After the pumpkin shortage of 2009, and the subsequent pumpkin hoarding of 2010, let's just say that I'm one happy cook to have stumbled upon a huge display of 100% pure pumpkin cans last night. When I say stumbled, I really mean I nearly knocked over the arrangement in the grocery store. I had just rounded the corner with my cart, in search of canned pumpkin, but trying to avoid getting my hopes up, when I saw a row upon row of new 15-ounce cans on the shelf at eye-level. As I reached to inspect a can, I literally tripped over a waist-high display of 29-ounce cans of pure pumpkin. I couldn't believe my eyes, so I did what any reasonable baker would do. I scooped up 12 cans, which roughly total 22 pounds of bright, orange squash puree.

If you are not a pumpkin lover or a baking enthusiast, you can have only one thought going through your mind right now. She. Is. Crazy. Well, not so much, because there have been very valid reasons for a limited pumpkin supply over the past few years. Read about the pumpkin shortage 2011 and then study up on our pumpkin recipes, because it looks like the shortage just might be over. Fingers crossed.

Maple Pumpkin Pie Photo: İMark Fowler

Like many of you in the northern United States today, I woke up to an exceptionally cold morning. I grabbed a quick breakfast, and instead of brewing the usual pot of coffee, I heated a mug of apple cider and sprinkled in some cinnamon. Somehow, a chilly autumn morning feels more complete with the heartwarming aroma of apples and cinnamon drifting through the cool air. Bring the comforting warmth of fall flavors to your kitchen with these apple dessert recipes, including my own mulled apple cider recipe. Leave the mocha latte for another day, and go all-apple! Have a great day!

Caramelized Apples Photo: Crystal Woroniuk

I have so many great memories of my husband and I catching up over impromptu lunch dates at cafes. More often than not, if the weather is nice, we are outside, taking in the sunshine and fresh air. Gourmet food, good conversation, beautiful surroundings; the whole combination is intoxicating. How can you recreate it in your own home? Prepare this fall cafe menu and light a few candles, or take it on the road with a picnic. Either way, the goal is to create memories every bit as good as the food. That, folks, is what they call the good life.

Butternut Squash Bisque Photo: İKathy Maister

Traveling to different areas of France means expecting unique, regional differences in traditions, culture, and climate. The same holds true for the gastronomy.

Visiting the open air markets of France is a lavish fantasy come alive for a gourmand. Poking through stalls, one will discover gorgeous, fresh-picked produce sold by vendors eager to help and tell their tales. More alluring, still, are the locally prepared and handcrafted items. While many nationally beloved dishes feature only subtle differences, if any, from one region to another, local food is the true start of the show. Look for specialties from smokehouses, creameries, and patisseries. Unearthing local epicurean gems, such as a rare blend of preserves to take home, is all part of the fun. No passport? No problem. Visit the regional food and recipes section for more inspiration on creating a culinary tour of France in your home kitchen.

Open Air Market Photo: İFlickr user denisema4