Fabulous Fall Menus

Updated September 05, 2007
Credit: 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

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Cozy Cabin Retreat Tout

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 Tout

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

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Continental Class Menu Tout

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

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Autumn Light Tout

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 Tout

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 Tout

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

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Fall Harvest Menu Menu

Wine Pairings

Salad: Lynmar Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Risotto: Lynmar Russion River Valley Pinot Noir

Chicken: Lynmar Hawk Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir

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Fall Vegetable Curry Menu

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Fall Vegetable Curry Menu Menu

*Cook 1 cup basmati rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Stir in 1/4 cup unsalted cashew pieces and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

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Fall Harvest Dinner Party

Credit: 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

Credit: Photo Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Pumpkin Patch Picnic Menu

Double recipe for Loaded Potato Packets and Pumpkin Lattes for 8 to 10 servings.

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The Ultimate Fall Party Menu

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Fall Feast Menu Menu

Spend some time around the table and relax with these fall recipes that highlight butternut squash, grilled potatos, and pineapple.

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