The fall just wouldn't be the same without apples, whether we're talking fall in the autumnal sense or the biblical. It's ironic that the storied first occasion of sin is also one of the most abundant and perfect foods available. Bring on the traditional apple pie, apple cake, Waldorf salad, baked apple, candied apple and applesauce, and then get serious with apples. Especially at this time of year, we can eat and drink the archetypal fruit at every meal and snack on the clock. Care to take the challenge? The following recipes are adapted from Robert Berkley's "Apples, A Cookbook."

1 and 1/2 cups oatmeal
1 and 1/2 cups boiling water
1 egg
1 cup flour
2 tbls. baking powder
pinch of salt
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1/4 cup melted butter
3 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1/2 cup pecan pieces
2 tbls. butter

Combine oatmeal and water. Let stand 5 minutes. Add egg, flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Mix. Stir in milk, melted butter, apples and pecans. Melt remaining butter in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. When the butter begins to crackle, spoon on pancake batter to desired size. Flip when bubbles form in the center. Cook for another minute and serve with maple syrup. Makes about 15 3-inch pancakes.

Also, a healthy side dish to consider for the holidays to offset all those carbohydrates.

4 carrots, shredded
3 small parsnips, shredded
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
1/4 head red cabbage, shredded
1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
2 tbls. chopped parsley
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tblsp. sugar
salt and pepper
Combine veggies and apples. Add mayonnaise and seasonings. Mix well. Serves 6 to 8.

1 and 1/2 quarts vegetable stock
2 or 3 apples, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped
1 butternut squash. peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped
salt to taste

Bring stock to a gentle boil. Reduce heat after adding apples and squash and simmer for 45 minutes or until tender. Mash squash with a potato masher or force through a strainer if smooth puree is desired. Season to taste. Add water if too thick, simmer longer if too thin. Serves 6.

Eat well.