A Fall Brunch to Bring Together Friends

Today: We're getting together with friends -- fall-loving and fall-fearing -- to celebrate the season of plenty.

As soon as the first signs of fall appear -- be it the unmistakable crunch of a shriveled leaf or a certain smell in the air -- we begin to realize that there are two types of people in this world: those who embrace fall with wide arms and oversized sweaters, and those who turn up their noses and dream of nothing but sandy shores and sunny beaches. It's a polarizing season, but if we act quickly, we can relieve the tension. Grab your fall-loving and fall-fearing friends -- it's time to make peace. 

It's been said one, or two, or thirty times over that food is the way to a man’s (and a woman's) heart. Lucky for us all, fall is abundant with hearty vegetables, fragrant spices, and warm sweet drinks that can do no harm. Roasted roots, browned butter, and anything layered in a casserole dish -- these are our peacemakers. Let’s bring fall in with a celebratory brunch (or maybe just a cozy, low-key affair, if that's more your style). These recipes are conveniently both: They’re easy to prepare -- most can be made the night before -- and absolute showstoppers. Break out the cider, and let’s toast to fall! 

Heidi Swanson's Baked Oatmeal by Nicholas Day

 

Spiced Stout Waffles by Nicole Dula

 

Strata with Sausage and Greens by Merrill Stubbs

 

Sweet Potatoes Roasted in Coconut Oil by Gena Hamshaw

 

Quinoa Salad with Hazelnuts, Apple, and Dried Cranberries by darksideofthespoon

 

 

Pear Rosemary Danish by hardlikearmour

 

Dirty Chai Toddy by gingerroot

 

Apple Rye Punch by kate

What are you most excited to cook this fall? Tell us in the comments!