Fall Flavors: What to Serve at Your Autumn Gathering

Starter: Creamy California Walnut & Tomato Soup

Start the evening with a bowl of pure comfort. This creamy soup blends tomatoes with subtle nuttiness of walnut cream, creating a smooth, satisfying base that's full of flavor. Garnish with basil and shaved walnut parmesan for an extra tasty touch.

Salad: Swiss Chard & Walnut Salad

Brighten up your menu with a refreshing yet robust Swiss chard salad. Picture tender ribbons of chard tossed with a walnut Pecorino crumble, sweet, dried figs, roasted turnips and a honey Dijon vinaigrette. It's the perfect palate cleanser, fresh enough to balance the richer dishes, but still grounded in autumn's earthy tones.

Main: Ravioli with Butternut Squash, Walnuts, and Chard

This entrée is pure fall comfort on a plate. Pillowy ravioli (store-bought or homemade) are paired with butternut squash and tossed in a brown butter sauce with sautéed chard and chopped walnuts for texture and depth. It's a stunning centerpiece dish, both elegant and homey, with flavors rich enough for fall yet light enough for a dinner party.

Dessert: Apple Walnut Hand Pies

Finish strong with these rustic apple walnut hand pies. They're everything you want in a fall dessert: flaky pastry, cinnamon-spiced apples, cranberries and the toasty crunch of walnuts in every bite. Serve warm with walnut ice cream for the perfect sweet ending to your gathering.

With this curated menu, you're not just serving dinner; you're offering your guests a taste of the season, full of warmth, comfort and California-grown goodness. So, gather your favorite people, light a few candles and savor the flavors of fall.