Fall is the perfect time to entice buyers with the comforts of home -- through food!

The cooler weather makes us all crave something delectable. Here are two simple and quick recipes you can make at your next gathering!

Hot Apple Cider
6 cups apple cider
1/4 cup real maple syrup
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
6 allspice berries
1 whole orange peel, cut into strips
1 whole lemon peel, cut into strips
square of cheesecloth
kitchen string

Directions: Pur the cider and syrup into a large pan. After folding remaining ingredients into the cheesecloth, tie it up with some kitchen string and add to the cider. Heat you mixture for around 10 minutes. You want it warm, but not boiling! Remove from heat, toss the cheesecloth, and enjoy!

This recipe makes 6 servings. Simply double or triple the recipe depending on the size of your gathering!

As an extra tip: don't let the citrus peels simmer for too long or they'll become bitter.

Pumpkin Pie Squares

This particular recipe makes around 20 servings. It's a great way to get a little Fall flavor, without overdosing on calories!

Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold butter
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Filling:
2 cans (15 ounces each) solid-pack pumpkin
2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk
4 eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt

Topping:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions: Combine the flour, brown sugar, and oats in a small bowl. Cut in the butter. Next, press this mixture in a greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degree for 20 minutes.

Now that your "crust" is done, move on to the filling. In a large bowl, mix together the filling ingredients. Mix until smooth and then pour over your already baked crust. Bake for around 45 minutes.

Finally, add the topping! Combine the topping incredients in a small bowl and then sprinkle over your baked squares. Bake around 15 minutes longer until you can poke a toothpick in and bring it out clean. Let it cool and set up in the fridge and then serve!

Use these two Fall recipes at your next gathering or open house and they're sure to please!

Published: September 30, 2010

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Carla Hill, M.A., works on the Realty Times staff as Managing Editor for our online publication. She also is Producer for the real estate news channel, seen daily on RealtyTimes.com and on video newsletters nationwide.