If you’re wondering what’s in season in October, this October Seasonal Produce Guide has a complete list of seasonal fruits and vegetables that are readily available this month. You’ll also find plenty of recipes to utilize this vibrant collection of early fall produce!

October seasonal produce including pumpkin, sweet potatoes and more.

Fall is in full swing, and October brings a colorful bounty to the market. Think crisp apples, jewel-toned pomegranates, hearty Brussels sprouts, and sweet, nutty winter squash.

This October Seasonal Produce Guide will provide you with a list of fruits and vegetables that are at their peak this month. You’ll also find a wide variety of recipes below to provide you with the inspiration you need to use all the delicious summer vegetables and fruits.

Eating seasonally means enjoying produce at its peak of flavor and nutrition, and this October produce guide highlights what to look for so you can cook and eat with the best of the season.

See last month’s September Seasonal Produce Guide for a list of produce that might still be available in your area.

Fruits and vegetables in season in October, including persimmon and winter squash.
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What’s in season in October

Below is a list of the fruits and vegetables that are in season during the month of October. This list may vary depending on where you are located.

List of fruits and vegetables that are in season in October.

October seasonal fruits and vegetables

Root vegetables

  • Beets. Known for their deep, vibrant colors such as red and purple to gold and even striped. They have an earthy, sweet flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. Don’t toss those beet greens as they are edible and packed with nutrition.
  • Carrots. Sweet and crisp, great for dipping, eaten raw in salads, an fabulous in soups and stews. They can also be grated and added to cakes and muffins for moisture and flavor.
  • Parsnips. Sweet and earthy with a nutty flavor and creamy texture when cooked. They’re wonderful roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews for extra depth. See my collection of parsnip recipes for more information.
  • Sweet potatoes. These are nutrient-dense and are naturally sweet with an earthy flavor and smooth, starchy flesh. They come in a variety of colors—including orange, white, and purple—and are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are versatile and can be roasted, mashed, baked, or added to soups, salads, and casseroles.
  • Turnips and rutabagas. Earthy, peppery roots that are wonderful roasted, stewed, or mashed. Use them in place of potatoes in stew for a lower carb alternative.

Leafy Greens & Cruciferous vegetables

  • Broccoli. Fresh broccoli has a mild, slighly bitter flavor when raw, with a crisp, crunchy texture that is great for salads and for dipping. Once roasted or sautéed, it has a sweet, nutty flavor.
  • Brussels sprouts. Nutty and earthy, with mild cabbage flavor. They are great fried, roasted until caramelized or shaved raw in salads.
  • Cabbage – Crisp, crunchy texture and slightly bitter flavor when raw, and works great in slaws and salads. Once cooked, cabbage has a sweet, nutty flavor and tender texture. See my produce guide and collection of cabbage recipes for more information on varieties and ways to use it.
  • Cauliflower. One of the most versatile veggies! Like broccoli, it’s great for dipping and used raw in salad. It’s also fabulous roasted, mashed and puréed in soup.
  • Dark leafy greens. Dark leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, mustard greens, dandelion greens, and collard greens are hearty, nutrient-rich vegetables known for their bold flavors and impressive health benefits. Their robust texture holds up well to sautéing, braising, and soups, and their slightly bitter, peppery, or earthy notes add depth to a variety of savory dishes.
Fruits and vegetables included in October seasonal produce guide.

Other Fall Vegetables

  • Celery. Crisp and aromatic, adding flavor to soups, stews, and crunchy salads.
  • Fennel. Subtly sweet with a light anise flavor, pairing beautifully with citrus and greens. See my collection of fennel recipes for more information.
  • Mushrooms. Meaty and earthy, especially wild varieties in the fall.

Winter Squash

  • Butternut squash. This is a sweet, nutty winter squash with smooth, orange flesh and a creamy texture when cooked. Its natural sweetness and rich flavor make it incredibly versatile— it’s perfect for roasting, mashing, blending into soups, or adding to salads, pastas, and grain bowls. It’s also a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. See my post on butternut squash recipes to find out more.
  • Delicata squash. A small, cream-colored winter squash with green stripes and thin, edible skin. Its sweet, nutty flavor and tender texture make it perfect for roasting, stuffing, or adding to salads — no peeling required! See my produce guide and collection of delicata squash recipes for more information.
  • Pumpkin. This winter squash needs no introduction! It’s mild and slightly sweet with dense orange flesh that’s perfect for both savory and sweet dishes. It’s ideal for roasting, pureeing, or baking, and is packed with fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Use fresh pumpkin in soups, curries, baked goods, or seasonal favorites like pies and muffins. See my complete list of pumpkin recipes for inspiration.
  • Spaghetti squash. This is a fun and flavorful winter squash with a mild, slightly sweet taste and a unique stringy texture that turns into pasta-like strands when cooked. It’s a wholesome, low-carb alternative to traditional noodles and pairs perfectly with your favorite sauces, roasted veggies, or a simple drizzle of olive oil and parmesan.

Fall Fruits

  • Apples. These crisp and juicy fall fruits are bursting with sweet-tart flavor, making them one of the most versatile fruits of the season. Whether you’re snacking, baking, or tossing them into salads, apples add freshness and crunch to any dish. They’re also a great source of fiber and vitamin C, making them as nourishing as they are delicious. See my collection of apple recipes to find out more.
  • Figs. Soft and sweet with a tender skin and seedy, jammy interior. They’re amazing eaten as-is, added to salads, cooked into jam, or baked, grilled or roasted. See my collection of fresh fig recipes to find out more about this luxurious fruit.
  • Grapes. Crisp, juicy and bite-sized, grapes are the perfect fruit. They’re available in red, green, black and even gold colors, and each one has their own special flavor. They’re perfect for snacking, they make a great addition to cheese boards, and are a great way to jazz up salads.
  • Pears. These fruits are sweet, juicy, and perfectly crisp or tender depending on the variety. Varieties include Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, Seckel and more. They’re a fall favorite for snacking, baking, or adding to salads and cheese boards.
  • Persimmons. Sweet and honey-like, delicious eaten fresh, added to salads, or baked. See my produce guide and collection of persimmon recipes for more information.
  • Pomegranate. Vibrant ruby-red fruits filled with jewel-like arils that burst with a sweet-tart flavor. They add a refreshing crunch and pop of color to salads, yogurt bowls, and festive drinks. See my produce guide and collection of pomegranate recipes for more information.
  • Quince. Fragrant and firm, best when poached or cooked into jams and preserves.
Fruits and vegetables in season in October.

Root vegetable recipes

Bowl of Autumn Vegetable Soup topped with parmesan cheese.

Autumn Vegetable Soup

Autumn Vegetable Soup is packed with chunky fall vegetables, creamy white beans, herbs and kale for a healthy meal prep lunch or dinner!
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Maple glazed carrots on a platter with fresh parsley

Maple Glazed Carrots

Maple Glazed Carrots are tender and sweet, with a flavorful orange maple glaze and chopped fresh parsley. This is a show stopping, easy side dish that comes together quickly and the whole family will love it!
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Roasted carrots and parsnips in a white bowl with spoon

Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

Roasted Carrots and Parsnips are tender, caramelized and roasted to perfection! This easy side dish is gluten free and vegan with minimal prep!
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Parsnip puree in a white bowl with serving spoon digging in

Creamy Parsnip Puree Recipe

Parsnip Puree recipe is creamy, flavorful and will become your new favorite side dish!  It's lower carb than mashed potatoes, naturally gluten-free and is great with anything you're serving!
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Parsnip soup in a bowl with thyme leaves

Parsnip Soup Recipe

Parsnip Soup is smooth and creamy with the flavors of sweet, woody parsnips, leeks, garlic and fresh thyme. It's so easy to make and it can be made vegan with one simple swap!
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Roasted beets on a platter with thyme sprigs

Oven Roasted Beets Recipe

Oven Roasted Beets are tender, delicious and can be customized so many ways! They're perfect as a side dish, they make a great addition to salads, and they're so easy to make!
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Plated honey mustard chicken with roasted potatoes and broccoli.

Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken

Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken is juicy, flavorful and cooks up with baby gold potatoes and broccoli for an easy one pan dinner. It's ready in 40 minutes!
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Platter of crispy smashed potatoes.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Crispy Smashed Potatoes are soft and fluffy on the outside, irresistibly crispy on the outside, and seasoned with garlic powder and rosemary. They're wonderful served as a side dish or an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce!
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Black Bean Sweet Potato enchiladas on a plate with avocado

Black Bean Sweet Potato Enchiladas

Sweet Potato Enchiladas are an easy vegetarian dinner with hearty black beans, corn and plenty of cheese! Components can be made in advance so it's great for meal prep!
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Baked sweet potato with pat of butter

Baked Sweet Potato Recipe

Learn how to bake sweet potatoes with all of the easy tips in this Baked Sweet Potato recipe! They're perfectly tender and fluffy with golden brown, crispy skins, and they take just minutes to prep!
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Leafy greens and cruciferous veggies recipes

Mini crustless broccoli quiche on a serving platter

Mini Crustless Broccoli Quiche

Mini Crustless Broccoli Quiche is a healthier spin on quiche with plenty of broccoli, cheddar cheese and no pie crust! This is the perfect meal prep breakfast or brunch and they come together in minutes!
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Chickpea casserole in a skillet.

One Pan Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole

This One Pan Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole is vegetarian comfort food! It's hearty, cheesy and comes together in just one pan so it's perfect for busy weeknights or holidays!
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Bowl of garlic mashed cauliflower with spoon digging in

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

This Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe is a delicious low carb side dish! It's smooth and creamy with the flavors of garlic and fresh chives, and it's so easy to make!
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Cilantro lime cauliflower rice in a bowl with serving spoon.

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe

This simple recipe uses frozen cauliflower rice as a time-saving shortcut. The resulting cilantro lime cauliflower rice tastes so fresh and flavorful!
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Smashed brussels sprouts on a plate with a serving spoon.

Smashed Brussels Sprouts Recipe

These Smashed Brussels sprouts are boiled until tender, smashed, and roasted with olive oil, garlic, thyme, and parmesan for golden, crunchy edges. They're an irresistible side dish or appetizer!
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Brussels sprouts and bacon in a pan

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon are a classic combination for a reason! Crispy bacon and caramelized brussels sprouts are combined with the brightness of lemon for an easy side dish that everyone will love!
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Kale salad with shaved brussels sprouts and avocado in a bowl.

Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad is a delicious winter salad packed with texture and fresh flavors. It's tossed in a bright, zesty lemon dressing and it's great for meal prep!
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Tropical kale smoothie in a glass.

Tropical Mango Kale Smoothie

This Mango Kale Smoothie is creamy, refreshing, and made with no refined sugar. If you're trying to sneak more greens into your diet, you'll love this kale smoothie that's bursting with the tropical flavors of mango, pineapple, and banana!
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Italian sausage kale soup in a white bowl with spoon digging in

Italian Sausage Kale Soup

Italian Sausage Kale Soup is high in protein, brimming with flavor and loaded with veggies, white beans and kale. Top with parmesan cheese for an easy, family friendly dinner!
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Cabbage and ground beef casserole in a skillet with cheese.

Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is an easy, one pot dinner. It's made without rice and makes a satisfying low carb option, and it's ready in 30 minutes!
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Thai chicken salad on a platter with salad servers.

Thai Chicken Salad Recipe

Thai Chicken Salad is packed with protein, crunchy veggies and it's tossed in a flavorful peanut dressing! It utilizes rotisserie chicken breast for an easy yet satisfying salad!
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Classic coleslaw in a white bowl

Classic Coleslaw Recipe

This Classic Coleslaw recipe is addictively crisp, crunchy and is tossed in a creamy coleslaw dressing. It's made with just 3 ingredients and comes together in minutes!
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Other fall vegetable recipes

Curry chicken salad in a serving bowl.

Curry Chicken Salad

This Curry Chicken Salad is creamy, crunchy, and full of warm curry flavor. It comes together with shredded rotisserie chicken in about 15 minutes!
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Homemade vegetable broth in a jar surrounded by veggies

Homemade Vegetable Stock

Homemade Vegetable Stock is so fresh tasting and easy to make that you'll never buy it again! It's a great way to utilize those veggie scraps, it's freezer friendly, and recipe includes cooking methods for the stove top, slow cooker and Instant Pot!
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Chicken wild rice soup with no cream in a bowl.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup (No Cream)

This Chicken Wild Rice Soup is high in protein, packed with veggies and hearty wild rice, and there's no cream! It's the perfect cozy fall and winter dinner!
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Spoonful of mushroom barley soup in a bowl

Mushroom Barley Soup

Mushroom Barley Soup is a rustic, comforting vegetarian soup packed with mushrooms, veggies and hearty pearl barley.  It's easy to make and it's perfect for meal prep!
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Sausage stuffed mushrooms on a plate with parsley

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are a crowd pleasing appetizer that's as elegant as it is delicious! They can be assembled entirely in advance making them perfect for entertaining!
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Mushroom ravioli in a serving bowl with a spoon

Mushroom Ravioli with Pesto

Mushroom Ravioli is tender ravioli tossed with pesto sauce, sautéed mushrooms, crunchy walnuts and shaved parmesan. It's a satisfying vegetarian dinner that's on the table in 30 minutes!
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Instant pot risotto with mushrooms on a plate

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Instant Pot Risotto is creamy and delicious with mushrooms, fresh lemon and plenty of parmesan! It's perfect every time with no stirring involved and it's on the table in 30 minutes!
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Arugula and fennel salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Arugula and Fennel Salad

This arugula and fennel salad is crisp, fresh, and tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette with shaved Parmesan. It's a simple, elegant salad that's ready in minutes!
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Overhead shot of apple fennel slaw in a bowl with wooden servers.

Fennel and Apple Slaw

Fennel and Apple Slaw is addictively crunchy, packed with sweet and savory flavor, and tossed in a creamy, tangy coleslaw dressing!
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Winter squash recipes

Pumpkin chili with turkey in a bowl

Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin Chili is rich and hearty with ground turkey, pumpkin, black beans and plenty of spice!  It's the perfect fall meal prep dinner and it's freezer friendly!
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Homemade pumpkin puree in a bowl

How to Make Pumpkin Puree

Learn How to Make Pumpkin Purée with my easy tips! It's velvety smooth with a delicious fresh flavor, and it is freezer-friendly!
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Pumpkin risotto in a bowl with fork digging in.

Pumpkin Risotto

Pumpkin Risotto is creamy and comforting with sweet roasted pumpkin, fresh thyme and smoky bacon. Use canned pumpkin puree as a timesaver and make it vegetarian with one simple swap!
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Roasted pumpkin seeds in a bowl on a cutting board

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

These Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are crunchy and irresistible! They're great tossed in salads, they make a healthy snack, and they keep for up to 2 weeks!
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Creamy kabocha squash mash in a serving bowl.

Creamy Kabocha Squash Mash

Kabocha Mash is creamy and velvety smooth with the flavors of rosemary, warm cinnamon and orange zest. This is a delicious fall and winter side dish that's great for weeknights or holiday dinners!
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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread sliced on a cutting board.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Enjoy all the cozy fall vibes with this Chocolate Chip Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread! It packs in plenty of pumpkin spice flavor and is studded with dark chocolate chips. It's lower in oil, is made with white whole wheat flour and comes together in just one bowl!
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Pumpkin overnight oats in jars

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Pumpkin Overnight Oats taste like pumpkin pie! They're an easy gluten free, vegan breakfast that takes only 5 minutes of prep and 6 ingredients!
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Stack of pumpkin pie bars on a plate topped with whipped cream

Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars

Pumpkin Pie Bars deliver everything you love about pumpkin pie without the effort! It includes a press-in shortbread crust, a luscious pumpkin filling, and it takes just 15 minutes of prep!
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Mashed butternut squash in a bowl

Mashed Butternut Squash

Mashed Butternut Squash is savory, velvety in texture, and makes a wonderful side dish for anything you're serving! It's gluten-free, completely customizable and so easy to make!
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Butternut squash soup in a white bowl with croutons on top

Creamy Butternut Squash Potato Leek Soup

Butternut Squash Potato Leek Soup is velvety smooth, creamy, and one of the most comforting soups you'll ever eat. It's naturally gluten free, vegetarian and great for meal prep!
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Baked butternut squash risotto on a plate with crispy sage leaves

Baked Butternut Squash Risotto

Baked Butternut Squash Risotto is creamy, satisfying and so easy to make! There's no bothersome stirring, it comes together in one pot and it involves just a few minutes of prep!
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Maple roasted delicata squash on a plate with thyme leaves.

Maple Roasted Delicata Squash

Maple Roasted Delicata Squash is a sweet and savory side dish with the mild, nutty flavor of delicata squash, maple syrup and fresh thyme. Serve with cranberries and pecans for a festive fall side dish!
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Fork shredding spaghetti squash

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (Instant Pot, Oven & Microwave)

Learn how to Cook Spaghetti Squash easily in the Instant Pot, microwave, or bake it in the oven! It's a cost effective gluten-free, lower carb alternative to pasta and it's great for meal prep!
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Spaghetti squash lasagna on a sheet pan.

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is everything you want in lasagna without all the carbs! Tender roasted spaghetti squash is tossed with a creamy ricotta filling, then topped with a rich, flavorful Italian sausage marinara and mozzarella cheese. It's cheesy, satisfying and can be assembled completely in advance!
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Fall fruit recipes

Stack of apple pie bars on a plate.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe

These Apple Pie Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, tender cinnamon apples, and irresistible crumb topping. They’re an easy make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings and holiday parties!
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Chicken salad with tarragon in a serving bowl.

Tarragon Chicken Salad with Apples

Tarragon Chicken Salad is tender shredded chicken breast, crunchy celery, chopped apple and fresh tarragon tossed in a creamy dressing. It's a high protein lunch that's great for meal prep!
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Baked apples cut on a plate with ice cream

Baked Apples

Baked Apples are sweet, tender and packed with cozy cinnamon flavor! They're an easy fall dessert that may be prepped completely in advance!
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Fig jam in a jar

Small-Batch Fig Jam

Small-Batch Fig Jam is the easiest way to make homemade fig jam recipe! There's no pectin, refined sugar or canning requirements, and it's a great way to enjoy fresh figs!
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Fig salad in a white bowl with dressing

Arugula Fig Salad Recipe

This Arugula Fig Salad recipe is packed with sweet and savory flavor! It's tossed with crisp apple, creamy goat cheese, toasted walnuts and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette and is guaranteed to impress!
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Homemade applesauce in a white bowl with cinnamon sticks

Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe

This easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe is one of the best ways to celebrate apple season! It's packed with warm cinnamon and a fresh flavor that only homemade has, plus it's ready in about 30 minutes!
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Slice of apple tarte tatin on a plate with ice cream

Classic Apple Tarte Tatin

Classic Apple Tarte Tatin is every bit as delicious as apple pie and it's so much easier! It's a show stopping apple dessert with tender, caramelized apples atop a flaky, buttery pie crust, and it wows the crowd every single time!
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Strawberry feta salad in a white bowl.

Strawberry Feta Salad

This Strawberry Feta Salad recipe is brimming with juicy ripe strawberries, sweet grapes, feta cheese and toasted walnuts.  It's tossed in a flavorful balsamic dressing for the ultimate summer salad!
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Sonoma chicken salad in a bowl over a bed of lettuce.

Sonoma Chicken Salad

Sonoma Chicken Salad is refreshing, delicious and makes the perfect high protein lunch! It comes together in minutes with leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken breast, and it's great for meal prep!
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Roasted butternut squash and pear soup in a bowl

Roasted Butternut Squash and Pear Soup

Roasted Butternut Squash and Pear Soup is velvety smooth soup with caramelized butternut squash, pears and a spicy sweet ginger kick!
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Arugula pear salad on a platter with wooden salad servers.

Arugula Pear Salad

Arugula Pear Salad is a delicious blend of peppery arugula, juicy pears, creamy blue cheese and toasted pecans. Toss in champagne vinaigrette for a salad that's guaranteed to impress!
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Pear pie a la mode on a plate

Pear Pie Recipe

Celebrate pear season with this homemade Pear Pie! It's got a flaky pie crust, juicy pear filling and streusel topping for the ultimate fall dessert!
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Persimmon salad in a bowl with salad servers

Persimmon Salad

Persimmon Salad is sweet, savory and absolutely delicious! It's tossed in an apple cider dressing and it comes together in minutes!
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Persimmon cake on a marble board

Persimmon Cake with Brown Butter Orange Frosting

Persimmon Cake with Brown Butter Orange Frosting is dense, moist and full of flavor! It's a delicious, versatile cake that's perfect for dessert, holidays and even breakfast and brunch!
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