Monday, November 2, 2009

If you need me I'll be in the kitchen with my German English dictionary

I recently joined a newcomers club in my little town and they have all sorts of fun activities happening each month. I signed up for their Gourmet Group and will be attending my first luncheon tomorrow. Turns out when you are part of the Gourmet Group you have to cook. I think I saw the word Gourmet and got all caught up in the idea of eating which might explain how I somehow got talked into preparing a main dish. I like to call this 'new girl phenomenon'. Next month I'll know to hop over there and sign up for the applesauce first thing. Did I mention this luncheon has a German theme? I'm pretty sure the only thing German I've ever cooked is a Brat and maybe some sauerkraut which let's be honest only really means I cut open a bag and put it in a pan. I guess I will just have to rely on my expertise at eating German food to know if my dish tastes as it should because when it comes to eating German food I rock.

Speaking of food and fun...we had a great time catching up with some old friends on Friday night. We first met J and J (referring to our friends here and not the pharmaceutical company) in 1991. Our daughter1 and their daughter 2 met in the first five minutes of their very first day of preschool and were kindred spirits from the word go. Seriously, we moms used to say their friendship at age 3 1/2 was like nothing we'd ever witnessed. A little side story here...in their class that first year there was another girl with the same first name as my daughter and there were two other girls with the same first name as J's daughter so in class they were always called by their entire name-first and last. This carried over outside of school and when they'd be playing at home they'd address each other by their whole name. They sometimes still do. We moved to another state when they were 6 years old. And to another country when they were 15. They are now 21. They are still friends. So sweet.

Anyway, we barbecued and J brought the dessert which was so cute I thought I'd share-

Isn't this fun? She baked a spice cake and iced it...the stem is a frosted ice cream cone. You're welcome.

Still more food news...I stopped at the local farm stand on Friday afternoon to pick up a few things and the lady working there kindly threw in an acorn squash for free.
I'd never cooked one before and let me just say it was easy and delicious. I baked this one last night and thought I'd share the recipe today on Fall into Flavor over at Linda's...click here for more wonderful cool weather cooking treats.


Baked Acorn Squash

1 acorn squash
1 Tbsp. butter
dash of salt
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. maple syrup


1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Cut the acorn squash in half using a very strong kitchen knife. The skin is quite hard so cut carefully. And don't tell my husband I did this myself...he says none of the women in my family should be allowed to operate sharp knives...there's a history of cooking incidents y'all...its a genetic thing I'm pretty sure.

3. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits and run a knife across it to score in several places and then place in a baking pan, cut side up.

4. Coat the inside of each half with 1/2 Tbsp. of butter and a dash of salt (if using unsalted butter). Next add one Tbsp. brown sugar to each and then dribble one tsp. of syrup across the squash.


5. Add about a half inch of water to the pan to keep the skin from drying out. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes until it is really soft and the tops are browned. Allow to cool a few minutes before serving.


Spoon the buttery sugary goodness over all and enjoy.

11 comments:

  1. Too bad you can't just show up and eat! :) Ha.

    And, yes...don't even get ME started on the NHS. Argh!

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  2. I laughed at your focus on eating instead of cooking. So much like me! Maybe I'll blog about my "German" jello.

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  3. I love love love acorn squash, and sadly, am the only one in the family who does.

    It does not deter me from serving it.

    For a savory twist, drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of chopped rosemary.

    You're welcome.

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  4. Love the idea for the cake! I had someone bring one of those to a Fall party we had for our homeschool kids one year! It tasted amazing as well.

    So what are you cooking for your class?

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

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  5. I don't believe I have ever tried acorn squash. :)

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  6. Good for you for joining that newcomers gourmet cooking group. I have a feeling you will do just fine with your German cuisine.

    That pumpkin cake is cuter, but the story of your daughter and her friend from the time they were 3 1/2 is even cuter.

    I think I'll have to make that acorn squash some time. I haven't seen it here at our farmer's market. They always have butternut squash which I buy a lot.

    Enjoy your time together tomorrow at the luncheon.

    Love the new blog look.

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  7. Well look at you... Julia Child! Hope your German luncheon goes well and your squash looks yummy... even though I'm not a big squash fan. I'd rather have a slice of that spice cake! cute!

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  8. You will love the gourmet club. Don't let them intimidate you! I'm sure you are a good cook. Loved the pumpkin cake. We had the same experience with my oldest daughter. There were 3 Lauren's in her pre-school class, so they went by their first and last names too. So funny! I had so much fun visiting Valerie on Friday. She is so precious! We want to get together with you some day!!! Wouldn't that be fun? Have a great time at your luncheon. Love & blessings from NC!

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  9. Can't wait to see those friends when I come home in a few short weeks. and can I just say your new blog design is sooo pretty. xoxo Daughter 1

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  10. we love acorn squash and I usually make it just the way you do, but for a full meal deal (and maybe a German touch?) I sometimes put slices of pork alternated with a little stuffing (the dry kind you buy) and top with half an apple. This is in the cavity of the squash. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Very good.

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  11. Yum! I also like to put chopped apple and walnuts in my squash. Have fun with your gourmet group- sounds like fun!

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