By Jenny Harper

With autumn’s arrival, my cooking takes on a new personality. Crisp, cool air and falling leaves propel me into the kitchen, where I enjoy creating tempting, seasonal aromas of cinnamon, apple and butterscotch.

These universally appealing flavors say “fall” like nothing else. And autumn-inspired treats help make fall memorable. During this colorful season, I love to attend craft fairs and seasonal festivals with my family. Picking out a pumpkin to carve, or coming home with some apple cider and a bushel of apples are favorite activities that are topped off with something homemade from my oven.

Show off your baking talents with these recipes — perfect for a post-football game gathering or to offer at a potluck or bake sale. VeryBestBaking.com.

Makes 2 loaves

 

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups milk
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels
• 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts

 

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Grease two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Combine eggs, milk and vegetable oil in medium bowl. Add to flour mixture; mix just until moistened.  Stir in morsels and nuts. Spoon into prepared loaf pans.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes; remove from pans. Cool on wire racks.

TIP: If you are looking for even more chocolate flavor, try drizzling the cooled loaves with chocolate.  Microwave ½ cup semi-sweet morsels in heavy-duty plastic bag on HIGH power for 45 seconds; knead bag to mix. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut a small hole in corner of bag; squeeze to drizzle over bread.

 

Makes about 15, 1/2 cup servings

 

• 2  21-ounce cans apple pie filling
• 1 16.5-ounce package refrigerated oatmeal raisin cookie bar dough
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped topping (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking dish or pan. Spoon pie filling into dish. Crumble cookie dough over pie filling.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until topping is golden brown and edge is bubbly. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping, if desired.

TIP: 2 cans (20 ounces each) light or no-sugar added apple pie filling can be substituted for the regular apple pie filling.

Courtesy of Family Features