This fall has started out beautifully -- wind rustling through fallen leaves (and trash) on these busy Brooklyn streets.

A few sweet and brave friends of mine are leaving the city and I held a little gathering in their honor in the park last weekend. I made a few caramel apples using Isa Chandra Moskovitz's recipe and a towering pile of pumpkin donuts. I've always loved donuts, and these pumpkin flaxseed rings are perfectly spicy and sweet.

What better way to ring in the season?