Patio season may be over, and while that means saying good-bye to fresh strawberry margaritas and summer salads, it also means we can welcome back our favorite comfort foods! Swap the iced latte for a toasty pumpkin spiced version and trade in the gazpacho for a steamy bowl of carrot and ginger soup. Sample the new fall creations at your favorite restaurant and stop calorie counting for a bit. Fall is the time when we tend to eat a little more, sleep a little more and enjoy heartier foods.

In her book French Women Don't Get Fat, Mireille Guiliano says it's important to eat food in season since our bodies innately adjust to the time of year.

"In fall and winter, we will naturally yearn for a more concentrated energy to keep warm and on the move... and so happily begins the season for oysters, seafood, warm hearty soups, dried beans and lentils, and more meat."

For some great fall recipes to try at home check out food network or the LCBO's Food and Drink collection with a number of delicious ideas such as adding a splash of vanilla or peach schnapps to a mug of hot chocolate for a delectable liquid desert! Nymag.com has a great article on where to find fresh apple and pear drinks in New York.

Whether you're enjoying a bowl of homemade chili by the fire or Joining a group of friends at your favorite Italian restaurant enjoy the fall and savor the flavors of the season!