Pumpkin Pie...

Every year, on the first day of Autumn,  I make a pie... either Apple or Pumpkin.  This year it was Pumpkin.  Just Classic Pumpkin Pie with Flaky Homemade Pie Crust... The aroma of Pumpkin and Spices filling the air says,  "Autumn is here"...

Linking to... On The Menu Monday At Stonegable

Risotto con Carciofi e limone... Artichoke and lemon Risotto...

Risotto is a perfect comfort food. It is  hearty and satisfying. This one I made using Fresh Lemon and Artichokes...  It's still hot in San Diego so the freshness of Lemon and Basil are perfect, and Artichokes are always beautiful in Fall... 

Mele in Pasta Frolla... Apples in Pastry...

Autumn & Apples...  perfect match...

Ripe apples, stuffed with candied pecans,  wrapped in homemade pie dough...

Baked at 425 degrees  for about 20 minutes...

Beautiful apples,  flaky pastry,  perfect pairing...

Le Ultime Rose... The Last of the Roses...

Just a few  days before Autumn is officially here... really ready for the weather to cool down... but,  still enjoying Roses in the Garden...

Antipasto di Torta di Pere e Ricotta... Pear & Ricotta Appetizer Tart...

I always like to use Seasonal ingredients in my cooking. With Fall in the air,  Pears are an obvious choice,  and one of my favorite  Fall Fruits.  I sauteed the Pear Halves in a little Butter and Rosemary...

 I make fresh Ricotta several times a week and had a little left over,   which was perfect,  because it was a little firmer than if I had just made it.  I made a small tart shell from purchased Puff Pastry,   filled the Pastry with the Ricotta which I mixed with a little honey,  and topped with the Sauteed Pears...

Then I topped it all off  with a few Candied Walnuts which I had made the day before.  I baked the Tart for about 15 minutes...

Jim said it was one of his Favorite  Appetizers...

Fruit, Nuts, Cheese, classic combination...  Seriously Delicious...

Un assaggio D'Autunno... A Taste of Autumn...

It's close , but not quite... it's still too hot.  Autumn is on the way,  but I can't rush it.  Just a few touches...

Cheesecake con Girasoli... Sunflower Cheesecake......

Cheesecake is a beautiful thing all on its own,  but I can't seem to leave things alone, so I embellish.
I made my favorite Cheesecake recipe, then made Sunflowers with  melted White Chocolate...

painted them with Luster Dust and Edible Glitter to make them extra pretty...

then put them on the Cheesecake...