Fabulous Fall Menus

September 05, 2007
Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Elizabeth Demos
To celebrate fall's arrival, we've gathered our favorite menus inspired by autumn's flavors and aromas.
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Cozy Cabin Retreat

Becky Luigart-Stayner
Cozy Cabin Retreat Menu
Once the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, it's hard to beat retreating to a mountain cabin with friends for a weekend of relaxation. Serve this autumn-inspired, make-ahead menu for eight that you can prepare unrushed. Plus, everyone's sure to enjoy seasonal recipes such as Rich Mushroom Soup, Cider-Roasted Chicken, and Pumpkin-Orange Cake.
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Cocktail Party

Cocktail Party Menu
Entertaining meets elegance with these tasty recipes that will serve up to 12 guests. The Smoked Trout with Apple-Horseradish Cream on Potato Pancakes make for an eye-catching presentation, and the Baba Ganoush with Red Pepper Swirl adds wonderful Greek flavor.

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Continental Class Menu

Becky Luigart-Stayner
Continental Class Menu Menu
This sophisticated menu for eight features Bagna Cauda (the classic Italian dipping sauce that combines salty anchovies with garlic and capers) and showstopping Pistachio-Encrusted Rack of Lamb. End the luxe meal with refreshingly light Fresh Berry Pavlovas.
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Autumn Light

Becky Luigart-Stayner
Autumn Light Menu
Fall produce like pears, butternut squash, leeks, and apples are the stars of this delicious and healthy recipe lineup. The dishes serve 8-10 people and are perfect for a weekend supper club gathering or harvest season celebration.

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Potluck Suppers

Potluck Suppers Menu
Supper clubs and potlucks are a great way to reunite with friends in the fall after summer vacation. At your next gathering, try taking the Goat Cheese Spread (left), pot pie, or spinach casserole featured in this menu. Our reviewers gave the appetizer five stars, so it's sure to be a hit!

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Soup-and-Sandwich Menu

Soup-and-Sandwich Menu Menu
Hot soup paired with a hearty sandwich makes a dynamic fall duo. This menu elevates your basic soup-and-sandwich meal and features a 15-minute Tomato-Basil Bisque and Italian BLT Sandwiches.
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Fall Harvest Menu

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr
Fall Harvest Menu Menu
Beautiful weather, locally sourced food, wine made on site: A meal at a Sonoma estate is nothing short of stunning. (Serves 8)

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Fall Vegetable Curry Menu

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross
Fall Vegetable Curry Menu Menu
No Madras curry powder? Try 1 1/2 teaspoons regular curry and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper. (Serves 4)

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Fall Harvest Dinner Party

Photo: Jim Franco; Styling: Buffy Hargett
Fall Harvest Dinner Party Menu
This sophisticated yet easy-to-make menu is perfect for celebrating a cool, crisp October evening with friends.
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Pumpkin Patch Picnic

Photo Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Pumpkin Patch Picnic Menu
Gather outdoors to select the pick of the patch, then spend time together playing games, carving and decorating pumpkins and enjoying a country-size spread of delicious homemade offerings.

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The Ultimate Fall Party Menu

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett
The Ultimate Fall Party Menu Menu
When you have crowd-pleasing recipes, bold seasonal flavors, and a few make-ahead strategies, your party will simply fall into place.

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Apples All Day Menu

Photo: Leo Gong; Styling: Karen Shinto
Apples All Day Menu Menu
Seven delicious ways to bite into the Western harvest.
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Autumn Harvest Menu

Photo: Helen Norman
Autumn Harvest Menu Menu
You don't have to own your own farm to enjoy this seasonal menu, but it sure does help! Bursting with root vegetables, squash, and tart apples, this menu is everything you love about the season on a plate.

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Seasonal Squash Menu

Photo: William Brinson
Seasonal Squash Menu Menu
From savory to sweet and soup to nuts, there's more to this gourd than meets the eye.

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Cooking with Cider Menu

Photo: Thomas J. Story
Cooking with Cider Menu Menu
Sure, we love cider as a comforting fall drink, but it makes a great partner to savory meat dishes and decadent desserts too.
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Fall Feast Menu

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Elizabeth Demos
Fall Feast Menu Menu
Fall recipes for relaxing around the table and catching up with friends and family.
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