Fall has been feeling really special this year. I think it’s due to a magical combination of beautiful weather, kids that are SO excited about Halloween, and having the time for special trips like our recent visit to the pumpkin patch.

It definitely helps that I’ve been making all soups in my favorite pumpkin cocotte (that’d be a fancy word for Dutch oven). The mushroom quinoa soup above comes from Easy Soups From Scratch with Quick Breads to Match. If you’re looking for a kitchen gift for someone, you can’t go wrong with that pot+cookbook combo.

If you don’t have the pumpkin pot or the soup book, we recommend this old fall favorite: veggie and sausage gratin in a pumpkin! You can find that tasty recipe here.

And the next time you’re making soup or gratin for dinner, pick up a beeswax candle-making kit. You’ll have just enough time to roll candles while everything is simmering. And dinner will feel extra special the moment you light those candles.

What are you enjoying this fall? Any favorite books we should know about? xo