The Weekend Cook: First Weekend of Fall

It's fall; the weather is getting cooler, leaves are beginning to change, and we're all getting into the swing of the new school year. Celebrate all of these changes with a weekend's worth of fun and easy menus that use the food and flavors of fall.

Fall is my favorite season; I always look forward to the cooler temperatures, crisp air, abundant sunshine, and leaf color. And the fruits of fall are some of my favorites; apples, pears, and peaches are at their prime. My recipe repertoire expands as well, since I'm in the mood for hot dishes, pies, casseroles, and slow cooker foods. After grilling and eating cold salads all summer, these homey, inspired recipes are very comforting.

Enjoy your weekend with these easy recipes and menus.

Saturday Breakfast

• Make Ahead Scrambled Eggs
  Yes, you can make these scrambled eggs on Friday night, then just pull them out of the fridge and reheat on Saturday.
• orange juice, coffee, milk
• Carrot Pineapple Salad
  Yes, eat a salad for breakfast! This mild, soothing molded salad is beautiful, delicious, and very nutritiou.

Saturday Lunch

• Baked Turkey Sandwich
  I just love these easy and delicious hot sandwiches. You can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
• carrots sticks and grape clusters
• Oatmeal Cookies
  Make these cookies in the morning so they're ready for lunch. Be sure to save some for the Baked Apple Dessert for tomorrow night.

Saturday Dinner

• Pork Roast Crockpot Dinner
  Start this one dish meal cooking after breakfast so it's ready when you get home from the football game or hike in the woods.
• Pears and Greens Salad
  Bosc pears are my favorite because they seem to be the juiciest and sweetest. But any variety of fresh pear is wonderful in this simple salad.
• Herb Pull Apart Bread
  Have your kids make this simple hot bread recipe. It's the perfect complement to the savory pork recipe and the crisp and sweet salad.
• Chocolate Layer Cake
  This luscious, super moist cake is frosted with a lighter chocolate frosting for a wonderful taste sensation.

Sunday Brunch

• Southwest Crockpot Breakfast
  Bring the flavors of Mexico to your kitchen with this delicious and spicy make ahead crockpot recipe. Serve extra salsa and sour cream on the side, along with some fresh chopped tomatoes.
• Melon Medley
  Most supermarkets now sell an astonishing variety of melons. Experiment with Santa Claus, Casaba, Crenshaw, or Honeydew melons in this easy recipe.
• Quick Granola Bread
  This mild and simple bread, made with a quick bread mix, is a wonderful accompaniment to the spicy main dish and sweet and juicy salad.
• orange juice, milk, coffee

Sunday Dinner

• Garlic Meatloaf
  Fall is made for meatloaf! This luscious recipe smells so good while it's baking.
• Vegetable Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
  This fresh and colorful salad is perfect with the savory, rich meatloaf.
• Spicy Apple Glazed Carrots
  This super simple side dish is beautiful, delicious, and very nutritious.
• Baked Apple Dessert
  Use leftover oatmeal cookies from Saturday to make this easy and delicious fall dessert.