In the fall, as the leaves turn and temperatures cool, our appetites turn from light summer fare toward cozier meals to keep us warm. In Colorado, when our weather turns brisk but it’s a bit too soon to hit the ski slopes, there’s a sweet spot between seasons that’s ideal for welcoming friends and family into our homes for autumn entertaining.
I like to treat my guests to a comforting, seasonally inspired meal. Many of the traditional flavors of fall are reflected in this cozy, elegant menu that starts with an earthy Mushroom Paté and ends with an impressive class apple tarte tatin. And, as always with our recipes, the majority of the dishes can be made ahead of time.
Mushroom Pate
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Earthy and savory, luxurious Mushroom Pâté will soon be part of your regular recipe rotation. Made with dense, meaty cremini (baby Portobello) mushrooms, it’s easy to prepare, too! And, it’s so full of deep umami flavors, even your meat-eating friends will love it.
Crisp, juicy red apples are the star in this refreshing salad. They provide color, sweetness and crunch that pairs perfectly with the earthy toasted walnuts and hearty mixed greens. What really sets this salad apart is the delightful, tangy Walnut Vinaigrette dressing. It’s quick and easy to prepare, with just 3 ingredients, too!
Tender and juicy, Asian Pork Tenderloin is a family favorite. The Asian-inspired marinade (which does double duty as a serving sauce) is full of bold, well balanced flavors. Whether grilled, roasted or cooked in a sous vide, this easy to prepare pork tenderloin comes out perfectly tender and juicy, every time.Note that the pork needs to marinate for at least 1 hour.
Oven Roasted Green Beans Recipe with Crispy Shallots
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An easy roasted green beans recipe that's special enough for company. The beans roast until crisp-tender, then get tossed in a bright lemon-Dijon dressing and finished with crispy caramelized shallots. Make the shallots and dressing ahead, and serve the beans warm or at room temperature.
Lemon Rice is bright, creamy and easy enough for everyday, while elegant enough for entertaining. Long grain white rice and lemon zest are briefly sautéed in a bit of butter, then simmered in flavorful chicken broth. Five minutes before serving, lemon juice and cream are added. So easy, so delicious!
Tarte Tatin is a classic French dessert featuring deeply caramelized apples and a buttery, flaky crust. And, this version gets it right – deep caramel flavor, tender apples that hold their shape, and a tender crust that stays crisp. Thoroughly tested and make-ahead friendly, it’s impressive, reliable, and worth every step!
I’m an award-winning cookbook author and food blogger who believes cooking at home should be easy, elegant, and fun. My recipes and tips have been featured in national media, shared through cooking demos on TV stations across the country, and trusted by friends and readers for years. My goal is to encourage you and help build your confidence in the kitchen, so you can create meals that bring joy and connection around your table.
