How We Celebrate the Season

"Since we have an apple tree in our backyard, this season is all about apples for me and my family. We absolutely adore our quirky little tree that delivers big most years. The abundance of the apples picked from the tree lasts well into the year and makes me cook up fresh and creative recipes to use it up. The delicious flavors of autumn slowly reveal themselves in this rich autumn layer cake" — Olga M.

"Love going on a sleigh ride" — Joan M.

"My favorite activity for the holidays is creating fun charcuterie boards! I love to get creative and make different things like trees, wreaths, etc. This charcutewreath was created with seeded eucalyptus as a base, and artisanal meats and cheeses with seasonal fruits and fresh herbs for garnish. With smaller family events at home, having something extra special to share is so important this holiday season!" — Cynthia B.

"We own and operate a cattle farm and this picture of my sweet Andy! He is a bottle baby and now has become officially my pet! All of our critters get involved with the holidays." — Shari W.

"Favorite activity: turning pumpkins into a work of art!" — Diana R.

"My family and I love to explore a local pumpkin patch and drink warm apple cider" — Elizabeth M.

"I think this photo speaks for itself in social distancing times" — Barbara M.

"My husband's family is Austrian. Every year he bakes 15 Mohnstrudel (poppy seed strudel) to give away to family and friends. This year our 2-year-old granddaughter helped him." — Kate T.

"This recipe for Spiced Vanilla Cake Stuffed with Caramel Apple Slices is one I created just in time for our Thanksgiving table this year! And since then, my family has barely been able to stop talking about it. This dessert flips the script from the classic apple pie theme to something a little more interesting to give your holiday table a bit of unexpected flair, where the standard and somewhat boring apple pie would usually be showcased." — Katie S.

Submitted by Kim S.

"We always make something sweet with apples from our local orchard, and this year I decided to make candy apples! I swapped brown rice syrup for traditional corn syrup for a less processed option, and added some pomegranate molasses for a pinch of flavor! Some toasted hazelnuts on the bottom too! Super fun and quick to make." — Hallie S.

"Our family loves tree-climbing and jumping in the leaves!" — Jincheng Z.