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Five Ideas for a Fun-Filled Fall!

by on ‎08-21-2014 05:19 PM

As we head into the last weeks of August, I may be in full-on summer mode, but it turns out Mother Nature has some other ideas in mind. I’m feeling a hint of crispness in the air, the days are getting shorter…and I’m even starting to daydream about cinnamon, spice and other yummy fall flavors. Move over, summer…Autumn is definitely on its way! 


And, just in time, QVC has new and special offers on temp-tations as part of the Your Fall Kitchen Cook Event. So you’ll be fully stocked with everything you need to make the most of fall flavors! Like this brand new set of Scoop and Measuring Spoons. Bring on the nutmeg, pecans and pumpkin pie spice! Smiley Wink



My calendar is already feeling the change in season, too. We’ve got a very busy fall ahead at temp-tations, so I know I need to start carving out some time to do the things I love best about fall. Otherwise, we’ll be into the holiday season before I know it.


So here’s what’s on my fall bucket list. Now the trick is to make it happen! 


1)      Leaf Peeping Road Trip! I grew up in the Hudson Valley, where – and, I’ll admit, I MAY be biased – the fall foliage is more beautiful than anywhere else on earth. J So I always make it a point to visit friends and family in my home town in the fall. Nothing beats a hike in the woods with no particular destination. Every once and a while you step out onto a lookout and the combination of autumn sunshine and color is truly dazzling.


2)      Apple and Pumpkin Picking. OK, this one isn’t just about relaxing. I love visiting local farms to pick my favorite apples (Golden Delicious) and pumpkins because I can stock up on farm-fresh ingredients AND décor at the same time! Plus, I find it’s great design inspiration. The gorgeous harvest colors of our Verona Pumpkin Baker came straight from my local farmer’s market.



3)      Fall Baking. Once you pick all those apples and pumpkins, it’s time to make the most of them! That’s why I love sharing my tried-and-true recipes, like the absolutely yummy Pumpkin Pie recipe in my Figural Pumpkin Pie Baker.


But, sometimes, you want fall flavors in a flash. And here’s a secret. You can get your fall flavor fix without a trip to the orchard with this super-easy recipe.


 


EASY APPLE COBBLER



4 cups apple pie filling


1 cup flour


½ cup brown sugar


½ cup butter, softened


¼ cup old fashioned oats


¼ cup pecans


 



  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put pie filling in your temp-tations 1 Qt round baker.

  2. Place the flour and sugar in a bowl and blend. Cut the butter into the flour mix with a pastry blender or 2 knives until coarse crumbs form.

  3. Add oats and pecans and mix well.  Cover apple filling with the streusel mixture.

  4. Bake until bubbling and browned, about 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.  Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.


 


4)      Outdoor Entertaining. You won’t find me packing up my patio set the minute summer is over! Brisk fall weather is perfect for outdoor entertaining. And there are some ooey-gooey recipes that just taste better when you’re gathered with friends and family around a roaring bonfire and there’s a hint of chill in the air. 


 


5)      Tailgating. I played soccer from the time I was 10 years old all the way up through college. And though you’ll find me in the cheering section instead of on the field these days, I always associate fall with great game days. Especially when there’s tailgating involved!


 


Here’s a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next tailgating event…especially with kids (of all ages)!


 


CORN DOG CASSEROLE


 


1 Tablespoon butter or margarine


2 boxes (8.5 ounces each) corn muffin mix


2 large eggs


3⁄4 cup milk


6-8 hotdogs or turkey franks


1 Tablespoon sugar


4 slices American cheese, optional


 



  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place butter in a 2 quart temp-tations baking dish and microwave for 15-20 seconds, just until melted. Shake dish from side to side to coat bottom and sides with the melted butter.

  2. Place the muffin mix, eggs, and milk into a large temp-tations mixing bowl and mix until smooth.

  3. Pour 1⁄3 of the batter into the greased 2 quart baking dish and then place whole hotdogs in rows over top, about 3⁄4 inch apart. To extend each row to about 1⁄2 inch from the edge of the dish on either side, you will most likely need to cut 2 of the hotdogs into smaller pieces to add in.

  4. Place 4 slices of American cheese evenly over the hotdogs, and then cover all with the remaining 2⁄3 of the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top has browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with ketchup or mustard, or whatever you usually serve with corn dogs.


So what are your fun fall plans? Any great recipes that go along with them? Fill me in on your fall bucket list in the comments, below. Smiley Happy


XOXO


Tara