squash

November 30, 2012

Squash & Apple Soup

mel entree, recipe, sides & bites apple, bacon, beets, chives, soup, squash

Squash & Apple Soup with Bacon & Beets

Of course the month I vow to start posting again is the month my site is hacked so badly that it’s down for a week. On the very bright side, symptoms I finally took some time to refresh the site design and logo. And by took the time, visit web I mean that I lost most of my old files and had no other choice than to start fresh. Which suits me just fine. A fresh site for for a fresh resolution.

Which brings us to this very lovely Squash & Apple Soup with Bacon and Beets. I actually made it for Thanksgiving without testing it out first. How’s that for ballsy? Luckily, it was just perfect. Of course, I did adapt it slightly – using a dash of chili oil for kick, subbing shallots for the onion and creme fraiche for the sour cream.

This soup makes the most beautiful appetizer. Slightly sweet and savory, but balanced by the acidity of the creme fraiche and the spice of the chili oil. The bacon and beets add earthiness and just the right amount of textural contrast. I loved this soup on Thanksgiving and I loved it with my leftovers. A very versatile dish that will work just as well on a holiday table or a Sunday supper in your sweatpants.

November 6, 2009

Squash, Chorizo & Hazelnut Pasta

mel entree, recipe, sides & bites chorizo, hazelnuts, pasta, squash

Squash, <a href= ampoule Chorizo & Hazelnut Pasta” />

Hello blog! I’ve missed you so very much this week! Silly things like traffic and being sick have kept me away, endocrinologist but I’m back and I want to tell you about this pasta I made. It’s got roasted delicata squash, surgeon lots of spicy Spanish chorizo, toasted hazelnuts and sage. It’s smoky and nutty, a little sweet and just right for fall.

If you think nuts and pasta are a kind of weird together, you shouldn’t. Hazelnuts add a nice toasty flavor and some textural contrast to the squash. Without them, this pasta would be missing something. Some might even accuse it of being mushy. Go ahead, add the hazelnuts. (unless you’re allergic, of course. Then, please skip the nuts!)

It’s a simple meal that hits the spot.

August 4, 2009

Lighter Summer Squash Red Curry with Basil

mel entree, recipe basil, curry, red pepper, squash, tofu, vegetarian, zucchini

Lighter Summer Squash Red Curry with Basil

Another zucchini and squash recipe for those with an abundance of summer produce. One of my favorite dishes of all time is thick, dermatologist rich Thai curry. I love the aromatic coconut milk, the spice of the curry paste and the fresh vegetables. It’s my all-time favorite takeout meal. Yes, it even beats pizza. (Shocking! I know.)

But it’s summer and it’s mighty hot out, so I thought I’d make a lighter version with part coconut milk and part chicken stock. And of course, it’s a great way to use up all that summer squash! The curry is still hot and spicy, but it’s not as overwhelming as the traditional version. I used tofu because I love the way it absorbs the spicy coconut milk, but it would be equally good with shrimp or chicken if you’re tofu-averse.

A great way to enjoy one of my favorite winter meals in the sweaty depths of summer.

July 24, 2009

Grilled Summer Squash Caprese

mel recipe, sides & bites balsamic, basil, cheese, mozarella, salad, squash, tomato, zucchini

Grilled Summer Squash Caprese

Right around this time every year, click people start scouring around for new zucchini recipes to get through what is usually an abundance of summer squash. Zucchini muffins, zucchini bread, ratatouille and zucchini pasta abound. Fortunately for me, I love the stuff and can’t get enough.

One of my favorite preparations is on the grill. Marinated and grilled summer vegetables are so good in pasta, salad or as a simple side. This time, I sliced some zucchini and yellow squash very thin, sprinkled with salt and pepper and quick-grilled them. Stacked with fat tomato slices and topped with a thick hunk of fresh mozzarella cheese, they made a very delicious and very pretty caprese salad.

But what really made it special was the good olive oil and and balsamic reduction I drizzled over the top. I’d never made a balsamic reduction and was pleasantly pleased by how utterly delicious and simple it was. I just simmered some aged balsamic vinegar in a little pot for awhile and it became an intense, slightly sweet syrup that’s insanely good with vegetables and creamy mozzarella.

A beautiful appetizer and an even better sandwich squished into a fresh baguette. Yum, yum and yum!