Yummy new recipe books hit shelves this fall

Fall is here, leaves are changing colors, the days are getting shorter, and the temperatures are starting to drop.

Short days and cold weather make me pretty unhappy, but one thing I love about this time of year is that I spend more time in the kitchen - a warm space in my home where I can cook up some carb-heavy meals (my favorite) and try my hand at making something sweet for dessert. Lucky for me, I get to order all the cookbooks for the Iowa City Public Library, so I know ahead of time what awesome books are coming to our shelves. Here are some newer titles that I'm most interested in right now.

Crockpot and one-pot meals seem very right this time of year - they're easy to make, the longer cooking time makes your home smell nice, and warm soups, stews, and casseroles are comforting and filling. Sound appetizing? Look for titles like 'One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals From Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot, and More” from Martha Stewart Living; '175 Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes: Delicious One-Pot, No-Fuss Recipes for Soups, Appetizers, Main Courses, Side Dishes, Desserts, Cakes, Preserves and Drinks” by Catherine Atkinson and Jenni Fleetwood; and 'Vegan Casseroles: Pasta Bakes, Gratins, Pot Pies, and More” by Julie Hasson. If you like your stew and casserole with some potato or dough on top, check out 'Dinner Pies: From Shepherd's Pies and Pot Pies to Tarts, Turnovers, Quiches, Hand Pies, and More ... ” by Ken Haedrich. Don't forget dessert: 'Slow Cooker Desserts: Oh So Easy, Oh So Delicious!” by Roxanne Wyss and Kathy Moore sounds just about perfect!

Speaking of the sweeter part of the meal, I love to bake during the colder months. I recently attempted my first pie - crust and all. I need a little more practice; if you do too, check out 'Pie School: Lessons in Fruit, Flour, and Butter” by Kate Lebo. If you're beyond basics, or looking for some inspiration, try titles like 'Back in the Day Bakery, Made with Love” by Cheryl Day and Griffith Day; and 'The New Sugar and Spice: A Recipe for Bolder Baking” by Samantha Seneviratne.

Between a couple books, a few pots and pans, and a couple hours, you've got a whole meal.

' Candice Smith is adult services librarian at the Iowa City Public Library