The weather is cooler and the kitchen is calling. Does cooler weather make you want to get into the kitchen? I made beef stew and a pot of dried beans last weekend. I've been thinking of apple cake, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, soups and stews, and other yummy fall foods. A lot of churches have their annual "homecoming" this time of year, when all the ladies cook and bring their favorite dishes to share with others. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and of course, there will be great food and fun! Then Christmas will be here.... more time in the kitchen for lots of good food, cakes, and candies! I love this time of year... I love food and family! I read through old cookbooks last weekend, looking for new ideas and recipes. I have several books that were printed in the 1950's and the recipes seem more "natural" and "homey" than a lot of the recipes printed today, that call for so many prepackaged foods and mixes. I would love to have more available time in the kitchen, to plan and truly cook for my family, instead of just throwing something together in a hurry, like we seem to do so often with our busy lifestyles. What about you? What's different in your kitchen this time of year?