Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Super Easy Squash Soup

This soup is one of my favorite fall dishes! 
It is a beautiful starter for Thanksgiving
or just a great warm food hug any night of the week!

Apple-Butternut Squash Soup
with Caramelized Sausage Croutons

1 butternut squash, halved and seeded
1 apple, peeled, cored and quartered
1 sweet onion, peeled and quartered
1/2 quart vegetable or chicken stock
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tbs butter, melted
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound of sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

  • Preheat your oven to 450 and line a sheet pan with aluminium foil.
  • Place your squash cut side up on the sheet pan and brush with butter.  Place half of an apple in the hollow of each squash, then brush the onions with butter and arrange in between the squash halves on the pan.  Sprinkle the veggies with salt & pepper and cover the whole thing with foil.
  • Roast the veggies for 45 minutes to 1hour; the squash should be very tender when poked with a fork.  Let the veggies cool for 10 minutes or until you are able to handle them.
  • Carefully place half of the squash flesh, apples, onions and broth in a blender... make sure that it is only 2/3 of the way full and the lid is very secure for your safety... puree until smooth.  If your have a small blender please be careful and do this in small batches!
  • Combine the puree and orange juice into a pot and keep warm on the stove.
  • Roll the sausage into 1in balls and caramelize in a skillet.  To get the best color and crunch let them sit until they turn easily... don't rush this part.
  • Enjoy!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Web Weds

I'm just sitting around waiting to have surgery in a couple days... it really just bites the big one... I had no idea that gallbladders were so unimportant but yet so painful when not working properly... yes, please play the tiny violin... and yes I would like some cheese with my whine, thank you ;)

I've had a little time to surf the internet and found some fun sites to share with you this week....



This online class looks truly amazing and I really want to sign up!
Watch the video and see what other Brave Girls are saying about BGCamp and the class and be sure to check out all the other fantastic Brave Girls stuff at their website and blog!


I found this adorable and tres chic handbag on my beautiful friend Janna's site.  It is so cute and filled with fantastic pockets for keeping all your goodies separate and within easy reach! 
I think I'll be adding this to A's crackberry favorites in case he wants to surprise me with a "get well gift" :)



It's fall and there are tons of requests for this tea at my house.  I've been lucky enough to receive one of these beautiful tins filled with deliciousness from my sweet friend Rachel Carlson and it became an instant favorite in my house!  Rachel was kind enough to share her recipe with TodaysMama last year, just click the link above and you'll find out why this is a highly sought after Christmas gift!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!
Share your favorite links with me in the comments section!