The onset of autumn coincides with days getting shorter and weather getting colder, but that doesn't mean it's all doom and gloom. The fresh-faced and leafy greens of summer give way to a free fall of fruits and vegetables in autumnal hues, from deep brown chestnuts to beautiful golden orchard fruits. Our collection of autumnal Italian recipes shows off the bounty of this wonderful season.

The humble mushroom becomes king in the Italian autumn, whether it be simple button mushrooms like in Cristina Bowerman's Mushroom sandwich with pine nuts, raisins and capers, or something more decadent like this Egg yolk ravioli with truffle and Parmesan recipe, courtesy of Daniele Usai. Game also comes into its own from September onwards, and is often combined with earthy autumn vegetables, like in Igles Corelli'sWild boar loin with honey, pumpkin purée and wild blueberry sauce.

Blackberries are at their most plump in September, and pair perfectly with game, as well as in sweet dishes. And let's not forget the bounty of plums, damsons, apples and pears, all ripe and ready for cooking, too.