So, the local farm market has so many pumpkins they are basically giving them away. I purchased 10 sugar pie pumpkins, locally grown for $4! Yep, you read that right, $4. They are 2 for $4 at the big chain grocery store. And, these are organic and grown locally. It really doesn’t get any better….
Recipes
My Restaurant Crush
Housed in an old carriage house, the Bar at Husk somehow manages to encompass everything I felt and loved about living in Charleston in one simple, gorgeous, understated, perfect place. It was everything I had ever wanted in a Charleston bar when I lived there. It manages to perfectly capture the essence of the city I love…a fusion of sophisticated modern life unfolding on a backdrop of history and southern charm.
Quinoa Apple Onion Stuffing
Looking for a clean, unprocessed, gluten free, but still delicious and hearty Thanksgiving stuffing (or dressing as we southerners call it) recipe? Well, look no further! I created this recipe based on a few stuffing recipes I’ve tried over the years and substituted quinoa for the traditional bread. This recipe could also be made with…
Pumpkin Butter – Easy, Simple Thanksgiving Treat
I’ve been trying to figure out what to bring to my in-laws for Thanksgiving. Jessica and I discussed a couple of options and came to the Pumpkin Butter idea! It worked out perfectly because the local Farm Market had these amazing Heirloom Pumpkins that were grown locally. The seeds originated in Italy many many years ago. I assume they were brought over by an immigrant. They look nothing like pumpkins the but inside is a beautiful, dark orange and made a beautiful Pumpkin Butter.
Cranberry Apple Chutney & Traditional Cranberry Sauce
So, continuing on my Thanksgiving theme this week, I made this Cranberry Apple Chutney. I think we may have finally finished up our apples! We had SO many though. There may be a few still hiding in my fridge. I’ll scope it out in the morning. I hope not though because that would mean time for more apple picking!
This Cranberry Apple Chutney would be a great side dish to bring to your families Thanksgiving dinner, and its clean! Its such a nice substitute for traditional cranberry sauce. Its a simple easy Thanksgiving side that can be made early in the morning or even the day before and refrigerated.
Cruising and Eating and Rocking and Rolling….
So, I’m back. Exhausted. And, well, kind of queasy. While, overall it was a great time with family (for the most part, I’ll explain that later) we had the worst weather. The North Atlantic in November, lets just say, I’ll NEVER do it again.
It all started out so great, I was excited about the food offerings the first night. There seemed to be enough healthy choices to balance out the indulgent ones. I toured the spa and gym facility and was excited to give them a try.
Honey Roasted Parsnips and Sweet Potatoes
This parsnip and sweet potato dish is completely fall and is an excellent Thanksgiving side dish. The local honey is such a nice compliment to the carmelized shallots and crisp parsnips. Now that I’m back from Bermuda, I’m in a Thanksgiving kind of mood. We are going to the in-laws this year so I won’t be planning the menu or really cooking much for the actual day of. I’m itching to make some deliciously fall Thanksgiving fare. So you’ll have to forgive me as I inundate you with recipes over the next week or so! I’m starting with this sweet potato and parsnip dish.
Apple Cinnamon Bread
I have to admit it surprised me how good this bread is! And this is coming from someone who has admitted on many occasions that I don’t like cooked apples (I know!). I used my homemade applesauce, which is made with local Fuji apples. I also used local whole wheat flour which I bought at the farmers market and some local honey. The Greek yogurt gives it an amazing texture and the flavor is out of this world. Once you try this bread you will be addicted. I am on my third loaf already!
Easy Homemade Applesauce
I have to admit that it surprised me how easy it was to make homemade applesauce in the slow cooker. It took almost no effort on my part and the result was delicious. All I did was core, peel and cut my apples into cubes. I put them in the slow cooker with a little honey and cinnamon and walked away. And behold…8 hours later…applesauce! The honey brought out the natural sweetness of the honey and the hint of cinnamon brought the whole thing together nicely.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
I don’t know about you, but to me this weather just calls for soup. And in an attempt to further immerse myself in the fall spirit, I decided to make a Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. It was delicious. I started out by roasting the butternut squash, which gave it an extra depth of flavor. In addition, I added a couple of pinches of cayenne pepper, giving it just a little kick and cutting the sweet. For my local ingredient I used fresh picked Fuji Apples, which we picked ourselves on a local farm. The soup was amazing! Creamy, flavorful, with just the perfect amount of spice.