Butternut and Cashew Stir-Fry

It may seem as if we haven't been eating for awhile if one were to guess from the lack up blogging. Actually, it is more true that I haven't cooked anything new or note worthy. This recipe is definitely a keeper. The sweet creaminess of the butternut squash with the bite of scallions and shallots and the crunch of fried cashews was amazing.

I used a large skillet rather than a wok. Heat a Tbs. oil very hot and stir fry cashews, drain them on paper towel, stir fry the scallions and a shallot diced. Remove those. Quickly stir fry 2 tsp. each mustard seed, garlic, coriander. Add the diced butternut or pumpkin and stir fry that until browned. Add a cup orange juice with a tbsp. brown sugar and stir till thickened. add back the cashews, onions and shallots.

Back to the Past

Here we go. This is a fine example of comfort food. Good old, oowy, gooey, rice krispies treats. When was the last time you made them? I made these today with the new flavor krispies, chocolate and vanilla. Very nice. It was a substitute for the Cinna-Bons roll that I droolingly chose and paid for this morning at the mall and inadvertantly walked off without. I was so busy putting away my change nice and neatly that I walked off leaving my 2000 calorie bun in a box on the counter. I hope the salesgirl gave it to the next customer.

Carnival Squash review

Ok. I made the first of my squash. Carnival, cut with bench scraper and hammer, (worked very well, btw) microwaved and dressed with a dab of butter, some brown sugar, and raisins. It was sort of mealy fleshed, stringy like spaghetti squash, mild taste. I really liked the raisin on it.

Foodie Chapter 2

What a beautiful array of colors in these squash. Just like the colors of the fall leaves. I have never prepared winter squash at home except pre-cut butternut. These are butternut, sweet dumpling, carnival, acorn, and amber cup. I invested in a bench scraper as recommended by Cooks Illustrated so that I can safely cut these. Reports and photos as we cook and taste to follow.

I bought these on sale at Smiths for 99 cents a pound bringing the total to a over $11!!!!!

Foodie News

I am trying to eat a wider variety of foods than usual. So I found this recipe using wheat berries as the base. I made it tonight and it is a hit with Cara and me. Aaron, it uses bacon! I substituted turkey bacon and it is low fat and delicious.

Wheat Berry Salad with Bacon

1 cup wheat berries
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup pecan halves
6 pieces bacon
1/2 cup dried cherries
2 shallots, thinly sliced
2 Tbs. EVOO
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice.

A. In a large saucepan, combine the wheat berries, 3 quarts broth or water with 1 tsp. salt and bring to a boil. Cook until tender but still slightly chewy, about 1 hour. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.

B.Meanwhile, heat oven to 350. Spread the pecans on a rimmed baking sheet and bake, tossing occasionally, until fragrant and toasted, 6-8 minutes. Roughly chop the nuts.

C. Meanwhile, in a skillet, over medium heat, cook the bacon til crisp. Drain and crumble up and add to wheat berries, along with pecans, cherries, parsley, shallot, oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.

Enjoy.

Sarah comes to Albuquerque

I was among the throng of supporters at the McCain/Palin Rally last night. Token celebrity was Robert Duvall and his wife. It was invigorating though not very informative. Yet, I came away glad to be in a state where my vote will really be needed. I volunteered to take a list of 100 undecided voters that I can call and encourage to vote. I think I'll pray for each by name over the next 2 months, too. I'm proud to be an American.

My Life is so Unexciting...

Cruising through the web researching the wonders of oxytocin as it relates to my birthing class, I came across the website of a woman who seems to share the same passion for birthing as I do. She comes to birthing from the same Christian perspective as I do and I'm very excited about dialogueing with her about the format of the classes I teach at Care Net. ANYWAY, somewhere in my crazy search this morning I ran across this fun website of tests. I took this personality test to see if and how I've changed.

Your result for The LONG Scientific Personality Test...

ISFJ-The Protector

You scored 27% I to E, 53% N to S, 19% F to T, and 42% J to P!

The protector type is called such because you feel your life is best used to protect those you love from the pitfalls of life, to see to their safety and security. You belong to the larger group called guardians. You find great satisfaction in assisting the downtrodden. You are not talkative with strangers, but you can chat tirelessly with those you trust. You have a good solid work ethic. You are thorough and very likely frugal. You do not like to be in a place of authority, and will delegate poorly if forced into a lead position. You share your type with 10% of the population.

As a romantic partner, you are generous and gentle. Occasionally you may be taken for granted because of this fact. You are tireless in providing acts of service for your loved ones. You run the risk of always being exhausted because you won't say no to your partner. You are sensitive to criticism and will withdraw rather than fight back. You wish to be appreciated for your loyalty and whole hearted nuturing. Your values must be respected and you thrive on consideration and kindness.

Your group summary: Guardians (SJ)

Your Type Summary: ISFJ

Take The LONG Scientific Personality Test at HelloQuizzy