Today: We're getting together with friends -- fall-loving and fall-fearing -- to celebrate the season of plenty.
![](https://images.food52.com/slEZyy_L-nKBAi88o5Alaao8rzA=/f9776f29-774b-46c3-9ef3-e8232f6cef3d--RFSIfmuTfCzcfNrV8XIq2pp6fY-47q9jFXbhy3PaiSO6EnozRvDfuR8g1GmfsEdgNtiaKwkSBoTMoC0Kvos-s942)
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
![](https://images.food52.com/X1OvQ8JAFBkw8WDLAbP82jxtVC0=/0dab35e2-5c66-4866-acd1-53c473e9e6f5--2013-0611_nicholas-baked-oatmeal-033-CLEANED-UP.jpg)
Spiced Stout Waffles by Nicole Dula
![](https://images.food52.com/vysIVNasSJoKHUvcF6knsv861Tc=/55bc0c58-3107-4fdc-8cf2-b782f8585f49--food52_01-08-13-2401.jpg)
Strata with Sausage and Greens by Merrill Stubbs
![](https://images.food52.com/amgtlcJJ3_uOX0YqfG9U37Z9-OE=/0cd75c9d-f104-4933-b75b-9e35828d6881--2013-1203_clara_strata-015.jpg)
Sweet Potatoes Roasted in Coconut Oil by Gena Hamshaw
![](https://images.food52.com/vvbCBAOHig9n5E6gApaXMEb9G5g=/4e65d8dd-215c-4c64-841a-9c4e4e3002a2--2014-0114_gena_sweet-potatoes-coconut-oil-012.jpg)
Quinoa Salad with Hazelnuts, Apple, and Dried Cranberries by darksideofthespoon
![](https://images.food52.com/fjqdFJCrrjBcCun1RklgvB1PSbE=/6d3de110-2dd7-432a-bf63-ffed2e99a3a8--2013-1015-wildcard-quinoa-salad-with-hazelnuts-apple-and-dried-cranberries-005.jpg)
Pear Rosemary Danish by hardlikearmour
![](https://images.food52.com/-iXcxeMtlHt6FijTg4YJ1_X40R4=/695d5957-63b1-4f8f-bfc0-7f8f670c8da0--110920_127.jpg)
Dirty Chai Toddy by gingerroot
![](https://images.food52.com/M1adFbYE0V0ckFfC4BO35gdYBGY=/ee80937f-bab6-4743-ab18-402b68ba285b--IMG_2291.jpg)
Apple Rye Punch by kate
![](https://images.food52.com/M9YstTiLXCHeFnFlva1vm8b7MsU=/363b8ec4-21d8-48b8-aab5-cc039ebdfa02--food52_11-15-11-8429.jpg)
What are you most excited to cook this fall? Tell us in the comments!
See what other Food52 readers are saying.