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WELCOME! • It’s offcially fall: Leaves are starting to turn colors, days are getting shorter, and the air is turning crisp and cool. This time of year, there’s nothing warmer or cozier than cranking up the oven and filling your home with the mouthwatering smell of freshly baked pies, breads, cakes, cookies, and more.
COOKIES & BARS • Not only are cookies quick and easy to whip up (just 15 minutes on average in the oven!), but making a big batch means there’s plenty for a bake sale or for the whole family to get three each. Keep ‘em fresh Fill your cookie jar only with sturdy cookies that can withstand a pileup. Otherwise, pack cooled cookies into an airtight container and keep at room temp. Store bars—either cut or uncut—covered in their baking pans at room temp up to 4 days.
CAKES & CUPCAKES • Cakes don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re making a simple iced sheet cake or an upside-down concoction filled with fruit, these recipes prove that cakes can be both impressive and easy to assemble, even on a weeknight. Keep ‘em fresh Unfrosted cakes can be wrapped in plastic (cupcakes in an airtight container) and kept at room temperature up to 1 week. Refrigerate anything that has a topping or filling made with dairy, like cream cheese, sour cream, or yogurt.
PIES, CRUMBLES & TARTS • There’s more to pies than just pumpkin (though we’ve got that too!). From upgraded pecan pies to cranberry hand pies to crowd-pleasing sheet pan apple pies, there’s a fall flavor for everyone. Pro tip: Make and freeze pie dough ahead of time or buy a premade option for even faster results. Keep ‘em fresh Fruit or nut pies can be covered with plastic wrap or foil and stored overnight at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them. Cheesecakes and custard pies should be moved to the fridge as soon as they’re cool.
LOAVES & MUFFINS • Sweet and savory baked goods are an easy way to add a little comfort to your fall routine: Bake up a loaf for an easy busy-morning breakfast or post-dinner dessert, or throw a muffin into a lunch box for a perfect after-school snack. Keep ‘em fresh Loaves can be wrapped in plastic and stored at room temperature for up to 4 days. Muffins fare best packed in an airtight container and kept on the counter, also up to 4 days. Anything frosted should go in the fridge.
BREADS, BISCUITS & ROLLS • Nothing beats the smell (or taste) of freshly baked homemade bread, like an apple-stuffed loaf or rosemary rolls. Save longer recipes for a weekend indulgence or a family project, but try one of the easy biscuits tonight! Keep ‘em fresh Store heartier breads or rolls in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week. Filled or iced baked goods, such as sticky buns or scones, should be kept in the fridge and rewarmed if necessary.
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