The weather or yard work are the typical indicators that fall has
arrived. But if you want to know about the change in seasons, simply
look at menus and grills across town to see that we're craving autumn
foods. Fat City has compiled a list of the Top 10 fall foods that we
spend the rest of the calendar year thinking about:
10. Tailgating meats (above). Grilling in the parking lot adds a special flavor. As to the genesis of that flavor? It's either the new marinade you're trying or the 300-pound guy applying full body paint in the spot next to yours.
9. Cabbage
Cabbage gets a bad rap, but hopefully enough time has passed (the last time you had it was likely St. Patrick's Day) that you'll give it a whirl.
8. Hot ChocolateWhether you call it drinking chocolate (see the sinfully good cups at Andre's and Christopher Elbow) or hot chocolate, a warm mug of cocoa is good for whatever is ailing you.
7. Sheep's Milk Cheese
Sheep are usually milked in late spring and summer. The cheese is then aged until the fall or winter, meaning that now is when you'll get the best that sheep have to offer
. 6. Brussels Sprouts
Roast these with a bit of olive oil and salt. You'll never speak ill of Brussels sprouts again. Instead, you'll be eating them out of the pan before they even get to the table.
5. Sweet Potatoes
It will be nice to see mashed sweet potatoes as another option beyond sweet potato fries. Not that sweet potato fries are such a terrible option. Even bad sweet potatoes are better than most vegetables at their best.
4. Macaroni & Cheese
Hot bubbly cheese just makes you feel sleepy in summer. Come to think of it, you'll probably be sleepy in fall, as well. But you'll also be content with a forkful of this childhood staple.
3. ApplesTo paraphrase
Deuce Bigalow:
Cakes and pies. Cakes and pies. Everyone's daily intake of apples increases dramatically in fall. And there may be no better way to consume apples than a warm glass of spiced cider from the
Louisburg Cider Mill.
2. PumpkinIt's hard not find a more versatile menu item. It can be a savory or sweet dish. For something different, try a bowl filled with half mashed pumpkin and half mashed potatoes.
1. Soups, Stews & Chili
Make sure your spoon hand is strong. On a brisk day, a bowl of outstanding soup (French Onion Soup from Le Fou Frog or Burnt Ends Chili from Woodyard Bar-B-Que) is the easy first choice.
