Fall harvest foods center around pumpkins, cabbage, peppers and squash and go well with comfort foods like meatloaf, roast chicken, pork with sauerkraut and stuffed cabbage or peppers. For a meatless option, try stuffing either bell or banana peppers with quinoa or brown rice, lentils or nuts. Or try a southwest version with Giant Eagle^® salsa on the side.

Check out ready-to-serve harvest foods in Giant Eagle's^® prepared foods case, as well as some new ideas for meals and tailgating!

Did you know that some pumpkins are meant for decorating, while others, known as pie pumpkins, are great eating? (Check with the produce specialist at your neighborhood Giant Eagle^® if you're unsure which is which.) The versatility of this quintessential fall fruit goes well beyond pie. Pumpkin butter or spread is great on your pancakes or toast, or swirled into a fall soup, adding fiber and vitamin A to your meal. If you're reluctant to start with a fresh one, canned pumpkin will do just fine in recipes, but you will miss the joy of toasting and enjoying the seeds. As decoration, just add a few gourds and dried corn, or hollow out a small pumpkin and use it as a vase for mums or other fall flowers. For jack-o'-lantern lovers, we have an assortment of child-safe decorative kits.

Remember that Halloween safety is important. Treats should be individually wrapped and packaged rather than homemade unless you are serving them to friends. Apples, pretzels, juice boxes, granola bars as well as stickers are some healthier alternatives to sugary, fatty Halloween candies.

Since October is also Celiac Awareness Month, it's a good time to learn more about the food needs of people allergic to gluten, a component in wheat, rye and barley. If you, a friend or family member is on a gluten-free diet, know that Giant Eagle^® carries an assortment of gluten-free foods, including frozen and packaged entrées, breads and desserts.

Have a question for Judy about this article or would like to learn more about available nutrition classes (with tastings)? Send her an e-mail at nutritionist@GiantEagle.com.

October 2009