Snicker-doodles, apple cider donuts, pumpkin pie…a single sniff of these delicious seasonal treats will surely put you in a cozy, fall mood. Fall cooking may just seem like a fun activity you do with your friends, but it may have a deeper significance. It’s not only used to improve students’ moods through self-care, but is also tied to cherished family traditions and recipes passed through generations. Whether it’s the scent of grandma’s classic maple pecan cookies or learning how to make the perfect pie crust with your mom, fall cooking is the perfect way to connect with loved ones. It’s one of the best ways to celebrate the season and make lasting memories.
Lately, the term “self-care baking” has been circulating on the internet, as teens knead their stress away. The calming nature of baking resonates with students like senior Marta Gezahegn: “I love fall baking because I really love the aroma from the spices of fall like cloves and cinnamon. Baking helps me unwind from the day and take time to let my mind rest from schoolwork,” she shares. After a long day of homework and classes, the kitchen becomes a place of calm. For many students like Marta, fall baking isn’t just about the final product — it’s about the process: measuring, mixing, and savoring the warm, fragrant reward.
Of course, warmth in the kitchen isn’t limited to ovens and pie tins. For some, the essence of fall lives in a simmering pot on a stove. Seasonal foods also open the door to exploring cultural roots. And it turns out, fall dishes speak more than one language. “I’m Haitian, and there’s this Haitian soup. It’s called soup joumou,” Sophomore Gaelle Emmanuel shares, “and we don’t necessarily have it for Thanksgiving, but we’ll just have it sometime in the fall, and it’s like pumpkin soup.”
Fall baking is also a great excuse to hang out with your mom, while maybe making a mess in the kitchen while you’re at it. “I like to bake either with a friend or with my mom,” Junior Mackey Smith commented. “It’s just a fun thing to do when you’re bored on the weekend and need a time-consuming activity.”
While the classic pecan pie or caramelized apple may steal the spotlight, the truth is, fall comfort foods take many forms. Whether it’s baked goods or traditional meals, fall is a time where fun, culture, comfort, and food all come together…into a recipe only fall could cook up.
