. Plus, why should I apologize for liking what I like when pumpkin-flavored things are just so good?! Answer: I shouldn’t. And so, I won’t. Give me all the Trader Joe’s “This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar”, flavored coffees, donut holes, seeds and pie...

death by Chocolate Cream. // credit: Kristin Teig for Flour Bakery

Pie | Speaking of pie, ‘tis the season for some of the most delicious leftover options. And the easiest “kitchen sink” recipes maybe ever. For example, Chicken Pot Pie might as well be Chicken Soup baked into bread and I feel like maybe that only makes it more medicinal. And then there’s the whole fruit or dessert pie debate, weighing the criteria of; homemade or store-bought crust? Lattice or open-face? Sweet or savory?

Unclear if there's anything cozier than a sight like this. // credit: Juliet

Soup | And last, but certainly not least, soup is a fall favorite for so many obvious reason; it’s ability to warm you up, the wide variety of flavors and options for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike! Honestly, when I need a tasty meal quick, I love making a pot of Lipton’s Extra Noodle Soup and add a few handfuls of fresh spinach. Top it off with salt and pepper and perhaps a little whole grain toast and you have yourself the coziest little meal for anytime!