Now that it’s officially fall, we’re ready to turn our ovens back on and start cooking with the great fruits and vegetables available this time of year. Fall produce is ideal for roasting (add it to your sheet pan dinner(Opens in a new window)) or adding to a pressure cooker recipe. Read on for what’s in its prime right now, and tips and tools for preparing.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes scream fall to us. We like slicing them up and making sweet potato chips (Good tip: use a mandoline(Opens in a new window) for even slices and even cooking). Or, we prep 1-inch cubes and keep them around for quick cooking throughout the week. The natural sweetness of the potato requires little seasoning—just oil, salt and pepper works fine. Plus, try roasted sweet potato salad with red pepper vinaigrette or spiralized sweet potato burger buns.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts shaved for a salad or roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper make for a great side this time of year. Or try adding them to a pizza: roasted potato pizza topped with brussels sprouts.
Winter Squash
Winter squash, such as delicata, spaghetti and butternut, are popping up at our farmer’s market more and more now. Try baking at a high heat (425) for about 30-45 minutes, or if you want to cut that time in half, spiralize your butternut squash and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes.


Apples
As Northeasterners, apples are our good, good friends. They’re crisp and juicy, so we’ll munch on them on their own, or we’ll prep (core(Opens in a new window), divide(Opens in a new window), spiralize(Opens in a new window)) some for baking. Want some ideas? Try one of these 8 amazing recipes, from apple chips to apple grilled cheese, or try making apple-ring pancakes for breakfast one morning.
Cranberries
Cranberries reach their peak right about now, and most of the time you can’t even find fresh cranberries in stores after fall. Add them to any baked good and then stash a few bags in your freezer so you can reap their benefits all year long. Try these recipes for cranberry pie, cranberry sauce, and a cranberry fizz, and spice up your water with cranberry and rosemary ice cubes.


Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of our favorites. Try roasting bite sized pieces and dusting with grated parmesan in the last few minutes for a crispy finish. Or, make cauliflower rice with the Tabletop Spiralizer(Opens in a new window). It quickly breaks down a whole head of cauliflower for a healthy alternative to rice. Plus, try this roasted cauliflower kale salad, healthy cauliflower pizza crust, and whole cauliflower roast with walnut pesto.
Want more seasonal veggies? Find out what's in season in November and great spiralizer recipes for fall.