From Linda Larsen,
Your Guide to Busy Cooks.
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This weekend the weather is going to be just perfect where I live - highs in the 70s, with clear skies and a nice breeze. Since winter in Minnesota can begin as early as Halloween, we need to cherish every nice day during fall.

If the weather is nice this weekend where you live, take this opportunity to eat outside! Fall can be the perfect time for picnics, since frost may have diminished the bug population, and cool breezes together with hot sunshine really make you appreciate life. Make sure to read my Perfect Picnic article for details about planning and packing your picnic. Then enjoy these recipes that celebrate fall's lush flavors and have a fabulous weekend!

Saturday Breakfast

Stop by the grocery store after work and pick up the ingredients for this breakfast that's easy to eat outside. And after breakfast, pack up your picnic basket!

• Sausage Filled Biscuits
• Applesauce Granola Cookies
• ripe apples and pears
• juice boxes

Saturday Lunch

• Waldorf Chicken Salad Sandwich Filling in pita breads
• Apricot Banana Bars
• potato chips
• fizzy water and colas

Saturday Dinner

This meal will be eaten indoors, just because it gets dark earlier, and as much as I love picnics, they should be held during daylight hours. However, if you have a screened porch, set an elegant table with lots of candles and provide blankets and sweaters for your guests for a fabulous 'picnic' dinner.

• Apple Pork Chops
• sauteed green beans
• simple green salad
• Golden Honey Rolls
• Pear Apricot Cobbler

Sunday Brunch

Sleep late, then enjoy this brunch menu.

• Freezer French Toast
  You can bake this French Toast right after it's made; just reduce the baking time to 10-15 minutes, watching carefully. And then, of course, freeze what's left and enjoy this recipe again during the busy week!
• Apple Glazed Sausage and Bacon
• orange juice, milk, and coffee

Sunday Dinner

Use your grill for this delicious main dish salad that has wonderful flavor and texture, and combines hot and cold ingredients. The side dish is an easy foil packet recipe.

• Grilled Garlic Steak Salad
• Hobo Potatoes
• Apple Crisp with cinnamon ice cream.