Fall has officially arrived! Pumpkin spice lattes, large crisp apples, cooler days and nights, and soon the leaves will be changing colors. Fair season is in full swing in New England. This year, I was able make the trip to The Big E in Massachusetts. It’s New England’s largest fair and runs over two weeks every year. I was really happy to get back there this year, after missing it last year due to my work schedule.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

Though I haven’t been doing much of it recently, for a very long time the focus of this blog was a cook-through blog of the Magnolia Bakery Handbook. Admittedly I basically ignored the pie chapter since I have a fear of pie dough. However, one chapter I almost completed was the scones chapter. And the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones are a wonderful fall treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or anytime. Plus it combines some of my favorite flavors: pumpkin and chocolate!

Ina Garten’s Pear, Apple, and Cranberry Crisp

One could argue that this dessert can be made anytime since all the ingredients are available year-round But, these flavors really shine during the fall months! I originally made this recipe in January and it was quite tasty, so I imagine trying it in fall would be even better! Plus, since it’s an Ina Garten recipe, you know that even though it looks simple and easy, the flavor combinations are off the charts.

Make this recipe for yourself and you’ll be amazed at the flavors.

The Thanksgiving Cake

A couple of years ago, I decided to bring a dessert for Thanksgiving. Since the Magnolia Bakery cookbook had a Thanksgiving Cake recipe, it was the perfect way to scratch it off the list. Granted, I never made a cake quite like this and, honestly, I was a little nervous about how it would turn out. Once the slices were served, and the first bites taken, I knew it was a hit! And even though I haven’t made it again, I do hope I have the chance to make it this year again. I’m longing for the flavor.

Harvest Apple Cupcakes

I know what you’re thinking! Apple cupcakes?? Don’t knock it until you try it! Another recipe out of the Magnolia cookbook was a big hit with the people who were lucky enough to taste one. The caramel buttercream frosting was subtle yet sufficient and enhanced the flavors of the cupcake. In fact, this recipe is very similar to the muffin recipe that mimics the same flavors. Obviously, you just don’t frost the muffins, because that would be weird, right?

Also, to this day, these are some of the best-looking cupcakes I’ve ever made. I often opine here about my lack of food photography skills and non-elegant decorating. But these I was actually proud of how they looked.

Ina Garten’s Pumpkin Roll

While not the prettiest thing I ever made, an Ina Garten recipe guarantees that the final product will at least taste good. This pumpkin roll is like the autumn equivalent of a Yule Log. A rolled spongey cake spiced with pumpkin and filled to the brim with a ginger mascarpone filling. Though this treat does take some effort, it is definitely worth the hard work. This is perfect for any gathering in the fall season and can stand up next to a pumpkin pie on the Thanksgiving table, too.