Well, it’s inescapable — autumn is knocking at our door.

Not only have daytime temperatures become much more comfortable, but some evenings are now positively chilly. They dry snap has ended with a few rain showers, further relieving the oppressive conditions of late summer.

And, despite my best efforts to look the other way, fall colors are beginning to appear among the treetops, with a hint of pale yellow scattered throughout this tree and burnt orange tinging the side of that one.

This is a time of year when we begin to think about comfort in the cooler months — a lap blanket for watching TV or a warm mug of something flavored with cinnamon or pumpkin or both.

With those things on my mind, it occurred to me that one of those special comfort foods for many people is pizza. In fact, there are a few varieties of pizza that are synonymous with “home” for people who hail from the Ohio Valley.

For many, especially for those from Wheeling and surrounding communities, it’s the famous DiCarlo’s pizza topped with cold cheese after it’s been baked that speaks of home.

I know of folks who make special trips from a couple of hours away to grab a few of those square slices (and maybe even a tray or two to take home and freeze to stave off later cravings).

For my nephew, Jim Compston, there’s nothing better or more familiar than a piping hot pie from the Bethesda Pizza Parlor. Throw in some bread sticks, and he feels just like a kid again.

I don’t order it often, but when I do I make sure to tease him with a photo and the suggestion that he bring his wife and two daughters around for a visit.

For me, the pizza that holds a special place in my heart is from Home Pizza. Of course, I can no longer get that delicacy in St. Clairsville since the Halloran family closed their shop. Fortunately, the same Barnesville location I used to order from with my parents remains in operation.

Although the recipe may have changed slightly, it still features a sauce that is a bit sweet, and the square slices with “everything” come just the way my mom loved them — with green olives, sausage, tiny diced green peppers and onions, along with banana pepper rings.

Is your mouth watering yet?

It’s a great time of year to think about your own favorites and arrange to have a heaping helping of something comforting and delicious.

Enjoy!