Ingredients for the perfect all-things-autumn day:

1. wonderful, energetic friends

2. a picture perfect Fall weekend with clear skies and sunshine

3. an apple orchard in the mountains of Virginia with a gorgeous view

4. frolicking around the orchards, a picnic feast among apples, & a pumpkin patch

5. an afternoon filled with baking (and, of course, eating) all things apple/pumpkin/autumnal

Directions:

Combine all ingredients together annually for a practically perfect day.

Yields:

Happy friends + full bellies … plus:

Great-grandma’s sour cream apple pie, maple apple galette, chocolate chip pumpkin bread, apple cake, spiced pecan/feta/cranberry/apple salad, mulled apple cider with red wine, & butternut squash mac and cheese. YUM!