I have said it a million times, but Fall is the best time of year in NYC. The air cools down a bit, the market is bursting with the last bits of summer, along with the first apples, squash, and roots of the fall. I open all of the windows in my apartment and let it get cool enough that I have to put on a sweater for the first time in months, and it's blissful. Well, not totally blissful because this year I am being treated to the constant sound of pile-driving due to the huge condos that are being built on the Greenpoint waterfront, but anything is better than stale air-conditioned air that is never quite the right temperature.

Anyway! I also usually do a little cabinet clean out/organizational dance when the weather gets a bit cooler, most importantly, I replace my fall and winter baking spices if they are seeming a bit stale so my spiced treats are the best they can be. Then I start my fall baking and preserving. I usually make some grape jam and plum jam, then I get to the apples, pears, and quince, and squash....Do you have any fall rituals? I'd love to hear about them.

Below are some links to recipes around the web I can't wait to try in the next few months:

Salted Pepita Caramels from Love, Cake

Saffron and Cardamom Poached Pears from Hummingbird High

Molten Halva Cakes from My Name is Yeh

Roasted Pear Ice Cream with Honey and Vanilla from Brooklyn Supper

Pink Pearl Apple & Calvados Tarte Tatin from Bojon Gourmet

Pear and Cacao Nib Buckwheat Muffins from The Year in Food

Pumpkin Poundcake with Chocolate from The Vanilla Bean Blog

Caramel Swirl Apple Cake from Oh Ladycakes

Apple and Goat Cheese Tarts from Seven Spoons

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Cake from Naturally Ella

Spelt Apple Pancakes from A Cozy Kitchen