With cooler temps moving in I have been itching to make pumpkin everything, homemade breads, soups and apple cider doughnuts. I love all of the fall flavors and visiting my local farmers' market to pick out seasonal produce to experiment with. I was at the market last weekend and bought some squash, mums, leeks and potatoes. You might be surprised by what you find, I always find something new that I haven't tried before or at least a new way of preparing the fruits and vegetables I'm used to. While picking out my squash I struck up a conversation with the woman next to me who happened to be chef at a local restaurant. She gave me some great cooking tips and encouraged me to try patty pan squash (yellow vegetable pictured above) because the skin and seeds are edible making it a great snack. I did and it was delicious!

If you're planning a trip soon to your local farmers' market, here is a list of some fruits and vegetables to keep an eye out for. If there are any you haven't tried yet, don't be shy to ask the farmer how he/she likes to prepare it. Sometimes they'll even have recipes you can take home.

Fall Finds in Illinois:

Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables and make them the focal point of each meal. This will help you reach the recommended amount each day. So how much do we actually need? Read more about fruit and vegetable recommendations, recipes, quizzes and activities at www.choosemyplate.gov.

Also, check out these links for budget-friendly ideas and a pledge to keep you on track with your fruit and vegetable goals:

30 Ways in 30 Days to Stretch Your Food Budget (printable PDF)

Join America's Pledge to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Every Day!