Summer Lunch

One of my favorite things about this past summer was the knowledge that, even when I hadn't been to the grocery store in a while and didn't have a plan for my next meal, there was food waiting out in the garden, inspiring my creativity.  This is the result of one of those times.

Summertime is long gone, but even as I eagerly anticipate the snow predicted for tonight, I find myself looking back at pictures I took this summer and fondly remembering the warm days when I ate out of my garden.  So here we are: a summer lunch recipe.  Even if you don't want to make it now, hopefully you'll enjoy thinking about the joys of summertime. :)

Cranberry Mandarin Orange Muffins

Total time (approx.): 30-40 min
 Ingredients:
1 1/4 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. white flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking power
1/2 c. oil
1/3-1/2 c. honey
1 egg, lightly beaten.
1 c. orange juice
1/4 tsp. orange zest
1 mandarin orange, cut up (1/2 sections)
~1/c dried cranberries (but 1 c. fresh would probably be fantastic!)


 Why you might want to make this: Maybe you are tired of banana or blueberry muffins.  Maybe not, but these are great breakfast (or anytime!) muffins!  Additionally, these muffins are dairy free.

How to Enjoy Squash - Part II

Squash of almost all varieties is ridiculously cheap at the market these days, so I figured it was high time to share one of my favorite recipe discoveries from this fall.  I don't have a name for it yet, other than "that yummy squash and chicken baked dish".  It is inspired by this recipe over at Crepes of Wrath.  Every time I make it, I think it is a bit different, but so far I haven't had any bad reviews :).

I'm making it this weekend to help feed a crowd, so you might find this comes just in time for the holiday season.  It's a nice alternative to the traditional dishes.  Plus it's all vegetables that are easy to find in the early winter.  Enjoy!


Total time (approx.): not sure.. 2 hrs?  It bakes for about an hour.
 Ingredients (all approximate):
Chicken: I use about 1/2 lb chicken breast pieces, but more meat would work, and of different cuts.
3 carrots
1 butternut squash
1 onion
3 small potatoes (optional)
1/2 - 1 green pepper (optional)
2 T olive oil
1 t paprika (optional)
1/2 t  ground black pepper
pinch rosemary
herbes de provence
salt
3-5 cloves garlic
2-3 Tbsp butter
1 c. chicken stock.


Here's how you make it: