Fall is such an invigorating season, offering fun festivals and gatherings, along with vivid colors and flavors. Now’s the time to choose unique apple or winter squash varieties while visiting a farmers market, farm, or roadside stand. Western North Carolina is home to numerous apple orchards, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches. For a list of farms in your area, visit NC Farm Fresh. Once you have your fresh ingredients, bring in the spirit of fall by trying one of these simple recipes.
Sliced apple and cheese are a classic combination on a fresh baguette topped with honey and rosemary or thyme. Great snack or appetizer.Baguette Topped with Cheese, Apple, and Honey
Ingredients
- Thinly sliced bread of choice (French Baguette works well)
- Cheese of choice (cheddar, brie, gouda, or goat cheese)
- Thin apple slices
- Honey
- Freshly ground pepper
- Thyme or rosemary, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Top bread with chosen cheese and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake until cheese is melted. Goat cheese spreads well and does not need to be melted.
- Top with thinly sliced apple, a drizzle of honey, ground pepper, and herb of choice.
Pumpkin Dip
- 12 ounces Neufchatel cheese
- ½ cup brown sugar
Beat together until well blended.
- 1 cup of cooked and pureed pumpkin (or winter squash)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Add and beat until smooth.
Serve with sliced apples, pears, or other fruit, graham crackers and gingersnaps, etc. Use your imagination and enjoy!
