leeks

Butternut Squash Alert!
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Butternut Squash Alert!

Finally the price has come down to 99 cents per lbs. and that is my signal to start making some of my favorite fall delights. I even saw it for 79 cents at Market Basket the other day. Anyway I made some Butternut and Apple Soup which takes a little effort but well worth it. This is one of those soups you take a taste and you say mmmm at least we did.

Also made some Black Bean and Butternut Squash Burritos which are great to freeze for a quick veggie meal

blackbean and butternutaquash buritto12


I had ordered a chuck roast from butcher box wo make something Lyn had found but it called for to many recipes so I just made a delicious pot roast. here is is.

Slight adaption of Art Smith’s recipe Simple Sunday Dinner

Ingredients

4 TBS olive oil

3-4 pound boneless beef pot roast (salt and pepper for seasoning meat)

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

1 large leek, white part only, coarsely chopped

3 medium carrots, cut in 1 inch pieces

3 celery ribs, cut into 1 inch pieces

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup hearty dry red wine

2 TBS tomato paste

3 cups beef broth

4 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried

2 bay leaves

3 TBS unsalted butter

3 TBS flour

1 lbs small potatoes or I used cubed butternut squash

Cooking Directions

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325F.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste. Cook in the pot, turning on all sides, until browned. Transfer to plate.

3. Add remaining olive oil to the pot and heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the wine and tomato paste. Cook until reduced in half, about 3 minutes. Return the meat to the pot and add the broth. Bring to a boil. Add thyme and rosemary. I would add flipping the roast at this time.

4. Cover and bake until the meat is fork tender about 2 – 2 1/2 hours. Add squash, cover and cook about 30 minutes longer until fork tender

5. Transfer the meat to a deep platter, then use slotted spoon to remove the vegetables and place on platter.

6. Mix the flour and butter in a small bowl to form a paste. Add to a saucepan and gradually whisk in 1 cup of the cooking liquid in. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

7. Carve the meat and served with the vegetable, with the gravy passed on the side.

Make-Ahead Potato Leek Egg Bake
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Make-Ahead Potato Leek Egg Bake

Fortunately last Tuesday after my mindful steps class at the senior center there were eggs and bread out for the taking each egg package had 10 eggs so this dish was sent by the universe. That same morning Lyn found this in the Globe and asked if I would make it, it was well worth it the little effort it took.

Butter for dish
2 medium (1 pound) Yukon Gold or Yellow Finn potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter
2 medium leeks, thinly sliced and well rinsed
1 package (5.2 ounces) Boursin cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh chives Note: For some reason no one had fresh chives so I used scallion greens
10 eggs
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
½ cup panko or other unflavored dry white breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  1. Butter a 9-inch square baking dish.
  2. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the potatoes and a generous pinch of salt with cold water to cover by at least 1-inch. Bring to a boil, lower the heat slightly, and simmer the potatoes for 10 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife. Drain the potatoes in a colander and transfer to a bowl.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons butter. Add the leeks and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes, or until the leeks are becoming translucent. Remove from the heat.
  4. Add the leeks to the potatoes with the Boursin and chives. Stir gently.
  5. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, flour, cream, and a pinch each of salt and pepper.
  6. Transfer the potato mixture to the baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for up to 2 days.
  7. Set the oven at 375 degrees. Set the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet.
  8. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, Parmesan, panko or dry breadcrumbs, and thyme. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the eggs.
  9. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are set in the center. Turn on the broiler. Broil the dish for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the panko is golden brown. Watch the dish carefully so it does not burn.
  10. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest in a warm place for 5 minutes. Cut into squares for serving.

Karoline Boehm Goodnick