A recent investigation has unearthed a serious relationship between a well known Michigan blogger and ACORN. The details were confirmed earlier today. A local police officer foodie was able to identify the suspect from a line-up on Cordelia Lear's back deck.
Back row: sweet pumpkin, acorn squash, orange buttercup squash.
Front row: sweet dumpling squash, grey ghost squash.
Yes, it's true. And, it's time to get everything out in the open for public consumption. Here's what happened we ate for dinner:
Squash Soup
6 cups (about 2 large squash) seeded 2-inch wide chunks of your favorite winter squash*
Melted butter, for brushing
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus 1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper, plus 1/2 teaspoon
3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
4 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon minced ginger
4 ounces heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Brush the flesh of the squash with a little butter and season with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper.
On a sheet pan lay the squash flesh side up. Roast for about 30 to 35 minutes or until the flesh is nice and soft.
Scoop the flesh from the skin into a pot and add the stock, honey, and ginger.
Bring to a simmer and puree using a stick blender.
Stir in the heavy cream and return to a low simmer.
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Serves 4
* Winter squash is harvested in September and October and can be stored in cool, dry conditions through the end of the year. The outer skin, which resembles a rind is not edible, and must be removed. The flesh is firmer and generally needs to be cooked. The center cavity is filled with seeds that are removed before cooking. Winter squash varieties include acorn, butternut, pumpkin and spaghetti.
In the interest of full disclosure, Cordelia also roasted the pie pumpkin and froze the flesh in anticipation of making a Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie and some Pumpkin White Chocolate Chunk Cookies for Halloween.
And besides, turning on the oven for a few minutes was a great way to put off turning on the furnace on a chilly evening.