There is a crisp smell in the air. The trees are a full array of reds and oranges. Boots and sweaters are making their annual comeback. What does this mean? Fall is back, and with it comes its seasonal staple foods. Without a proper kitchen, it can be hard to make food that has that same feel as a home-cooked meal. 

To bring the cozy comfort of fall to your dorm room, try these four fall favorites that are simple, healthy and require little to no equipment. 

Vegan Caramel Apples 

Ingredients: 

• 2 apples on skewers 

• 1/4 cup dates   

• 2 Tbs. melted coconut oil 

• cinnamon, salt & mesquite, if you have it 

• Water, as needed

Optional toppings: 

• 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts, 2-3 Tbs. cacao

• 2-3 Tbs. agave/honey/maple syrup 

• 2-3 Tbs. nut butter

Instructions: 

1. Blend dates with coconut oil, cinnamon, salt, mesquite and water to get a smooth, thick consistency. Cover the apples completely with the sauce and then dip them in the chopped nuts so they stick.

2. Then, mix the cacao, sweetener of choice, nut butter and coconut oil until smooth. Drizzle it all over the apples. 

5-minute Mug Apple Crisp

Ingredients: 

• - 3 Tbs. coconut oil

• - 1/4 cup quick oats

• - 2 Tbs. chopped pecans

• - 2 1/2 Tbs. whole wheat flour (divided)

• - 2 1/2 Tbs. turbinado or brown sugar (divided)

• - 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (divided)

• - 1/8 tsp. salt

• - 2–3 apples (about 2 cups chopped)

• - honey for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave. Stir in the oats, pecans, 2 Tbs. of the whole wheat flour, 2 Tbs. of the sugar, 1/4 tsp. of the cinnamon, and the salt. Mix until well combined.

2.  Chop the apples and toss them with 1/2 Tbs. of the whole wheat flour, 1/2 Tbs. of the sugar, and 1/4 tsp.cinnamon.

3. Layer a little spoonful of the oat mixture in the bottom of the mugs. Top with about 1 cup of the chopped apples and heap the remaining oat mixture over the top.

4. Microwave for 3 minutes and 30 seconds — the apples should be bubbling and the whole thing will reduce in size. Remove and let stand until cool enough to eat. Be careful because it’s going to be really hot at first! Also, the texture improves as it rests and cools. Drizzle with honey for an extra gooey kind of texture. 

   Microwave Fettuccine Alfredo In a Mug 

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup fettuccine (or preferred pasta)

• 1/3 cup water

• 1/3 cup parmesan  

• 2 Tbs. heavy cream

• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Put the pasta in a big mug. Fill it with water and add salt.

2. Cook in a microwave for 4 minutes (then mix), then 2 minutes (then mix) and 1 minute.

3. Add grated cheese and heavy cream. Stir and cook in the microwave for 45 seconds.

4. Serve with grated black pepper.

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup almond milk 

• 1/2 cup black coffee

• 1 Tbs. pumpkin puree canned or homemade

• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/8 tsp. cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp. nutmeg

• pinch allspice

• 2 Tbs. maple syrup

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend on high until smooth and creamy.

2. Can either be served hot or cold.

3. For cold, just pour in a glass over ice and serve.

4. For hot, either heat up in the microwave, or heat up in a saucepot on the stove until just simmering.

5. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!

The table has a way of bringing people together, whether that be over a cup of coffee, a meal at the Dining Commons or Thanksgiving dinner. So, grab some friends and treat your taste buds by trying one or all of these reworked classics. 

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