If ground spices are all you have ... fiery cinnamon liquor for a fall-themed cocktail, bake sugar-dusted apple cider donuts, or even marinate your pork chops with cider. Want more food knowledge?

It's hard to resist the warming spices and flavors associated with this season. So, the next time I'm in a fall mood, baking an apple cider donut cake will be at the top of my priority list.

Apple cider doughnuts, apple pie ... Johnny Miller for The New York Times Romulo Yanes for The New York Times Warm spices, applesauce and a shredded tart apple make this homespun loaf comforting.