As summer comes to a close, most of us in the Northern hemisphere are waving goodbye to the all-stars like berries, melons, and colorful tomatoes.  Sure they’re still on the shelves, but they’re not at their peak or at the bargain prices you find when you buy in-season.  But, as one door closes, another opens! Fall brings an abundance of new produce to enjoy: apples, pears, figs, sweet potatoes, squashes, and many dark greens.  Here are some tips to incorporate some fall favorites into your diet:

Freshen up your grilled cheese: Cooler temps make warm comfort foods a top pick for fall.  Put a twist on the traditional grilled cheese by adding something unexpected: pear slices.  Brush whole-grain bread with a little Dijon mustard, add some thin slices of pear and a shredded Mini Babybel, then heat it up in a frying pan or countertop grill using non-stick buttery spray.  You can also make a great snack for about 200 calories by using just one slice of bread and folding it over.

Go out on a limb: If you’ve never had figs, they might seem a little intimidating.  They’re usually in a fussy package (since they bruise easily); have such a short season that you can blink and miss them; and tend to be on the pricey side.  Nevertheless, they’re a delicious addition to your fall rotation and aren’t too tough on your wallet if you use them sparingly and in a way that showcases their great qualities, like with cheese.  Figs and cheese are a classic pairing. First, wash the outside of the figs (like you should with all fruit) and remove the small stem.  You can peel them if you like but it’s not necessary.  Cut them into quarters wedge-style or into rounds.  Get some nice crackers and spread them with a wedge or two of The Laughing Cow Swiss and top with some fig slices.

What are some of the fall inspired snacks you’ve created?

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