An Unexpected Chill in the Air ~ Let's Cook!

Hello hello! Welcome, sweet November. 

Halloween was fun, with just a hint of chill weather's approach. [I adore silly graphics in odd places, say on the weather map...].

I decided it was time dust off the oven and make something warm and cozy. How about----baked delicata squash? Core and cut into 3" tall ''cups''. Prebake @ 350* til soft when pricked with a knife. Maybe 45 min. Oil the pan lightly.

Meanwhile make the stuffing. This makes up in tastiness for its lack of curb appeal. The usual ground beef or turkey, crumbled and browned with diced onion and minced garlic.  Add spices! Important and so fragrant. Pepper, salt, cinnamon, Chinese 5 Spice* mix, parsley, caraway seed and fennel seed. Use lots, don't be mingy!

Add some slivered cabbage, stir now and then til the cabbage softens.

Add dried cranberries, about 1/4 cup, plus the contents of one bag of a ready serve whole grain mix. Bulgar and Farro have more body than quinoa, but I used what I had.

Add 1 cup leftover apple cider, reserving 1/4 cup if you think of it. And some bouillon or broth or gravy. Simmer briefly. [ used something I think called Better than Bouillon?], 

made using only half the recommended liquid. 

Simmer briefly then stuff the squash. Spoon extra around the edges; I used too small a dish.

Add a smidge more salt and pepper, pour the extra cider on each squash cup. Sprinkle top with a bit of Parmesan cheese. Bake about 20 minutes, do not overcook or it will be too dry. Serve with a green salad, or as I do, w steamed buttered brussel sprouts.

Delish! And dare I say, healthy? And a farmers market delight, all that fun fresh harvest to choose and enjoy.

..................................................

I also made roasted tiny tomato topping. I had this box of cherry tomatoes in the fridge too long. Halve the tomatoes, set in pie pan sized baking dish with onion and garlic; salt, pepper, basil, a bit of leftover wine if you have any, maybe 3 T. A pinch of sugar for caramelization.  Bake 350* about 45 minutes. Too long is better than too soon.

Refrigerated til another night when I used from my freezer stash, Italian sausage Ravioli. Cook the rav as package directions, toss hot ravioli with butter, parm and the roasted tomatoes topping. Very fast and again, delish on a chilly windy night.

 Add something green on the side maybe Fall broccoli, very sweet this time of year.

.............................................

Last I had a few apples that I bought because I cannot find my fave Golden Delicious. These are Gala and a Fuji or Pink Lady. 

I ran out of energy and oven space, but what I do is is peel and core boring apples, slice in 1/4" moons. Pie plate, a bit of butter, sweetener/ sugar, lots of cinnamon. A tiny drizzle of apple jack liqueur or plain cider. Toss to mix, bake til soft and fragrant. These cooked apples are wonderful with pork roast or chops, or sausage, or meatloaf. 

Reheat them before you serve them. 

Also good with a blob of vanilla Greek yogurt. 

...........................................................

Mo was quite enthralled by all this cooking and was not pleased with diet Pug Kibble. He was appeased with some deli turkey, I know it is wrong but he is my little friend. He deserves a tasty treat too. imo.

Note: if you follow me on Pinterest you may look through my Food folder and find more exact baked squash recipes. Mine is made kind of freehand, so please feel free to look. Pinterest Food file

love

lizzy

gone to the beach....

                                        

........................................................................

*Chinese Five Spice Mix HERE

*Better than Bouillon here  available in groceries and big box stores, amazon etc.