Our Favorite Apple Salad Recipe!

Who doesn't love a salad that includes fresh seasonal ingredients? Many of us are baking with those delicious seasonal fall apples (making apple crisp, apple pie or apple cobbler) but those juicy apples are also such great addition to savory recipes (like this autumn sheet pan chicken dinner) and side salads like this.

Apples are the crowing star of the show in this salad and they are highlighted beautifully by the other ingredients like the tangy feta and rich smoky bacon. Bacon makes everything better though right?

This salad is simple enough to be an addition to weeknight meal but it's also delicious enough to be served at a holiday gathering or a weekend party.

If you want to make it a main dish just add some chopped rotisserie chicken to it for more protein or consider tossing in a grain like farro, barley or even seedy tri color quinoa.

So much to love about this colorful, vibrant, sweet and savory salad!

The Best Wassail Recipe!

This warm, spiced apple cider punch is one of the best ways to enjoy a chilly day! It's sweet and tangy and perfectly bright and refreshing.

It's made with 100% juice and a hint of honey so it's a drink you can feel fine about enjoying. And kids love it too!

I've had many different versions of wassail a lot of which I found too tart or over-spiced, this is the version I love best!

What is Wassail Anyway?

Generally Wassail is a spiced ale or mulled wine drunk during celebrations for Twelfth Night and Christmas Eve. Many versions though here in the U.S. are alcohol free, as is this one (though if preferred you could add vodka or rum).

Ingredients You'll Need for This Punch

• Apple cider
• Orange juice
• Pineapple juice
• Honey
• Cinnamon sticks
• Cloves

Tips when selecting ingredients - use not from concentrate juices and real apple cider (the kind generally found in the produce section with floaties in the bottom).

How to Make Wassail

• In a large pot stir together apple cider, pineapple juice, orange juice and honey.
• Add cinnamon sticks and cloves (if you don't want to strain later on put spices in cheesecloth and tie).

• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat then reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer 30 minutes.
• Strain and serve warm.

Garnish if Desired

You can cook a few apple slices with it but I prefer not to cook oranges slices in the punch because it can add a bitter flavor from the white pith. But if you wait to add the oranges slices add it at the end it won't really add bitterness.

Garnishing Ideas:

• Apple slices (look for the pretty red Galas)
• Mandarin oranges slices (use quartered slices for individual servings)
• Cinnamon sticks
• Fresh cranberries

Can I Make It in the Slow Cooker?

You can definitely make this in the slow cooker as well. Just add ingredients to a 6 or 7 quart slow cooker, cover and cook on low 4 hours. Set to warm setting for parties to keep it heated.

Can I Reheat It?

If you didn't finish off the whole batch you can just chill whats left and rewarm later (either in the microwave, stovetop or slow cooker).

More Drink Recipes You'll Love

• Christmas Punch
• Hot Chocolate
• Butterbeer

Seared Pork Chops with Sweet Apples and Red Onions

I'll be honest, pork chops haven't always been my first choice of protein for dinner. But these pork chops change everything!

They are perfectly seared, perfectly spiced and seasoned and I just can't get enough of the fresh apple and red onion addition.

Oh and that pan sauce! Let's talk about that for a second because it is a key highlight of this dish.

It's made with chicken broth for depth, apple cider for sweetness (and because it's the perfect pairing to pork), then dijon mustard for zip, and those fresh herbs and autumn spices for flavor.

You know those spices that I can't help but add to everything lately, even my main dish like so.

I love the depth of flavor in fall desserts. When you pair their sweetness with the saltiness of Maldon or Fleur de Sel flaky sea salt wonders happen (I'd highly recommend using one or the other because these caramels have a highly concentrated sweetness so I think they need some salt to balance that out).

Pumpkin Waffle Recipe

I've loved fall breakfast lately! I save these kinds of recipes for the weekend and it always gives me something to look forward to. These waffles are one of my favorite fall breakfasts especially when topped with this incredibly delicious Apple Cider Syrup and a little sweetened whipped cream. The flavor combination of the two is simply irresistible and it couldn't be more fall-inspired.

Fluffy Pumpkin Waffles

Don't skip the step of separating the eggs and whipping the whites in this recipe. Using the whipped egg whites will give you a fluffier, not-so-dense waffle. It may seem tedious, and what I'm thinking is more like one extra dish to clean, but it's worth that extra dish. It really just creates such a light and fluffy batter. I've tried some vegan pumpkin waffles, but they struggle to get that fluffy and crispy consistency. Almond milk and coconut oil can be used in a pinch for dairy-free eaters, but dairy products are key for this flavor.

If you need a gluten-free option, swap the white whole wheat flour for alternative flour, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Also, if you don't plan on serving the waffles with the Apple Cider Syrup then you could definitely up the spices a little if you'd prefer (I don't think it really needs more pumpkin pie spice, but some of you may). Without syrup, I recommend a pat or two of melted butter, a sprinkling of powdered sugar or brown sugar, peanut butter, or chocolate chips.

Can I use this waffle recipe for pancakes?

Yes! Waffle batter is more light and whipped than pancake batter, but will still make a yummy pancake. The pancakes may be a bit more crisp and fluffy, so just be ready for that!