The Other Woman Cooks

Schools closed, the library shuttered early and the dairy case at the grocery store was wiped out by noon. Finally, at around two in the afternoon, the flakes started falling. So far it's a bust as snow storms go -- a fine coat of barely there white stuff slushed into oblivion by homeward bound evening commuters. Meanwhile, life goes on. Paul brought the snow shovel and the last of our home grown butternut squash up from the basement. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, baked butternut and there's plenty of leftovers for tomorrow. The shovel is at the back door. We're ready for the blizzard ... if it ever shows! BAKED BUTTERNUT 1 large (2-3 pounds) butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes 1/4 teaspoon grated cinnamon stick (ground cinnamon works as well) 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger root (ground ginger works here too) 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best) Place squash cubes in a 2 quart casserole or bakin...

When I was young, raking leaves was the only chore the kids in my neighborhood were quick to volunteer for. Why? We loved to run through the piles, kicking and jumping and laughing our way to making a big enough mess all so we could grab our rakes and start the fun all over again. Never mind those leaf vacs and yard blowers. Whether you have a young one in your life or are simply young at heart, grab a rake and kick up a pile of leaves. And when you've had enough fun, this sweet and savory soup is a great choice for a lunch or dinner that will warm up your insides and tickle your taste buds. Plus it's low in sodium, high in nutrients and oh so good for you! BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP 1 medium large butternut squash, 3-4 pounds 1 medium yellow onion, finely grated 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil 1 tablespoon honey 6 sage leaves (1/4 teaspoon ground) freshly ground black pepper 2 cups homemade chicken stock (*see how-to below) 1 cup creme fraiche (The Silver Palate Cookbook,...

There are plenty of healthy reasons to love butternut squash. One cup of butternut squash contains nearly three times the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin A, which protects against breast cancer and age-related macular degeneration. Butternut squash has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects because of its high antioxidant content and it may also reduce the risk of inflammation known to be present in arthritis and asthma. That same cup of butternut squash provides 3 grams of fiber, 14% of the RDA of potassium which is important for bone health, 49% of the RDA for vitamin C, 14% of magnesium and 11% of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps your immune system, and with the cold and flu season about to start, isn't it a good idea to eat what keeps the sniffles away? It’s bright orange color signals that butternut squash is full of carotenoids. Carotenoids protect against heart disease and are said to help lower cholesterol. So as you drop those extra yolks into this ...