Spinach Salad with Apples, Cheddar and Honey Roasted Pecans

As autumn eases into winter, I want to leave you with a fall salad. This salad is hearty and substantial without being overbearing, and can serve as a main dish or first course. It blends classic seasonal flavors, but can be enjoyed all year-round. It combines spinach, apples, honey roasted pecans, bacon, sharp cheddar and golden raisins with an apple cider vinaigrette cut with Dijon, honey and lemon zest. The result is a melange of texture and flavor; crunchy, crispy, creamy, savory and sweet. See the recipe at food52.com.

This isn't a 30-minute meal; the salad takes some time. But bidding a bittersweet farewell to fall is a worthy endeavor. Try it.

Savory Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

I recently met Kelsey, The Naptime Chef, and was immediately impressed with her friendly, upbeat personality, her talent in the kitchen and her incredibly delicious double chocolate cookies.

When she posted these delightful cheddar cheese biscuits recently, I knew I had to make them myself. A cross between a cracker and shortbread, these flavorful cheese biscuits are light, buttery and completely addicting. They blend good quality sharp cheddar, butter, paprika, red pepper and pecans, and they couldn't be easier to make. You simply mix the dough, roll into logs, chill, slice and bake. The result is a sophisticated, savory appetizer or snack.

For the recipe, see Kelsey's blog. I have a feeling you're going to be seeing a lot of her in the future -- her star is on the rise!