Sometimes organic applesauce hits the spot. It’s simple, tangy, sweet and filled with nutrients (one medium apple counts as 1 cup of fruit, and apples contain soluble fiber and are an awesome source of vitamin C). Sauced organic apples are enjoyable alone (or paired with cinnamon, nutmeg, cranberries, raisins and yogurt; yum!), and can be used in baking as an oil substitute.

Even though pears (or pear trees at least) are immortalized in that classic holiday tune involving a partridge and a stream of nerve-wracking repetition, the actual pear is an often-overlooked fruit this time of year. We celebrate the bounty of fall with apples and pumpkins in all forms of delicious eats, but too often forget those tasty pears.

The winter season is upon us, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up fresh fruits for these next few months. In fact, several fruits actually come into season this time of year, and they are fresher and tastier now more than ever. Here are our five favorite holiday fruits at the OA kitchens, along with our fave recipes to cook them in.

Thanksgiving is the quintessential food-lover's holiday. The abundance of flavorful autumnal fruits and vegetables find their way into stuffing, mashes, gravies, relishes and so much more goodness we look forward to being thankful for. And add to the apparent identity crisis our country now faces as dissonance with our economic system continues to spread, a growing intolerance of unlabeled genetically modified organisms now found in 80 percent of processed foods. So, on this Thanksgiving make sure you leave the corporate owned and toxic GMO foods off of your menu. Here's how.

Let’s face it. Brussels sprouts are not your typical go-to veggie. Maybe you had a bad Brussels sprouts experience as a kid (think mushy and stinky). Maybe you think of them as a Thanksgiving side dish only. Whatever your reasons, it’s time to bid farewell to sub-par Brussels sprouts. For some inspiration and delicious dishes, give one (or more!) of these four options a try. These recipes are sure to help bring out the best of your Brussels sprouts, and leave all of those preconceived notions by the wayside.

Thanksgiving may be two Thursdays away, but menu planning... well, you better get on it! It seems that a vegetarian Thanksgiving has been villified to the sorry souls who opt for Tofurky as their meal to give thanks. But, this week we challenge you to create the most deliciously vegan Thanksgiving meal with these abundant recipes that have been bursting from some of the web's best food bloggers. Plus, hosting a vegan Thanksgiving or offering a vegan dish to your gathering is a way to give thanks without supporting harm, an issue that many take with this holiday's dubious roots. 

The Indian spicy sweet tea and milk beverage called chai is more than just a cupful of yummy. The spices are actually tonic herbs that soothe digestion, boost mood and reduce inflammation—which of course can all be thrown out of whack by drinking dairy milk. But you can still enjoy the flavorful brew, without the dairy, and with all the benefits using this simple vegan chai recipe.

Pears are a sometimes-overlooked delicacy. Sweet and refined, with a fragile skin and unique texture, their subtle flavor works with everything from chocolate to cheese. In fact, spiced pears poached in wine are a traditional holiday dessert. Whether you're throwing a holiday bash or just looking for something fun to do with in-season pears, now's your moment to try out fresh spiced cocktail recipes. Here are three to suit any taste.

Grilled cheese recipes are in high demand this time of year. Kids love them, parents love them, and yes – even your cocktail companions love them, too. Many grilled cheese sandwiches fall victim to terrible cheese, though. Those American "cheese" slices that jiggle like Jell-O, and have that putrid yellow hue and odd glossy sheen? Not cheese. There’s no reason to reach for that stuff when you can buy tasty, organic cheeses that are good for you. With the right organic cheeses and rustic breads, you can build an awesome, healthier grilled cheese sandwich.

Most of us have been to a diner or a “greasy spoon” cafe more than once in our lives. You probably even have a few good stories that go along with those experiences. Maybe you were driving across country with a friend and stopped in at a small town diner. Could be the town where you went to college had one -- the spot where everyone met up late night for the munchies.