Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Caramelized Butternut Squash

Caramelized Butternut Squash
Apparently computers don't like to be dropped on the floor.  Twice.  Once by David.  A month later by me.  We sound like a pair of butter fingers. 

What a pair we make - 21 years on Thursday.  They say married couples start to look and dress and sound and do things alike.  Well, that doesn't hold true for cooking alike.  David and I had a bake off of butternut squash.  Mine, of course, was covered in butter and brown sugar.  His was savory with olive oil and a ton of other spices.  Guess which recipe won the family taste test 4:1?  Butter and brown sugar always win (it also doesn't hurt to have Barefoot Contessa on your side).  

Ingredients:
  • 2 medium butternut squash (4-5 pounds total) - you can also purchase already cubed butternut squash
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 400.

Cut off and discard the ends of each butternut squash. Peel the squash, cut them in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-inch cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, and salt. Toss all the ingredients together and spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 45 to 55 minutes, until the squash is tender and the glaze begins to caramelize. While roasting, turn the squash a few times with a spatula, to be sure it browns evenly. Taste for seasonings and serve hot (it also tastes good the next day mixed with pasta and cubed, grilled chicken).


Happy Anniversary Big D!


Thursday, February 1, 2018

The Super Bowl of Dips

Guacamole
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Perfect.  Is there such a thing?  (Anyone who scored a 1600 on the SAT need not reply.)  Dictionary.com defines it as “conforming absolutely to the description or definition of an ideal type” and “excellent or complete beyond practical or theoretical improvement.”  This actually makes me feel better and liberated because OMG, who is all of that?  I will admit, I strive for perfection and then I wonder why I am disappointed or feel like I am banging my head against a wall.  A house project that is not quite right; a class and students (and teacher) that haven’t found their rhythm; a work project and client (and consultant) that aren’t quite in sync.  Yet.  That’s the perfectionist in me – still trying, still fighting, still striving, still trying to get in control (still banging my head against a wall). 

Do you think the players in the Super Bowl strive for perfection?  Or is “their best” and “just good enough” acceptable?  Do you know what is perfect with a chip?  A dip.  Do you know what is best eaten while watching the Super Bowl?  A dip.  Do you know what is good enough to eat on days other than the Super Bowl?  A dip.

Here are some of my favorite dips.  They are perfect if you follow the recipes exactly.  Haha.
Shrimp Ceviche Cocktail


















Happy birthday (early) Claire!  May it be your best one yet!