Fall foods and moods — 2021 edition

The pandemic has made us hyper-aware of many things, including the state of our homes, waistlines and the way we interact with people.

As fall approaches, it’s an opportune time to cast any negative notions that may have been tied to these areas of life in favor of foods and moods that promote positivity, abundance and unity.

Sisters-in-law Janet Horvath and Pam Horvath, both of Johnstown, did just that on Sept. 25 at the season’s final Ligonier Country Market.

They stocked up on seasonal items such as potted mums, yarn ghost decorations and, for Pam, some bourbon honey.

“I’m going to put it in my apple cider,” she said. “It’s a fall celebration for any night of the week.”

Now more than ever, fall is a time to practice some Scandinavian-style hygge — creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life.

It’s a time to explore all the things we love about the autumn season with our closest friends. Read on for a few ways to pair some of the top seasonal decorative accents and bites for a memorable fall experience.

Cultivate cozy cabin vibes

Not everyone can escape to a cabin this fall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the cabin to you. Better yet, there is a way to achieve a different type of cabin atmosphere for everyone. Whether your taste runs woodsy-lumberjack or lake house fishing, there is a means to bring forth flavors of fall for all.

While the last few years have reflected a fascination with furry throws, pillows and rugs, this year cabin trends are more about quilts, afghans and woven blankets. These can be stacked on a hearth, draped over couches and chairs and spread over ottomans. Red-and-black buffalo plaid is also making its way to many cabinesque spaces, and can effortlessly add a pop of color to otherwise neutral areas (think about a throw pillow or two).

Include soft accents like vanilla-wood scented candles, woodland animal decor, and stacks of outdoor-themed books on mantels, coffee tables and hutches.

While your guests savor your autumnal atmosphere, invite them to a feast of Manhattan Fish Chowder or Baked Tilapia and Vegetable Casserole (visit thehealthyfish.com for recipes).

And nothing says cabin-cozy like fresh pie straight out of the oven for dessert.

For an alternative to pie, serve the Western Pennsylvania festival favorite — apple dumplings. Fill cored Granny Smith apples with butter and brown sugar, top with cinnamon and nutmeg, wrap in prepared pie dough, top with a sugar syrup and bake (see recipe at allrecipes.com).

Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or caramel syrup — or all three.

Take it outside

Fire pits are widely coveted at present. If you don’t have a permanent one in your outdoor living space, you can get one on amazon.com for under $100. For a bit more, you can purchase a Breeo Smokeless Firepit (breeo.co), which may be a worthy and ideal investment for entertaining guests who love a good campfire without the fragrant, stick-to-your-clothes aftermath.

While conversing around the campfire, treat friends and family to tasty offerings like Cheesy Campfire Potatoes wrapped and cooked in foil, Caprese Brie cooked on a skillet or Cajun Shrimp Kebabs (visit delish.com for recipes). And don’t forget S’mores with fun additions such as Nutella, sliced strawberries and peanut butter.

Another Pennsylvania campfire favorite is the mountain pie. In fact, in past years the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association has hosted a mountain pie championship.

The pie is a glorified grilled cheese sandwich (although just about any sweet or savory filling can be used), either cooked in foil or in a long-handled pie iron that squashes it into a shape more resembling a hand pie.

Feast your eyes

One major mood that’s trending in home entertaining: an elaborate table setting. As people embark on gathering in person again, the dining table beckons. In place of the usual fall fodder such as crisp, bright foliage such as gourds and leaves, rustic lanterns, tarnished candelabras, velvet table runners and lots of vintage vases and centerpieces are serving as popular table adornments.

After dressing your table, address taste buds with options like Braised Lamb Shanks, White Chili with Chicken, or Mozzarella Baked Gnocchi (visit honestcooking.com for full recipes).

Get creative and crafty

There’s something about the crisp autumn air and changing colors that inspire creativity. What better time to invite your friends and family to a fall-focused crafting session? If you’re fortunate to live in an area ensconced with vibrant foliage, encourage your guests to bring a variety of colorful leaves of their choosing. Press them into scrapbooks, use them to make jewelry, or have your party-goers make them into a string of garland.

For a more ambitious creative outlet, try your hand at homemade candle-making.

Candles with favorite fall scents were selling fast at the Sept. 25 Ligonier Country Market, said Samantha DeStefano, owner of Export-based Rustic Smoke Candle Co.

“I’m almost sold out of anything pumpkin, pumpkin spice, apple and apple spice,” she said. “They’re just warm and cozy, and people feel comfort when they smell those scents.”

Udemy offers a how-to candle-making course. Finished products double as take-home gifts for guests, and you can use yours for the next time you entertain.

While your guests are making their creations, serve a platter of grab-and-go options such as Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey, Lemon Herb Cheese Bites, and Cajun Sausage Puffs with Bourbon Mustard (visit countryliving.com for full recipe).

Go on an adventure

If you’d rather not retrofit your home to imbibe fall foods and moods — or at least not for an entire evening — consider gathering everyone for a little caffeine first, followed by an “off-roading” experience. You can begin your fall festivities with a full coffee and hot chocolate bar, providing everything from mini-marshmallows to fall syrups and spices (pumpkin, maple, cinnamon and nutmeg).

Then take your crew to a local corn maze, harvest festival or apple orchard. End the evening by serving a glass of mulled wine and spiked apple cider.

Here are a few options for fall festival fun around the area:

• Bedford Fall Foliage Festival, today and Oct. 9-10 in downtown Bedford. Event features food, arts and crafts, entertainment, antique car parade and children’s activities.

Details: bedfordfallfoliagefestival.com

• Fort Ligonier Days, Oct. 8-10 in downtown Ligonier. Festival includes historic battle reenactments, juried crafts, foods, musical entertainment and a parade.

Details: fortligonierdays.com

• S&T Bank Oktoberfest, 3-6 p.m. Oct. 9 in the Old Borough Hall parking lot on North Seventh Street, Indiana. Event will include samples from area brewers, food and music by the Jukebox Bombers.

Details: downtownindiana.org

• Schramm’s Fall Festival, through Oct. 31 at Schramm Farms in Penn Township. Festival features pick-your-own pumpkins, fall decor for sale, refreshments and weekend hayrides and maze.

Details: schrammfarms.com

Fall foliage lovers have almost endless options for colorful vistas around Western Pennsylvania. In fact, for the second year in a row, the Laurel Highlands ranks as a best destination for fall foliage nationwide in the USA Today 10Best Travel Award Contest.