There's no need to call ahead for a table when looking for the freshest seasonal dishes. Sometimes an occasion calls for dinner as theater and other times a nice cozy dinner is in store. For those evenings when one desires nothing more than to light the fire and enjoy preparing comfort food as fall creeps in, stay home and prepare this autumn dinner menu.
Fresh, seasonal produce, like apples, pears, and onions, are the stars of these simple dishes. Roasted pears tossed into a crisp salad, caramelized apples and onions added to juicy pork medallions, and aromatic cinnamon blended into a rich pound cake make the most of these simple autumn recipes.
Roasted Pear Salad Recipe
Glen MacLarty
Caramelizing fresh pears by roasting and then pairing them with strong blue cheese in this roasted pear salad is a wonderful way to elevate a classic dish into something really special. Homemade shallot vinaigrette dressing is a tangy complement to the warm sweetness of the roasted pears. Pair this salad with a crisp white or rose wine.
Farmhouse Soup Recipe
Simon Aughton
This farmhouse soup recipe is unadorned, healthful, and its name conjures up visions of cozy nights spent next to the kitchen hearth. Indeed, this savory creation takes no more than a few moments to put together, yet the aroma as it simmers and the complex flavors of the vegetables, smoky salted bacon, and herbs are nearly irresistible. It tastes wonderful with an extra dash of coarsely ground black pepper at serving time.
Pain de Seigle Recipe
Mike McCune
This rustic French rye bread recipe, known as pain de seigle, mixes wheat, rye, and barley flours flavored with a pain de campagne starter to produce a hearty loaf with a chewy crust. It tastes best fresh, with salted butter, to accompany savory main dishes. This is artisan bread at its best!
Pork Medallions with Caramelized Onions and Apples
Flickr user Laurel Fan
Savory, a little sweet, and very filling, this pork medallions with caramelized onions and apples recipe is diet-friendly and delicious. This easy to make pork with apples and onions dish isn't enlivened with fat and heavy cream, but with liberal doses of healthy seasonings and fiber-rich onions and apples.
Browned Garlic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Mackenzie Kosut
This is a Brussels sprouts dish sure to please even the most picky eaters at the table. This browned garlic Brussels sprouts recipe caramelizes garlic and Brussels sprouts to sweet, golden perfection. A sprinkle of lemon juice and seasonings provide a healthy way to make the flavors pop in this quick and easy side dish.
