Fall Festival Meal

Autumn is the time of year when there is just a slight chill in the air and cooks are making warm food dishes for the family. Hearty pumpkins and winter squash recipes are everywhere.Country cooks know that cool autumn air calls for plenty of flavorful family-style suppers.

Folks will find the aroma of stick-to-the-ribs Harvest Pork Chops irresistible, while Skillet Ranch Vegetables splendidly showcase the last of your garden's goodness. Then head to the orchard and select some of fall's finest fruit for sweet Honey-Nut Apples.If you are looking for easy fall recipes, just try one of these recipes below. Cook them all together for a delicious Fall Festival Meal to serve your family on a cool autumn night.

For A Fall Festival Meal

Cooks agree the very best recipes are fast, flavorful and versatile! These tender pork chops are quickly browned, then popped into the oven. For a casual dinner, present each guest with an individual packet. Or unwrap the chops and present on a pretty platter.

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

4 boneless loin pork chops (1/2 inch thick)

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1 small onion, sliced

Combine salt, pepper, paprika, sage and thyme; sprinkle over both sides of pork chops. In a skillet, brown chops in oil for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Place each chop in the center of a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12 in. x 9 in.). Top with onion slices. Seal foil tightly; place pouches on a baking sheet.

Bake at 450 degrees for 25 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Open foil carefully to allow steam to escape.

Yield: 4 servings.

For A Fall Festival Meal

Celebrate the last garden harvest with this satisfying side dish. Simply cook carrots, squash and zucchini in oil that's been spiced up with ranch dressing mix. You wilI be able to dish out hot and hearty helpings in minutes!

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1 envelope buttermilk ranch salad dressing mix

2 medium carrots, thinly sliced

2 medium yellow squash, sliced

2 medium zucchini, sliced

In a skillet, combine the oil and salad dressing mix. Add the carrots; cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until crisp and tender. Add the squash and zucchini; cook 4 to 5 minutes longer or until all of the vegetables are tender. Remove with a slotted spoon to a serving dish.

Yield: 4 servings.

For A Fall Festival Meal

When apples are ripe for the picking, you are bound to get many requests for this tempting treat. It is a fun, festive way to bring a fall feel to your table.

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 large baking apples, thickly sliced cup chopped walnuts

1 tablespoon honey

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and the cinnamon. Add the apples and walnuts. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Remove from the heat and drizzle with honey. Serve warm.

Yield: 4 servings.