A Note from Rach: Fall Feasts!

Each month, Rachael pens a personal letter to the readers of her magazine, Every Day with Rachael Ray. Here’s what’s on Rach’s mind for October, and don’t forget to get your copy of the issue, out on newsstands now! 

I live near a wonderful smokehouse in Warrensburg, NY — a family business that dates back generations; a success story that epitomizes the American dream. Oscar’s Adirondack Smoke House is a short pilgrimage from my hometown of Lake George. On weekends, my mom or dad would drive us there to get bacon, counter cheese (super-sharp white cheddar) and, especially in the fall, the best wursts of every variety. Oktoberfest for us meant food, friends and laughter on crisp, cool evenings: red cabbage cooked with apples, sauerkraut seasoned with caraway, bratwurst and knockwurst simmered in beer with onions. Celebrate my favorite season with our fun Oktoberfest party, and this just might become your favorite season, too.

I love pumpkins—especially in the form of soup or ravioli—but, when it comes to Halloween doorstep decorations, here’s a cool new tip: Go with gourds! I haul home more gourds than I can carry, and this year, I’ll be turning the misshapen squash into the quirky front-door friends to welcome trick-or-treaters.

Apple-picking is another autumnal activity I always take a bit too far. We pick enough apples as a family to keep 10 families in applesauce for life. Isaboo, my dog, thinks apple orchards are ball farms: When she makes a good catch she’s excited to find that it’s also juicy and delicious! So just in time for harvest, we’re giving you a different sweet or savory apple recipe to cook every day this month in our Healthy Helping tear-out booklet.

Here’s a trend I’m excited to get behind: roasting vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts stalks and more — whole! Not only do the recipes give vegetables the showstopping attention they deserve, but roasting the entire thing amplifies flavor, retains moisture and creates a crispy, super-flavorful crust. This month, my 30-Minute Meals are full of fall favorites, like Hanger Steak with French Onion Sauce, Chorizo & Vegetable Chili, and a delicious pasta shape that makes everyone happy—bow ties—with three delicious sauces. My mom especially looks at a bowlful of farfalle with the widest of smiles!

Take a little time this October to rake some leaves into a big pile and jump in—the fall equivalent of stopping to smell the roses. Roses make me sneeze. I prefer the autumn leaves.

Love,

Rachael