With fall and school starting, soup is on the mind of home cooks, often looking to the slow cooker for quick, comforting meals. There’s nothing like a bubbling pot of soup waiting for you after a busy day when fall hits. And even if it doesn’t feel like fall outside for you, the vibe is everywhere, so why not join in?

Smoked baked beans with jalapeño and bacon are sweet, spicy, smokey, and will dominate as the favorite at any gathering.

When you buy produce in bulk, you have to get creative. This is especially true when you buy 17 pounds of something which is used sparingly, such as jalapenos. My husband likes his food ultra-spicy,...