Heather Baird

Fall and sunflowers go hand-in-hand, so whip up a batch of these blooming beauties for your next autumn-themed party. Sunflower petals are easily created using a leaf decorator piping tip, while mini flowerpots serve as playful containers for the delicious cupcakes.

Infused with the classic flavors of fall, this hearty pumpkin apple cider can easily be prepared in minutes and will fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma that's hard to resist. Because this recipe is nonalcoholic, it's ideal for kids and adults alike.

Refreshing and oh-so-tasty, this fall sangria cocktail is perfect for sweater weather. The sweet-meets-tart caramel apple flavor develops as it chills, recreating the nostalgic taste of a classic seasonal treat.

There's no better way to welcome fall than with a batch of homemade pumpkin-maple cupcakes topped with maple frosting, a maple syrup drizzle and pumpkin seeds.

Traditional glühwein, which translates to 'glow wine' will make cheeks rosy and keep Oktoberfest and fall fun in full swing. Be sure to keep the recipe handy for winter months, too. This soul-warming sip will put a fire in your belly (and a glow in your cheeks) when temperatures plummet.

Germany is known for dense, whole grain, multi-seeded bread called dreikernebrot. It’s a nutrition-packed dietary staple that can be found at every corner bakery and is a favorite of locals and tourists, alike. Now you can bring the hearty flavor home and make an authentic loaf in your kitchen using this recipe. Dreikernebrot is a tasty seeded loaf that will fortify you through the festive days of Oktoberfest and beyond.

Soft, chewy pretzels are a frequent sight in German biergartens and the perfect salty companion to beer and (yum!) beer cheese. Up your Oktoberfest game this year and bake up a batch of these chewy munchables that are perfect for dipping. Learn how to make this fun, easy dish in just a few steps using readymade dough.

Nothing’s better than homemade apple strudel — unless it’s having one all to yourself. These individual strudels have a crunchy phyllo wrapper with a sweet interior of shredded apples, golden raisins and walnuts. Serve this classic German confection, aka apfelstrudel, as a sweet ending to your Oktoberfest celebration.

This rich chocolate cake hails from the Black Forest region of Germany. It’s a layered confection soaked with Kirsch (cherry liqueur), and filled with whipped cream and Morello cherry preserves. Make several of this mini version to feed an Oktoberfest party crowd. Petite but with a tasty punch of rich chocolate and tart cherries, these mini mouthfuls are the perfect way to end an Oktoberfest feast.

Oktoberfest wouldn’t be the same without golden kartoffelpuffer, otherwise known as German potato pancakes. We’ve miniaturized them for bite-sized finger food that's perfect for an Oktoberfest celebration. Serve the crispy mouthfuls with applesauce and sour cream for dipping.

Looking for the perfect Oktoberfest menu item that will appeal to both kids and adults, alike? Then look no further. This hearty recipe brings the taste of German Oktoberfest celebrations home — in a bitesize form so you and your guests can enjoy these tasty cheesy noodles while you mix and mingle.

These colorful cake pop cones are the ideal treat for a unicorn-themed party or birthday and will bring lots of magic and cuteness to dessert time. Instead of being served on a stick, these treats are served on top of an ice cream cone for added deliciousness and crunch.

Turn the dessert table into a magical wonderland with these sweet unicorn doughnuts that are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. The golden rings are baked instead of fried, and a little buttermilk in the batter makes them as delicious as they are cute.

Sprinkle a little magic throughout your next party or birthday with these whimsical, unicorn-themed parfaits. They can be made a day ahead of time, and then decorated just before serving.

No Hanukkah celebration would be complete without the four-sided spinning top game known as dreidel. This sugar cookie version pays homage to the tradition while looking and tasting fantastic. Treat your Hanukkah guests to a dreidel cookie at each place setting as a post-dinner treat or to take home as a festive party favor.