As the leaves begin to turn and the cool breeze sets in, it can only mean one thing–summer is out and autumn is in. For foodies, that means farewell to the bright fruits and crisp salads of summer (until next year, any way), and hello to a whole new slew of delicious ingredients for the fall.

So grab your favorite sweater and snuggle up as we share our top 10 favorite foods of the new season.

Apples

Fall is apple harvest season, which means apple orchards across the northern United States are packed with a wider variety of deliciously fresh apples, perfect for baking—you guessed it—apple pie. According to an article on Weather.com, “During this time of year, craving apple pie is as American as apple pie itself. A cultural icon in the United States, apple pie was the most requested apple goody.”

There are endless ways to make this American classic–like this Old Fashion Apple Pie recipe from SimplyRecipes.com.  It’s made with juicy Granny Smith apples, a special homemade crust composed of ground up almonds, and a little brandy and vanilla added to the filling. If you’re looking to add a little twist to your apple pie, MarthaStewart.com notes, “Cheddar cheese is a popular complement to apples.” Try out this Cheddar Crusted Apple Pie recipe made with Granny Smith apples, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon and a special crust that includes six ounces of shredded sharp cheddar.

Other fall favorites using apples include apple cobbler, where apples are baked and topped with a biscuit-like batter (try Big Daddy’s Apple Cobbler recipe from FoodNetwork.com) and steamy hot apple cider, a favorite drink for the holiday season. Blogger Jane Spice of JaneSpice.com makes her own version of hot apple cider with allspice, cloves, cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. “Warm and satisfying,” says Jane. “Just a few minutes of prep time and your house will start to smell like the holidays.”

Fall Spices

Speaking of scents, nothing says autumn like the smell of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Featured in an array of seasonal candles, these ingredients are not only popular for their scents, they’re also synonymous in autumn recipes. For instance, these Spiced Pumpkin Pancakes With Cardamom Clove Butter from The Cultureist.com include all the sweet scents and flavors of fall’s favorite spices.

This Cinnamon Bread Delight from AllRecipes.com also shows off the signature scents (and flavors) of fall. It’s warm, moist, slightly sticky, with the perfect amount of cinnamon.

Pumpkin

Much more than a Halloween decoration, pumpkin is a popular ingredient in many fall recipes, from pumpkin pie (try Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Pie recipe from FoodNetwork.com) to pumpkin bread (this Frosted Pumpkin Bread recipe from BHG.com is perfect for breakfast). You can also enjoy pumpkin as a main dish by incorporating into a soup or stew.

What’s even better, pumpkins are rich in Vitamin C and folate.  An article in DailyMail.co.uk says, “Even the seeds are packed with nutritional value. In fact, they are only second to peanuts in protein content and a good source of zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce your risk of heart disease.” You can roast your own pumpkin seeds with the help of some seasoning salt, melted butter and a 300-degree oven (check out this Roasted Pumpkin Seed Recipe from Food.com).

Cranberries

Also loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, cranberries add the perfect hint of tartness to any fall recipe. Take this Chicken with Cranberry Sauce Recipe from TasteofHome.com. Cranberries and a hint of maple syrup make a delicious sauce to perfectly complement tender chicken breast halves. Cranberries also make a great addition to an autumn side dish like in this Butternut Squash Apple Cranberry Bake. 

Pears

Another popular fruit of the season is the pear. According to HuffingtonPost.com, “Pears are a fall favorite for a reason. With so many varieties to choose from, there’s a pear for everyone’s tastes — from crisp and crunchy to soft and juicy. Pears show off in a number of recipes, from sweet to savory.

For instance, this Roasted Pear and Pork recipe from the blog Butterfly Foodie, makes the perfect dinner on a cooler night. These Spicy Poached Pears With Cinnamon Cream (courtesy of the blog Authentic Bourbon Gourmet) also make an ideal autumn dessert. 

Turkey

Ah, turkey…the star of Thanksgiving dinners everywhere. This year, Thanksgiving takes place on November 28, but you don’t have to wait until then to indulge in a delicious turkey dinner. This yummy bird is a fall favorite, even before Turkey Day. For instance, this Easy Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe from AllRecipes.com is perfect to make for any fall dinner gathering. Using simple ingredients like dried basil, garlic powder, olive oil and sage (plus a few other essentials), you can delight your guests with a turkey that’s perfectly browned on the outside while being both tender and juicy on the inside.

If a turkey sandwich sounds more up your alley, try this hearty Turkey Sandwich With Cream Cheese and Bacon courtesy of RealSimple.com. Perfect for fall, it’s made using raisin-walnut bread and crispy bacon.

Sweet Potatoes

Another Thanksgiving signature, sweet potatoes abound in fall, making the perfect side dish or vegetarian main course at your dinner table all season long. EatingWell.com, for example, has recipe for Sweet Potato Fritters With Smoky Pinto Beans. According to the website, “These easy sweet potato fritters have a crispy crust and a tender middle. The beans are flavored with smoked paprika, but sweet or hot would work well too. To give it a Mexican-inspired twist, use chili powder as the spice instead of the paprika.”

Or try these Chili Spiked Sweet Potato Fries featured on TheKitchn.com. “They’re creamy, a bit crunchy, and very satisfying,” according to the website. “We like them kicked up with a light dusting of spicy chili powder, but they’re also great with just a simple sprinkle of kosher salt. Bet you can’t eat just one…”

Parsnips

The parsnip is a root vegetable closely related to the carrot. And like the sweet potato, it’s loved in fall cooking. According to RealSimple.com, “Along with their sweet flavor, parsnips bring vitamin C, folate, and potassium to the table.”

For a creative side dish, try these Roasted Parsnips with Horseradish-Herb Butter from SimplyRecipes.com. Or try this Parsnip and Caramelized Onion Tart, complete with creamy cheddar cheese and butter. It could make a great dinner side dish for an everyday evening or dare we say, fall football gathering? 

Chowders, Soups and Stews

Like chili on Game Day, chowders, soups and stews, are a perfect meal on a cool autumn day. According to Weather.com, “When the temperatures start to drop, our bodies begin to crave warm foods. These foods warm our bodies and sometimes even our souls.”

This Savory Fall Stew from MarthaStewart.com is made with hot Italian sausage, cipollini onions, crushed tomatoes, butternut squash, and a bundle of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano. Or, try this Autumn Chicken Stew from EatingWell.com. According to the website, “This simple chicken stew stars three of fall’s best crops–apples, carrots and parsnips. A piping-hot bowl of this soup is a satisfying meal for a cozy fall dinner.”

Falling For the Season’s Flavors

From the sweet smell of apple pie to the hearty flavors of chili on football Sunday, the fall is a whirlwind of delicious scents and flavors that charm the senses. What’s your favorite fall recipe?