Thursday, September 10, 2009

from summer to autumn

Every season hath its pleasure; Spring may boast her flowery prime, Yet the vineyard’s ruby treasuries Brighten Autumn’s sob’rer time.
~Thomas Moore

I can taste the transition here. The cool mornings burn away to the warmth of the late summer afternoon. Thus changes our meal plans, slowly, deliberately. A last ode to summer: soba noodle salad, fruit salad, and pan-fried tofu.


Soba Noodle Salad

1 cup finely sliced red cabbage
1/2 cup finely sliced carrots
1/2 cup finely sliced cucumbers
1/4 pkg rice noodles or bean threads, cooked according to package
3 tbsp canola oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
1.5 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp honey
freshly grated ginger
2 tsp black sesame seeds

Blend all ingredients and let marinate for 4 hours.
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As the autumn descends and the apples ripen, the flavors we associate with the cool evenings and colored leaves begin to creep into our menu: butternut squash applesauce, pumpkin muffins.



Butternut Squash Applesauce

1 small butternut squash, peeled, de-seeded, and cubed
4 small apples, peeled, cored, and cubed
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup apple juice
1/4 cup water

Place all ingredients into 2 qt saucepan and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the butternut squash is easily mashed with a fork. Blend for 1 minute in blender and serve slightly cooled.

Pumpkin Muffins

2 tbsp canola oil
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin
3/4 cup sugar
1 2/3 cups flour (use half white/half wheat)
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves (scant)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips (optional)


Combine first four ingredients in a small bowl and beat well. In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients and mix well. Gradually add to pumpkin mixture and beat well. Stir in nuts or chocolate chips, if desired. Bake at 350 for 18 min.


9 comments:

  1. These recipes look absolutely divine Joy, thanks for sharing :)

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  2. what a warm and cozy post Joy!
    i look forward to trying your recipes!

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  3. Those pumpkin muffins look oh so good! I love anything pumpkin.

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  4. oh yum.
    yum yum yum yum yum.
    thank you for sharing!
    nicola
    http://whichname.blogspot.com

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  5. yes. i know what i'm shopping for tomorrow. looks like we have a future recipe book here, folks!

    now i shall carouse through your lovely blog...

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  6. Butternut squash applesauce, that is the coolest recipe I have seen in a while. Thanks for sharing

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  7. What wonderful recipes Joy! I must make them all. Squash and apples sound delicious together. Thanks for sharing these!

    Lisa :)

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  8. Oh, I am so excited to try the butternut squash applesauce. What a creative idea! YUM!

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  9. Pumpkin muffins may well be the death of me! Thanks for sharing the recipes :)

    districtdispatch.blogspot.com

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I love to hear what you think!