From Tailgates to Bonfires: Recipes for Fall Get-togethers

Fall is a time for a crisp chill in the air, football tailgates, and warming bonfires, but it’s also a time for feasting on tasty apple treats. What kind of foods can we serve at this year’s Fall gatherings to lend a seasonal flair and an air of festiveness to the scene? Below are options we found (and pinned) on the Musselman’s Pinterest site that pull from the bounty of autumn and can make any gathering an “Apple-y” good time.

Apple Sauce Snack Cake. This dense, custardy cake topped with cinnamon ginger cream cheese frosting tastes so decadent you’d never guess unsweetened apple sauce is standing in for butter. Cut the cake into little squares and serve to guests for a tasty, lower-in-sugar treat.

Wassail. Why wait until Christmastime to get your wassail on? Warm-up your guests with this hot, mulled beverage at your Fall party. Keep it warm in a slow cooker.

Apple Cinnamon Old Fashioned Cocktail.  In this seasonal twist on a classic cocktail, apple butter is the surprise ingredient. Add a bit of apple peel and a cinnamon stick to up the festive factor.

Pumpkin Walnut Dipping Sauce. Served in a small, hollowed-out pumpkin, this rich and creamy dip is an elegant addition to your hors d’oeuvres table. Pair it with a tray of cookies, crackers, or fruit slices for a delicious treat.

Apple Pie Chips. These are sure to be a hit at the next kids Halloween party! Slather whole-grain tortillas with apple butter. Bake the tortillas until they’re crisp, and then cut them into wedges. To dress them up, drizzle the bites with caramel sauce or serve them with a cream cheese dip.

Grandma’s Apple Spice Cookies. Packed with fall flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg —along with chewy raisins and walnuts, if you wish — these soft, cakelike cookies are a real crowd-pleaser. Offer them with coffee or hot tea.

Blue Cheese and Apple Toasts. For decidedly grown-up tastes, you can’t go wrong with the combination of blue cheese and apples. Toss blue cheese with a bit of cream cheese. Slice and toast baguettes, and then top with the cheese mixture, a dollop of apple butter, and toasted walnuts.

As you plan your Fall events, make a to-do list to stay on track. Keep the menu simple, and do as much as you can ahead of time. Remember, you want to enjoy the party as much as your guests.