Per page discussions (new posts)

Wanted: Winter Squash Recipes:

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:33:15 +0000

Try it with black beans next time and tell me what you think. I believe that the black beans make it more flavorful and tastes better when adding cinnamon, which I really like. It also makes the dish look less monochromatic. As a result, it's not absolutely necessary to add a green. But I can't tell if I'm imagining this or not!

One nice thing about this dish is that you can dress it up if you have company or you can make a really simple (but still delicious) version in 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have at home. After making it a few times, I've come to use my own superquick and simple version:

1 onion, small diced
1 jalapeno pepper, minced (I keep the seeds)
1 T garlic, minced (or more)

1 package of chopped butternut squash, further cut into 1 inch hunks (or do it yourself)
1 small can of diced tomatoes
2 or 3 small cans of black beans, drained
2.5 cups water or broth, more if you like it more soupy

1 T cumin
1 T coriander
1 T cinnamon
1/2 T cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves

salt and sugar to taste

1. Saute the garlic, onion, pepper, and spices.
2. Add the butternut squash and cook briefly.
3. Add the water, beans, tomatoes, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and then cook on low heat for about 30 min.
4. Add salt and sugar to taste.

Also: you should really serve this with ciabatta bread and a dirty blue like St. Agur's!

Wanted: Winter Squash Recipes:

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:35:32 +0000

Butternut Squash and Pinto bean soup

That's funny—I haven't tried the black bean version; I use the pinto bean and butternut squash recipe.

It is delish!

My Ricotta Experiment:

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:29:18 +0000

So, I've posted the recipe I used with the ricotta—it feeds an army! Vegetarian Baked Ziti is the lazy man's lasagna.

Wanted: Winter Squash Recipes:

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:28:00 +0000

I've used the recipe that Stacy refers to too—as it is, and with some changes. First, I use pancetta instead of bacon (but bacon works too), then added chopped celery, carrots, and onion, sauteed until translucent. Then the broth, tomatoes, squash, beans, and a bunch of chopped kale. I also use thyme to season, which I prefer in this soup to rosemary.

Wanted: Winter Squash Recipes:

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:59:20 +0000

I posted a basic recipe for you.
Good luck recovering from the in-law visit. I love visitors but I also love getting back to quiet and routine.

My Ricotta Experiment:

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:40:32 +0000

You haven't missed the voting! We wait on you!

Wanted: Winter Squash Recipes:

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:40:02 +0000

Amanda discovered an unpredictably great butternut squash black bean CHILI on Epicurious that we have both come to love.

I am also a die-hard fan of Butternut Squash risotto.

I also tried this Butternut Squash soup infused with tomato, parmesan, and cannellini beans. Obviously I departed a bit from this recipe, and I did puree AND pass it through a strainer.

I also love Butternut squash polenta, will post sometime.

My Ricotta Experiment:

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:07:00 +0000

Argh! I missed the voting! The in-law visit was awesome, but all-consuming. Please post that recipe! And do tell all the things you made with it. Yum.

My Ricotta Experiment: Re: The Verdict: A Success!

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:45:17 +0000

I am impressed !!!! For sweet you could go with a Ricotta Pie.

Our First Birthday!:

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:21:20 +0000

Dude, I continue to eat this everyday. As in, I am eating it right now. And also, it's a very easy meal to bring to work. I just make a huge batch and leave it in the fridge at my job, then heat up a portion in the microwave.

My Ricotta Experiment: Re: The Verdict: A Success!

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:08:26 +0000

What could be better than saying, yeah, I made the lasagna. With the ricotta I made from scratch. I labored over it for hours.

My Ricotta Experiment: Re: The Verdict: A Success!

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:07:14 +0000

I've got to get in on this!

My Ricotta Experiment: The Verdict: A Success!

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:55:41 +0000

I pity the fool who doesn't make fresh ricotta cheese! Not only was my experiment successful, it was so easy as to be almost ridiculous. I will post my findings on a new recipe Fresh Ricotta Cheese.

My Ricotta Experiment:

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:38:39 +0000

I would go with savory. You could try a vegetable lasagna or stuffed manicotti.

Our First Birthday!: Happy Birthday To All The Ladies

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:33:57 +0000

Thanks for letting me be a part of this. I have really enjoyed it. I need to try more of these recipes. Getting older you really do get set in your ways. Time to shake things up a bit.

Of course Stacy's rendition of Grandma's Eggplant Parmesan is my favorite. Amanda's Pasta Fagoli is easy and wonderful. I love soul warming foods. Stacy's Vegetable Paella was a big hit with my friends. They couldn't stop talking about it. When we get together again I am sure I will be called on to make it.

Black Bean And Avocado Pizza:

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:02:39 +0000

Best pizza ever. Ok, next to plain cheese and tomato sauce. I find that it really comes alive when you add a dusting of salt right before eating. It makes the avocado and tomatoes pop!

My Ricotta Experiment:

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:34 +0000

Savory! Savory!

Our First Birthday!: The others

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:44:01 +0000

Now that I had time to look over the recipes, I realize how many of them I love! Everything on here is good—how to choose? I limited myself to four more recipes that are very dear to my heart; the Texas Caviar because I remember eating it at a BBQ at Claire's, and loving it, and demanding the recipe. John Scott's Molten Chocolate Cakes because of their prominent place at our long lost ladies' nights (and their deliciousness). The Tea Eggs and Chinese Cucumber Salad that Stacy first served me at her old apartment. I remember being afraid of the egg. But when I ate it! I loved it! Cheers ladies!

Roasted Sweet Potatoes Topped With Black Bean Chili:

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:57:29 +0000

Phil and I ate this last night—it was awesome! I highly recommend. I used a green pepper, a jalapeno, onion, black beans, and my favorite spices (garlic, cumin, paprika, cayenne). We used greek yogurt, green onions, and cilantro to top. Yum!

Our First Birthday!:

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:57:15 +0000

I have to admit to being really surprised scrolling through the list of all the recipes here! Although my two winners were as clear as daylight –they have truly touched my life and are now part of my regular cooking schedule –there are a number of favorites here that I can no longer imagine living without. Thanks, ladies!

Favorites
Amanda’s Israeli Couscous with Roasted Mixed Veggies and Chevre
Claire’s John Scott’s Molten Chocolate Cakes

Runner Ups
Amanda’s Meatballs
Brown Rice Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Buttermilk Waffles
Farmer’s Market Tomato Bread Salad
Jalapeno Caparina
Risotto Alla Milanese
The New Chocolate Chip Cookie
Warm Beet Salad