The centerpiece of a great fall harvest party? The food!

Dishes that warm the soul and the palate are what celebrating the fall harvest is all about!

Here are some of my favorite foodie ideas to usher in the season:

1. Start with tantalizing appetizers. How about some applewood bacon and cheddar sliders? Or offer tasty basil pesto gorgonzola kisses, three cheese arancini, herb citrus scallops and lobster flatbread.

2. Whole Smoked Turkey. This is the main event. Delicious and showstoppingly beautiful, the aroma alone will have your guests drooling.

3. Sides with a twist. Try mashed potatoes with porcini mushrooms, carrots with maple glaze or lobster mac and cheese.

4. Finish up strong. Desserts that hail the season are winners like hand-dipped chocolate macaroons, spiced apple streusel tartlets or cognac pumpkin cake!

With a menu like this, no one will forget THIS fall harvest, for sure!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

The weather has taken a turn and it’s comfort food time! Can you believe it?

Here’s my personal list of Top 10 Comfort Foods…

1. Roast. The aroma while it’s cooking is absolutely heavenly.

2. Anything with cheese. Homestyle mac and cheese, cheesy creamed spinach and on and on!

3. Beef Wellington. This is one of those bake in the oven and devour by the fire meals.

4. Brisket. It’s great any time of year, but is so satisfying in cooler months.

5. A full turkey dinner. Total comfort food.

6. While we’re at it. Let’s add ham. Oh yum.

7. Stuffed pork chops. So warm and filling!

8. Twice baked potatoes. Again with the cheesy stuff. I can’t help it!

9. Wine! Okay, maybe it’s not technically “food,” but it sure is comforting!

10. We can’t forget dessert. Molten chocolate cake? Yes, please!

Make your own list and see how it compares to mine. I’ll bet we’ll have some duplicates!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Apples, pumpkins, spices. Those scream FALL to me.

Some of my favorite things to do with those fall favorites are a bit out of the ordinary.

Like the chicken breast roast with apple and tart cherry above. Check it out here for inspiration.

Ever tried spiced apple streusel tartlets for dessert? With ice cream? To die for! Feels like you’re sitting at Grandma’s table wearing a cable knit sweater every time.

Want a great fall meal? Try a hickory smoked turkey followed up by a pumpkin cheesecake.

Holy autumn that’s good!

What are your favorite fall foodie dishes? Dish ’em out here so we can all drool over them, will ya?

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.