So fall’s officially here. While you may still on occasion be able to use your outdoor grill, everyone’s thoughts are turning to warm kitchens, fall colors—and the smell of baking.

And nothing says “fall” quite like a pie!

Let’s start with everybody’s fall favorite: pumpkin pie. This is an easy recipe that we like; you can make your own crust or buy one ready-made for even more convenience. And imagine what your kitchen will smell like while this one’s baking!

Ingredients:

1½ cups canned pumpkin

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

½ cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon salt

1 9-inch baked piecrust

Sweetened whipped cream spiked with bourbon (optional; for serving)

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Whisk the pumpkin and eggs in a medium bowl. Add milk, maple syrup, flour, cinnamon, ginger, and salt; whisk to blend well. Pour filling into the piecrust and bake until center is just set (55-60 minutes).

Ideas:

Replace the maple syrup with sugar if desired.

Serve with whipped cream; for an extra decadent touch, infuse the cream with brandy or bourbon.

Of course, you may prefer the old standby, apple pie. If you live near an apple orchard, this is a great time of year to visit and pick your own, or just buy some fresh off the tree! Again, make your own crust or buy one ready-made for even more convenience; this recipe calls for two crusts.

Ingredients

3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced

1 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 stick unsalted butter, cut into bits

2 piecrusts

Preparation:

Place the bottom crust in pan. Add apples, then sprinkle with sugar and nutmeg. Top with butter, and place the top crust over it all; you can vent it with a few holes poked in pastry top. Bake at 375 degrees for one hour.

Ideas:

Add chopped nuts to the recipe above for extra crunch.

Add 2 tablespoons of a nice dark liquor (Calvados is perfect) to the apples before baking.

Pour ½ cup heavy cream through the vent in the top about halfway through baking.

Whatever pie you choose, remember that the kitchen—and what you create in it—is only as good as its appliances. At Better Housekeeping Shop, we’re always looking for ways to save you money on the kitchen of your dreams. Why not stop by or give us a ring 732.741.4310 and ask us how today?