Butternut Squash Smash with Bacon and Shallots

Butternut Squash Smash with Bacon and Shallots
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A hearty side dish that can hold its own with meat or fowl.
Servings
6
Servings
6
Butternut Squash Smash with Bacon and Shallots
Print Recipe
A hearty side dish that can hold its own with meat or fowl.
Servings
6
Servings
6
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. While the oven heats, cook the bacon in a large skillet until brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Remove drippings from the pan and reserve 2 tablespoons. The rest can be discarded. Keep the skillet, as is, to use later.
  2. Line a large baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Lay the thyme and sage on the baking sheet to make an aromatic bed for the squash. Lightly brush the cut edges of the squash with 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings and lay cut side down on top of the herbs. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn the squash and bake for 15 minutes more or so.it should be quite soft.
  3. Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes or until it can be handled, Make sure to save the herbs. Scoop the squash from the skin and place in a large bowl. Throw the skin away. Mash the squash until "smooth-ish."
  4. Heat the remaining bacon drippings and the butter in the reserved skillet. When it is hot, add the shallots and cook for a few minutes until softened and just beginning to brown. Add the mashed squash and the warm half & half to the skillet. Stir to combine (if things seem too thick add a little more half & half).
  5. Crumble the herbs, (leave the stems out of it) and add to the pan. Stir all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon into the mixture. Heat gently until everything is hot and happy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the remaining bacon. Serve with pride.
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Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
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Autumn in bowl.
Servings
6
Servings
6
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Print Recipe
Autumn in bowl.
Servings
6
Servings
6
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Cook bacon in large soup pot until crisp. Remove the bacon drain on paper towels. Pour all the drippings into a heat proof container. Return 2 tablespoons of the drippings to the soup pot and add the onion. Sweat for 3 or 4 minutes, until the onions begin to soften.
  2. Raise the heat to medium high and add the squash and apples. Cook, stirring occasionally until everything is slightly browned. Add the apple juice and stir to de-glaze the pan. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer, add the sage and cook, covered 30 minutes or until the squash is soft. remove from heat and puree with an immersion blender.
  3. While soup is simmering, heat a tablespoon of the bacon drippings in a small fry pan. Add the shallots and cook until carmelized, 15 minutes or so. Set aside for garnishing the soup.
  4. Return the pot of soup to the stove and simmer over low heat for a few minutes. Add the cream and heat gently until everything is steamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. If soup is too thick, add a little more stock or cider. If Soup is too thin, add 2-3 tablespoons of potato flakes. Heat until any additions come up to temperature.
  5. Ladle soup into bowls. Top each bowl with some of the bacon and shallots and sprinkle with the pepitas.
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Toll House Cookies

Toll House Cookies
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Servings
6 Dozen
Servings
6 Dozen
Toll House Cookies
Print Recipe
Servings
6 Dozen
Servings
6 Dozen
Ingredients
Servings: Dozen
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat to combine well.
  2. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water. Add to egg and sugar mixture and mix. Add the flour and stir until well combined.Stir in the nuts and chocolate chips until evenly combined.
  3. Using a small cookie scoop, place dough on parchment lined baking sheets. about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes. Allow to cool on pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store airtight for up to 1 week.
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Smoky Hummus Dip

Smoky Hummus Dip
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Smoky Hummus Dip
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Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Place the chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, water, tahini, and olive oil in the bowl of the processor. Pulse until everything is combined, then process steadily until the hummus is as smooth as you like.
  2. Add the measured amounts of cumin, smoked paprika, and chipotle sauce. Process long enough for the spices to be incorporated. Taste and add salt and pepper to your taste. Process again. Taste and add more of the seasonings to you preference.
  3. Chill for at least several hours. Serve with home baked salted tortilla or pita chips. It is also good with fresh vegetables.
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Penne with Chickpeas, Spinach, and Bacon

Penne with Chickpeas, Spinach, and Bacon
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This dish has lots of flavor for not much money.
Servings
2
Servings
2
Penne with Chickpeas, Spinach, and Bacon
Print Recipe
This dish has lots of flavor for not much money.
Servings
2
Servings
2
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large fry pan, Add the bacon and cook until it is lightly browned. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings, then add the onion, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until onions begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant. Add the chickpeas and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until they begin to pick up some color,about 5 minutes Add the spinach and cook until it wilts 3 minutes or so.
  2. Add the chickpea cooking water and raise the heat to medium high. Simmer for 5 -7 minutes. The sauce should thicken and reduce slightly. Bring the heat back down to medium and add half of the Romano cheese and stir until it melts.
  3. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat it with the sauce. If it seems a little dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. Check the seasonings and add salt and pepper to taste. Top each serving with the grated cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
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