As I’ve become more and more settled into my new home in Northern California, I have begun to completely embrace the foodie lifestyle here. Everyone I’ve met buys their groceries at multiple places, and thanks to them I’ve become addicted to farm stands.

What’s at the stand right now? Squash, apples, pears, pomegranates, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and leeks. I’ve noticed that when you buy in season, your produce just tastes better—and your grocery bill is lower! Even if you can’t hit up your local farmers’ market each week, you can still save big at the checkout line by choosing seasonal produce. Check your supermarket’s circular each week for even more deals.

This week’s recipes are super simple on purpose—they let the produce play the shining role.

Grocery list:
1 package chicken sausage links, preferably organic and all natural (Trader Joe’s makes some good ones!)
1 package whole-wheat hot dog buns (I like Ezekiel sprouted wheat buns, which you can find at Trader Joe’s or health-food stores)
1 onion
Extra virgin olive oil
2 bell peppers, green and red
Ketchup, mustard, hot sauce
3-lb sugar pumpkin (These are deep orange and smaller than the kind you carve—look for the label at your local supermarket or farm stand)
Garlic
1 quart chicken or veggie stock
Half-and-half
Cayenne
Fresh thyme
Dried, giant lima beans
1 shallot
Swiss chard
Parmesan cheese
Rustic bread (I like a good sourdough)
Goat cheese
4 sweet potatoes or garnet yams
2 cans chickpeas
1 package cheddar cheese
Dried parsley
Oregano