There’s salt in the air and rust on the doors. While the end of summer is imminent, it’s officially the best time of year to keep folklore on repeat and get lost in a fictional love triangle. This was the era that gave rise to the iconic knit cardigan, and from lyrics about August “[slipping] away into a moment in time” to cover artwork of misty gray woods, something about folklore evokes the sentimentality of the transition from summer to fall. However, there’s still so much to get excited about, whether it’s the return of pumpkin spice or the sight of the first leaves starting to change colors. Here’s a roundup of 16 ‘folklore’-inspired recipes to help celebrate the arrival of autumn.
1. Ratatouille — “the 1”
The opening track on folklore is about a love that got away. “But it would’ve been fun / If you would’ve been the one,” Swift sings, reminiscing on a former flame. Naturally, a recipe that can be made using just one cooking pot fits the vibe. This ratatouille is a traditional French stew that epitomizes end-of-summer nostalgia, bringing vegetables like eggplant, squash, and red onion together. Easy and delicious, it’s the perfect dish to kick off any folklore listening session.
2. Cinnamon Rolls — “cardigan”
Sung from the perspective of the fictional character Betty, one-third of the folklore love triangle, “cardigan” is about heartbreak and loss. “You put me on and said I was your favorite,” Swift sings. The song calls for a cozy recipe, and what’s more fitting for the start of fall than cinnamon rolls? While Swift originally shared a picture of the sweet treats on her Instagram in 2020, she also baked a batch in a promotional video for “Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)” earlier this year. And although Swift has yet to share her recipe, you can find the directions from Rye, one of Travis Kelce and Swift’s favorite spots in Kansas City, here.
3. Key Lime Pie — “the last great american dynasty”
The third song on folklore is based on the life of Rebekah Harkness, a former inhabitant of Swift’s Rhode Island mansion. According to Swift’s lyrics, the socialite and dance patron once dyed her neighbor’s dog key lime green in a feud, so try this dessert using Blake Lively’s recipe for a yummy treat. Lively’s children also helped inspire the names of folklore characters Betty, James, and Inez, making this pie an excellent match for track three.
4. Caramel Apple Popcorn — “exile”
Hot take: “exile (feat. Bon Iver)” is one of Swift’s greatest song collaborations. This caramel apple popcorn recipe is a tasty seasonal snack for chilly nights when you’ve exiled yourself to your dorm room or apartment. It’s also a quick way to elevate plain popcorn, which is great for movie nights — even if you’ve seen the film before and didn’t like the ending.
5. Classic French Onion Soup — “my tears ricochet”
A dedicated Swiftie always knows the lore behind Swift’s track five songs, which are often the most gut-wrenching tunes on their respective records. According to Swift, “my tears ricochet” was the first song written for folklore. The lyrics are filled with rich imagery that sets the tone for the album, and this classic French onion soup recipe reflects the track’s title. Although you might cry while slicing onions, the warm comfort food will be well worth the tears.
6. Molten Lava Cake — “mirrorball”
Before there was “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart,” there was “mirrorball.” Track six on folklore is all about shining your brightest, even if you feel like a million shattered pieces on the inside. Of course, a molten lava cake fits the vibe. You can try this 30-minute recipe for a delicious, warm dessert. While the recipe makes enough for two, I recommend doubling the ingredients to share.
7. Honey Apple Crisp Mocktail — “seven”
Nothing compares to sweet tea in the summer, except maybe mocktails in the fall. This honey apple crisp-flavored recipe from @mocktailgirlie on TikTok is quick, easy, and refreshing. It’s perfect for the beginning of autumn when the days are still long and filled with sunshine.
8. Street Corn Pasta Salad — “august”
An all-time fan-favorite, “august” is about a fleeting love affair between teenagers Augustine (Augusta?) and James. And just like young love, some seasonal produce starts to slip away in August (even if summer’s unofficial end isn’t until Labor Day). A flavorful pasta salad is the best way to make the most of the month. This recipe is straightforward and delicious. Consider adding a red wine vinaigrette for the true “august” experience.
9. Upgraded Ramen — “this is me trying”
This dish is great for cool nights when you’d rather do anything other than cook. If you’ve been having a hard time adjusting, try these hacks for six ways to upgrade basic instant noodles. Fast and easy, an elevated ramen recipe best reflects the mood of “this is me trying.”
10. Pear Cobbler — “illicit affairs”
August marks the beginning of peak pear season, and this cobbler recipe by @fooddolls on TikTok is perfect to practice as we head into the year’s chillier months (seriously, consider bringing this one to Friendsgiving). It doesn’t matter if it’s for a clandestine meeting or a large soirée — this recipe is sure to impress.
11. Spaghetti al Limone — “invisible string”
Dare I say “invisible string” is one of Swift’s best songs of all time? “One single thread of gold / Tied me to you,” she reminisces on track 11. This pasta recipe from @heresyourbite on TikTok is fitting because it features multiple threads of gold (also known as strings of spaghetti). Plus, with only four ingredients, the meal is suitable for beginners. You’ll want to save this one for your next date night.
12. Bear Claws — “mad woman”
“And you’ll poke that bear ‘til her claws come out / And you find something to wrap your noose around,” Swift sings on “mad woman.” The track is a powerful criticism of patriarchal power structures and likely alludes to Scott Borchetta’s 2019 purchase of Swift’s original six album masters. In the song, Swift promises she is “taking her time,” and after the undeniable success of The Eras Tour, it’s evident that she has managed to build back her empire. Swift’s triumph represents a sweet ending, and these chocolate bear claws shared by @f00dventures on TikTok are the best pastries to reflect her perseverance.
13. Pumpkin Bread — “epiphany”
Hauntingly poetic, “epiphany” is a tribute to Swift’s grandfather, who fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. Released in the midst of the COVID pandemic, the song also honors the sacrifices made by healthcare workers across the globe. This pumpkin bread recipe is a soft, nostalgic comfort food for uncertain times, making it a great match for Swift’s “epiphany.”
14. Artichoke Dip — “betty”
James may have shown up at Betty’s party to apologize for his tryst with Augustine, but the gesture would’ve been a million times better with a party food in hand. This artichoke dip is perfect for sharing on game days and at back-to-school get-togethers — so perfect, in fact, that you might be dreaming of it all season long.
15. Marry Me Chicken — “peace”
From start to finish, “peace” is filled with anxiety-ridden lyrics. “Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?” Swift questions on the track. Luckily, “marry me” chicken is said to be so delicious, that the meal will result in a proposal. Results may vary, but at just under 30 minutes to make, there’s no harm in trying this recipe from Alexandra Harper.
16. Sleepy Girl Mocktail — “hoax”
The final track on folklore calls for a sleepy girl mocktail. With lyrics like, “My twisted knife / My sleepless night,” “hoax” is a melancholic ending to one of Swift’s most evocative albums. It’s also extremely slept-on, which is why this nighttime mocktail recipe from Gracie Norton is such a perfect match.