the sugarapple

although most of us wait with bated breath for the main course of any meal, I actually love and prefer the first (appetizers) and last (dessert) courses the most ( I know, I know…I just tend to not follow the crowd) but I think there should be some applause for the courses that “serve” to whet your palette and provide a finishing touch.  but let’s not get too deep into the first and last courses shall we!  I decided to share 5 favs of appetizer and dessert ideas that would be perfect bookends for the spotlight, the thanksgiving turkey.  (and most importantly, the majority of these utilize fall seasonal* produce whenever possible).  put them all together, and you get a mini menu.  😉  which ones do you like?

first course favs

fig* hazelnut and ricotta crostini via spoon fork bacon

roasted butternut squash* soup with sage* cream via bon appetit

warm mushroom* salad with bacon vinaigrette via food & wine

polenta squares with gorgonzola and pine nuts

wild mushroom ravioli in sage and brown butter sauce

pancetta, white bean and chard pot pies

fig*, hazelnut & ricotta crostini via spoon fork bacon

roasted butternut squash* soup with sage* cream via bon appetit

warm mushroom* salad with bacon vinaigrette via food and wine

polenta squares with gorgonzola and pine nuts via martha stewart

wild mushroom ravioli in sage and brown butter sauce via vegetarian times

BONUS! pancetta, white bean and chard pot pies via smitten kitchen (who said you couldn’t start the meal with a pie 😉 )

finale favs

apple* and pear* tarte tatin via serious eats

maple sage* ice cream with maple sage* sugared walnuts via food52

pecan pie via spoon fork bacon

pumpkin carrot cake via cooking light

sugar cookie mini cakes via my name is yeh

 apple* and pear* tarte tatin via serious eats

maple sage* ice cream with maple sage* sugared walnuts via food52

pecan pie via spoon fork bacon

pumpkin carrot cake via cooking light

sugar cookie mini cakes via my name is yeh (go ahead and ‘tee’ up the Christmas holiday)