At the end of this week we will be welcoming a new season fall or autumn. In the northern hemisphere, autumn begins with the autumnal equinox, when the length of the day and the night are of equal duration. The season comes between summer’s warm weather and winter’s cold weather and away from the equator it features gradually decreasing temperatures. The autumnal equinox occurs on about September 22, and the season continues until the winter solstice on about December 22. The winter solstice has the longest night and the shortest amount of daylight of the year. In Iowa we usually call this season fall because it is the season in which leaves fall from the trees.

In the Midwest fall is connected with the harvesting of crops. Already the Pioneer plant has been very busy harvesting the seed corn and even some fields of regular corn has been picked, probably because of the extra dry and hot summer. This could affect the yield, but I have heard around here it is down a little, but not too bad. However, some places in Iowa and other states are not as lucky as we are. However, like other seasons, there are always marked by rites and festivals revolving around the season’s importance of food production. Animals gather food on the autumn in preparing for the winter months and those with fur often grow heavier coats and many birds and people migrate to the South to get away from the freezing temperatures.

All the seasons have something to enjoy, but I think we wouldn’t like 11 months of the year. The fall is packed full of good things. Warm enough during the day but cool enough at night to have a picnic fire with roasted marshmallows. For those who like hunting, it’s a good time of the year and people like us who like football, the weather is perfect. And though the apple production suffered this year there is enough of my Honeycrispes around. And let us not forget the beautiful fall colors. Fall for me does make memories like football games, hay rides church bazaars and the feel of a soft, warm sweater on a chilly day. So enjoy fall, the season is all too short.

Fall, like all seasons bring special foods. Here is one of my favorites.

APPLE CRUNCH MUFFINS

1-1/2 cup sifted flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking

powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup shortening

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/2 cup milk

2 cup Granny Smith

apples, diced

TOPPING

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup walnuts

Mix these ingredients ti together to make topping.

Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in mixing bowl. Cut in shortening until fine crumbs form. Combine milk and egg. Add to dry ingredients along with apples. Stir just to moisten. Spoon bater into muffin cups, filling 2/3 full. Sprinkle with brown sugar topping. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 12 muffins.

“Celebrate the Fall and Harvest.”