Sunday, October 7, 2012

Harvest dinner { stuffed squash rings }




Lately, I have not been cooking as much as I should and want to. I suppose it could be that my heart is not in it, but today I am feeling it. I went to the grocery store with no particular menu in mind. Here's what I grabbed:
  • dates
  • squash
  • sweet potato
  • brussel spouts
  • cremini mushrooms
  • apples
  • parsley
  • almonds
The rest was pretty much just a process of elimination. I had a few things kick'n around that needed to get used. What is the the essence of an autumn dinner?

Squash and brussel sprouts, of course.

I don't actually have a stuffed squash rings recipe, but in my mind I could already see it. I combined  basmati rice and lentils with some sautéed onion and celery, dried cranberries, sage, and balsamic vinegar. A sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a swirl of maple syrup and that pretty much sums up the filling of the squash rings. I peeled the squash, stuffed and cooked it on a baking sheet with a little water and covered them with foil.

Toss in some roasted veggies, mashed up potatoes, and a "very" cremini mushroomy gravy and voila, one home-cooked-super-comfy-harvest thanksgiving dinner. I am very happy with my process in creating this meal and even more impressed with the results. Yum! I would definitely serve up this vegan delight in my restaurant (some day)!


10 comments:

  1. Nice job with the creative dish and grocery shopping. I totally love dates but find myself usually forgetting about them until I'm in a restaurant looking at some pricey dates and thinking about how much more economical it would be to just get them at the grocery store and prepare them at home.

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    1. Jennifer! Thanks :) I usually only by dates on special occasions. They are pretty pricey...but always so worth it in the end.

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  2. What an attractive looking meal. I love fall and this dish should be served in an expensive restaurant. You are an amazing chef. Can't wait for you to open your own restaurant.
    Happy Thanksgiving

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    1. Virginia..You are awesome! Thanks for the words of encouragement.

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  3. It's so nice to be able to let the seasons take over and dictate what to have for dinner! You did a wonderful job; I hope yr heart stays in it :)

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  4. I know what you mean, I find it difficult to get in the cooking spirit when I’m feeling down. I’m pretty impressed with what you came up with , it looks so fancy!

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