What's For Dinner: Apple Cider Cocktail And Baked Quinoa

Not feeling inspired by your usual dishes? Here's what's for dinner.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the oven. You've been neglecting it all summer, opting for hot-weather-friendly salads and tiki drinks. But now it's officially fall, so welcome the season by reviving the appliance with melty baked ricotta and a hearty quinoa-roasted vegetable main. Bonus points if you sport a sweater underneath your apron while cooking.

① Drink: Autumn Smash
Is there a more aptly named cocktail to kick off the season? Apple cider, the sweet beverage of your childhood, gets a grown-up pour of rum and a splash of amaro. Sip while your oven preheats, and it'll warm you from the inside out.

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② Appetizer: Baked Ricotta with Mushrooms and Balsamic Brown Butter
Yes, this is an opportunity for you to consume a ramekin's worth of soft, gooey cheese. Serve it warm with your favorite loaf of crusty bread, repeat, and your body will be in prime shape for winter.

③ Main Course: Oven-Roasted Quinoa with Spiced Apples, Carrots and Red Onions
Your oven will be in overdrive for this satisfying vegetarian dish. Toasting the quinoa before baking gives it an extra-nutty taste, and roasted seasonal vegetables will make you so thankful for fall that you'll forget about the months of snow soon to follow.