The Squash That Got Away - Crookneck Squash Project

                                   These Squash Got Away From Getting Picked

I found these crookneck squash in the squash patch - they somehow were lucky enough not to get picked (and eaten).  Their skin has hardened and I thought how pretty they would look in a fall table decoration.  

I remembered that the decorative gourds in the grocery stores had a clear glaze on them so I coated them with Krylon clear spray.  First I washed off any dirt, let them dry in the sun and then coated them on all sides, stems and all with the spray.  I may give them several more coats, already have two.

Hope they will last at least until Thanksgiving.  Cross your fingers. 

                                                     Pretty butterscoth color

Chicken with Figs and Acorn Squash Recipe from Chef Nancy

This is an exciting time of year for me – comfort food is beginning to dance in my mind….One of my favorite fall vegetables is Acorn squash (Cucurbita pepo), also called pepper squash with distinctive longitudinal ridges and sweet, nutty yellow-orange flesh and as the name suggests, its shape resembles that of an acorn.

Acorn squash is most commonly baked, but can also be microwaved, sauteed or steamed. It may be stuffed with rice, meat or vegetable mixtures.  I made one of my favorite recipes using an acorn squash I purchased at the Farmer’s Market in Tivoli Village on Saturday.  I know I am rushing the season, but I could not resist.  I veared away from my usual grilling activites and braised some chicken thighs, onions, figs and acorn squash.  It was fabulous and easy.  Try it – you’ll be a star!!!

Squash Pickles - Great for Burgers and Sandwiches

                                               Pickled Yellow Zucchini Squash

Here's a recipe I found on the Food Network for pickled squash.  It's very easy and makes a bread and butter type pickle.  I found it a bit sweet so the next batch I'm going to reduce the sugar and add more red pepper flakes.  I'll keep you posted.

This is the original recipe:

10 cups sliced summer squash

2 cups sliced onions

kosher salt for sprinkling vegetables

2 cups white vinegar

3 cups sugar

1 1/2 tablespoon pickling spice

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional

In a large pot or bowl, layer sliced squash, sliced onions and sprinkle each layer with kosher salt.  Let sit for an hour, drain well.  In a large non-reactive pot, combine vinegar, sugar, pickling spice, and crushed red pepper and bring to boil.  Add squash and return to boil. 

Divide vegetables between sterilized jars and ladle enough pickling liquid over vegetables to come within 1/2 inch of top of jar.  Wipe rims of jars clean, cover with lids and screw tops in place.  process jars in hot water bath for 10 minutes,  Remove jars from water bath and cool.  Jars should seal as they cool  Any jars that do not seal should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 weeks.

Also, read instructions from a Ball canning book for preparing jars before making pickles.  Use caution when preparing recipe.

Get the barbeque ready!

Natural Cleaning Recipes by Mary Beth Zahedi

Here's Mary Beth's recipes for her homemade natural cleaning products.  This is from the presentation that she did at Whole Foods Market in Town Square on August 23rd.

Cleaning Recipes:

Please use these recipes at your own risk!

Toilet Cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda in the bowl. Follow with vinegar. Let soak for ten minutes. Then, scrub and flush. **Beware to keep your animals from the bowl during the process.”

“Soft Scrub”- Make a soupy paste by combining lemon juice and vinegar. Apply, Scrub and rinse.

General Cleaner #1- In a plastic spray bottle combine ¼ cup vinegar, 2-3 squirts of liquid Castille Soap. Fill with water. Shake and spray.

General Cleaner #2- Thieves Blend

 I add lemon zest from one large lemon, 4 sprigs of rosemary, 4 cinnamon sticks, ¼ cup whole cloves,  5 drops of eucalyptus oil. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and keep in a glass jar.

Desert Farm Girls in Whole Foods!

                                                 

What Else Do Desert Farm Girls Do?

Oh, you would be surprised.   This is one of my chunk bracelets - made by ladder  stiching beads and adding citrine nuggets and glass beads to embellish it.   What spare time???