October arrives with a crisp breeze and a burst of color, ushering in a season rich with celebration and reflection. See moments in history and the delicious charm of freshly harvested apples. Whether you’re commemorating personal milestones, exploring the past, or savoring the flavors of fall, October invites us to slow down, take notice, and enjoy its many gifts. Cheers to October birthdays!
Interesting Moments in History
- 1863 – A proclamation was issued by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln designating the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.
- 1901 – U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt officially renamed the “Executive Mansion” (also referred to as the President’s House) to the “White House.”
- 1968 – The first live television broadcast from an American manned spacecraft was made by Apollo 7.
History of the Nobel Prize
October can often bring a lot of buzz around Nobel Prize winners. The international effort was established by a Swedish industrialist and chemist. Alfred Nobel wanted to recognize contributions from around the world and left much of his fortune to fund these awards. To date, over 600 awards (from 1901-2024, 627 awards) have been given. This year winners will be announced during the first and second week of October.
Apple Season Wonders
In October, the air turns crisp, leaves burst into fiery color, and the scent of cinnamon and apples fills kitchens across the country. It’s a good month for apples and birthdays can include a variety of dishes.
Apples typically ripe and ready this month include Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Liberty, Rome Beauty, and Fuji (among others). And one medium apple (especially with its skin on) contains a good source of dietary fiber which can help benefit our overall health.1 There are plenty of recipes to try. Cozy dishes can include apple cinnamon bread, classic apple pie, apple salad, and more.
Pair a meal with an autumn treat: the Fuji apple. Known for its crisp texture and honeyed flavor, Fuji apples are perfect for seasonal recipes that bring warmth and joy to your table.
🥗 Featured Recipe: Autumn Fuji Apple Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
This salad is a celebration of texture and taste—crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tangy all in one bite. It pairs great with roasted chicken, butternut squash soup, and more, and is ideal for cozy dinners, festive gatherings, or a quick lunch that feels like fall.
Ingredients:
- 2 Fuji apples, thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup candied pecans or toasted walnuts
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: Pomegranate seeds for extra color and crunch
Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Whisk vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.
- Toss greens with apple slices, onion, cranberries, and nuts.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette and gently mix.
- Top with goat cheese and optional pomegranate seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp, cozy flavors of fall.
- Current Dietary Guidelines: Food Sources of Dietary Fiber | Dietary Guidelines for Americans ↩︎
