Our screens are rattling from the wind outside. Slippers? Check. Robe? Check. Coffee? Check.
Good morning, Sunday. Nice to see you.
It is finally the time of year for the "stick-to-your-ribs" type of food.
Can we just talk about polenta for a second? It's gluten free. It's vegan. It's easy. And you can flavor it any way you want. Um, hello, Awesome. It's such a great change from pasta, rice, or couscous. Plus, if you pour it into a ramekin (or a mug) while it's still hot, the polenta will conform to its shape. Friends and family will be like "Ooooo… fancy schmancy". And all you did was pour it from your stovetop into a mold. To us, there is only one way to cook the stuff in the autumn months. And it is from this book: Harvest of Pumpkins & Squash. It is a must for every bookshelf.
Next, let's talk squash. Yes, Butternut Squash is always a favorite. But it should not be the only squash you reach for at the market. Like I mentioned in our last post, there are so many to choose from! Don't be afraid to break the mold and try some random variety. Don't know how to cook it? Ask someone at the store. Or look it up on the internet. You will be surprised and glad you did.
The recipe called for butternut, but we used a red kuri pumpkin. Do you like chestnuts? Then try this squash. It tastes just like chestnuts (and has a similar texture). Added bonus: the color is beyond gorgeous.
Because we used someone else's recipe, we will refrain from posting the method of cooking. (Did you buy this cookbook already?) We will say this much, however: Melting butter (it doesn't have to be a lot, guys) with salt, herbs, and tossing in squash will give you such an appreciation for the vegetable. Pumpkin pie is great. Breads are nice. But really just eating roasted chunks of the stuff - there is nothing better. And it is not sticky-sweet like all of the popular American uses for pumpkin and squash. If you are going to take the time to cut and roast pumpkins savor and enjoy your efforts. You might never buy the canned purees again.
Happy fall! And happy squash picking! Now go out and buy yourselves a bag of polenta and have some fun.
