ashley_samuel_pierson

Sure, people love the fall for the whole back-to-school, burnt-orange leaf feeling. But, why do we love it? It's a super season for produce and, punctuated by holidays, comfortingly delicious food (we're even making an iPad app about it!). Well, we were about ready to hand the reins over to ashley_samuel_pierson when we got ahold of her recipes. Her cooking is hearty and festive in a warm you to your bones kind of way. Beware: we may be trick-or-treating and crashing many a holiday dinner at your house this season.

Whether its her Roasted Pears in Balsamic Vinegar with Goat Cheese and Black Pepper or Rustic Cauliflower Bake, ashley_samuel_pierson knows how to roast, toast, and make the most of autumn fruit and vegetables. Chutney and gravy, latkes and Halloween treats abound. Her recipes are refreshingly simple and often healthy, if you can believe it -- admittedly not her Farmer's Market Peach Crumb Pie, but you've missed the season on that one anyway! Either way, this cook brings to mind memories of running through piles of leaves in only a tee-shirt despite the crispy weather. With Grandma Howley's Irish Soda Bread Biscuits waiting for us hot from the oven, of course.

Read our profile Q&A with ashley_samuel_pierson below, check out her blog and follow her on Twitter.

• What do you cook when home alone?
  Well, since I can't remember a time in recent history I was home alone, I would say that I would cook like I usually do when my husband and small children are with me.
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• Your ideal meal:
  a meal with spice, vegetables and rice.
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• Something you'd like a chance to eat or cook:
  I would love to learn to cook more with lamb.
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• The number of bottles of wine you own:
  varies, summer and holidays I always have more.
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• The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
  10
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• Kitchen pet peeve:
  dirty dishes
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• Your favorite cookbook:
  Ruth Reichl- The Gourmet Cookbook
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