Even though the calendar says fall, many parts of the country are still experiencing 90‑degree days. Southern food expert Lucy Brewer, a fourth‑generation cook from Augusta, Georgia, offers a practical September menu that balances seasonal flavors with the lingering summer heat.
Slow‑Cooked Pork for Easy Meals
Pull‑apart pork is a versatile, budget‑friendly option. After six hours in a slow cooker or oven, the meat can be served on a bun with slaw for a casual cookout or a family dinner. Using a slow cooker keeps the oven closed, saving energy on already hot days.
The USDA projects pork prices to rise only 1.6% in 2026, making it a cheaper protein compared with beef, which is expected to climb 10.7% as the national cattle herd hits a 75‑year low.
Grilling Season Isn’t Over
September still offers ideal grilling weather. Sausages pair well with caramelized onions and apples, while steaks complement the last of the summer corn. Chicken grilled alongside kale and sweet‑potato salad makes a balanced, light dinner.
Sweet potatoes excel on the grill—cut lengthwise, place cut side down over indirect heat for about 40 minutes, and they emerge caramelized. Swap in pears or apples for a fall‑style apple cobbler cooked in a cast‑iron skillet on the grill.
Farmers‑Market Finds for Two Seasons
This month’s markets showcase the tail end of summer produce—tomatoes, peppers, okra—alongside early fall items like apples, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. With grocery prices rising, choosing produce that stores well helps stretch the budget.
Apples and pears keep for weeks in the crisper drawer, and a few pounds can be used in breakfast dishes, sides, or desserts. Butternut and acorn squash also store well and work in salads or roasted as a side for grilled meats.
Egg Prices Drop Significantly
The USDA forecasts a 30.8% decline in egg prices for 2026 after a 21.9% increase the previous year, as chicken flocks recover from the avian influenza outbreak that began in 2022. Lower egg costs make quiche an affordable supper option that can be served at room temperature, and a vegetable strata offers a quick breakfast solution.
Deviled eggs remain a year‑round favorite, suitable for September tables and football‑season gatherings.
Light Desserts for Warm Weather
Visit an apple farm and pick up dried apples for skillet‑fried apple pies that avoid heating the oven. Freeze half the pies raw for later cooking.
Icebox pies, pumpkin cheesecake bars, and poached pears in wine and cinnamon provide refreshing fall desserts. Serve them chilled for a satisfying contrast to the lingering heat.
Cool Drinks with Autumn Flavors
Cold cider over ice with a splash of lemon stays refreshing all afternoon; a dash of bourbon turns it into a crisp cocktail. Chilled chai and cinnamon‑spiced iced coffee offer flavorful pick‑me‑ups without the heat.
Enjoy Outdoor Meals
Early fall is perfect for al fresco dining. As the sun sets, cooler temperatures arrive, making it ideal to set up a backyard movie screen or simply enjoy a family dinner outdoors.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
