It’s a Happy time of the year!

I love October. It blesses us with cool temperatures, fall colors and the farmer’s market filled with apples, gourds and pumpkins. October also means I’m called a vampire because of my severe allergic reaction to garlic. It’s a challenge, but it could be worse. I know someone who’s allergic to chicken! Fortunately, candy, cookies, pie and cake are all garlic free. October without apple pie would be terrifying!

I’ve always found Halloween history interesting. Children going door to door and promising to pray for the souls of deceased loved ones in exchange for soul cakes, Irish immigrants bringing the custom of putting a candle inside a turnip which was replaced by a pumpkin, and people dressing in costumes so evil spirits wouldn’t recognize them have all become fun American traditions.

October is also a month where cooking changes. We begin making everything apple and pumpkin. Hot soups and homemade noodles have appeared on my dinner table. As it gets colder outside, we need to warm our insides. A hearty meal is also needed after raking leaves and decorating for trick or treaters. I don’t do scary!

Wishing you all a fun Halloween and enjoyable fall!