In case you’re wondering, she watches me like a hawk (actually, everyone is kind of her prey). Charlie, not so much… he’s more internally focused. Our typical dinner prep ‘sesh’ is her by my side asking to help, asking to taste, asking “Why…?” while Charlie asks for 10 different snacks to curb his apparently murderous hunger pangs. So when she asks why I’m putting an empty sheet pan in the oven to make my Roasted Rainbow Cauliflower with Hazelnuts & Ricotta Salata, I give her my spiel on caramelization. I explain, “Well, the hot pan sears the cauliflower creating a dry, hot surface for the sugars to develop and turn nutty, brown, and delicious.” Then I feed her the line that becomes her zinger… I say, “It makes the cauliflower taste just like candy.” I’ve created a monster.
She now thinks that everything I put in the oven is going to come out tasting like candy. And to be honest, lately that’s the truth. These Brown Butter, Pretzel & M&M’s Two-Bite Cookies sure taste like candy (even Charlie will back me on this). And when I put miniature heaps of grated cheddar with a touch of panko bread crumbs in the oven for my Apple & Cheddar Frico Salad, they come out tasting pretty candy-like too. So, she’s on to something.
But then there are the things that taste like candy because it’s simply their time… their season for sweet. In August, corn, you were the one. In October, squash, your takeover begins. I always jump the gun on making my Butternut Squash Soup in early September, and although it’s good (can’t go wrong), it’s never quite as awesome as in October through November. Now’s the time! Now is also the time to roast some delicate-skin squash til it’s buttery and bursting with sweetness. This recipe for Roasted Delicata Squash Rings with Almond Crumble & Balsamic Glaze is something else this time of year (something to trade your stash of Halloween candy for!).
Speaking of Halloween, it’s on the horizon. Are you ready? I say skip the costume, put on some pjs, make my Ultra Creamy Lemony Hummus, and get ready to watch something on Hulu or Netflix that you don’t mind leaving every 5 minutes to answer the door. Or, you might try the recipe for Snickers® “Salad” (major air quotes on “Salad”) that my cousin threatened to share with me last month. Well, she shared it… and it’s frightening (I think we’re both in agreement there… but also a little intrigued… am I right, Ei?). Turns out there are many versions—some with grapes and strawberries and others with caramel sauce. I’ll leave it to you and Google to find your favorite.
