As the weather gets chilly and the days grow shorter, we all start craving our favorite comfort foods. Whether it be the pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks or pumpkin foods in general, we miss them during the warmer months. Seasonal fall foods are in demand from the start of October through the end of November, and merchants are happy to supply the demand! Many restaurants and coffee shops alter their menus by, fall themed options during this season. Even grocery stores taylor what they sell to the time of year.  For example, Trader Joe’s has a whole fall themed section throughout this season, with  seemingly endless options: pumpkin spice cookies, pumpkin pancake mix, pumpkin bread, apple cider, and pumpkin flavored coffee to name just a few.

Some of my favorite fall traditions have always been baking pumpkin bread, preparing apple pies, and making hot chocolate with my family. The cold weather makes us all want to stay in and prepare these delicious, traditional foods. A treasured family recipe I prepare every year is our pumpkin pancakes. Quick and easy, preparing these can be turned into a fun family bonding time. It’s little things like this that can make fall so special for many of us.

Everyone counts down the days until they are able to feast on turkey, ham, pies, and mashed potatoes. Thanksgiving only comes around once a year, and it is my favorite. The scrumptious desserts and drinks are to die for, and of course browsing the leftovers is as much a pleasure as the meal itself!

Colin Kinzig, a sophomore at Lafayette High School, talked to The Ledger about his favorite thing about Thanksgiving. “I like the stuffing, peach cobbler, and my grandma’s pumpkin pie, but my mom’s homemade bread rolls are my favorite.”  Referring to why fall foods are special to him, he went on to say, “I guess it’s just the fact that we only get fall once a year that makes it so special. Every year they come up with new fall related foods and it’s just something I’ve started looking forward to every year.”

Clearly, Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday not just because of football and shopping.

Juniors Reagan Blanding and Sophia Stoddard shared their favorite seasonal foods, as well. ” Christmas is cool and all, but the food just doesn’t top Thanksgiving foods and fall foods in general. Once November comes around, all I can think about is the Thanksgiving foods I will be eating at the end of the month,” said Blanding.

“Every year I get so excited when pumpkin flavored everything comes out in stores and restaurants, because it is my favorite. Once fall is over, I just look forward to next year and all the new fall foods they come up with,” added Stoddard.  

In the end, fall foods, seasonal traditions, and Thanksgiving take home the favorite traditions “W!”