The case for more. A year later ~

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Last year I was struggling and decided to scale back my "to do's" (read here). There was just one thing I was not willing to comprimise on. More family. After a rough and sick few months, I am happy to announce that we are having our third at the very end of november <3. There is much to look forward to.
xoxo
d

The new pot pie ~ Kale and butternut squash pie.

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I just love when I stumble upon a recipe idea that is a total winner. Don't you? Plus it is a really great way to fill up on your greens in a new way. Try it this weekend. I think it would make a lovely lazy weekend lunch dish with friends. I could linger over this one with a crisp glass of wine.
 
 If you don't like to fuss with phyllo and the buttering process, you could always use premade pie crust or turn it into a galette. I intend to try a galette version the next go round.
 
And I think it's the new pot pie or the new black.
 
Did I convince you?
 
 
 
Recipe adapted slightly from Gourmet October 2004
 
 
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (1-pound) piece butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (3 1/2 cups)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 (1/8-inch-thick) slices pancetta , finely chopped. I keep slices in the freezer to have on hand.
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch kale, stems and center ribs discarded and leaves coarsely chopped
  • 1 bunch spinach, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 (17- by 12-inch) phyllo sheets, thawed if frozen
  • 1 ounces finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/2 cup)

  • Special equipment: a 9-inch round heavy nonstick springform pan 
Prep
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 425°F.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then saute squash with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, stirring frequently, until browned and just beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and spread in 1 layer to cool.
Add remaining tablespoon oil to skillet and reduce heat to moderate, then cook onion, pancetta, garlic, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, stirring frequently, until onion is softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in kale, spinach, and water and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until kale is just tender, about 6 minutes. Cool, uncovered, to room temperature.
This is the time consuming part, but worth it.
 
Brush springform pan with some of butter. Unroll phyllo and cover stack with plastic wrap and a dampened kitchen towel. Keeping remaining phyllo covered and, working quickly, gently fit 1 sheet into pan with ends overhanging and brush with butter (including overhang). Rotate pan slightly and top with another sheet (sheets should not align) and brush in same manner. Repeat with 5 more sheets, rotating pan each time so sheets cover entire rim.
Spread half of kale mixture in phyllo shell. Gently stir together squash and cheese in a bowl and spread evenly over kale mixture. Top with remaining kale mixture.
Put remaining sheet of phyllo on a work surface and brush with butter. Fold in half crosswise and butter again. Fold again (to quarter) and brush with butter, then lay over center of filling. To put it simply you end up with a square. Bring edges of phyllo up over filling and square to enclose. Brush top with butter and bake until deep golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool pie in pan on a rack 5 minutes. Remove side of pan and transfer to a platter. Cut into wedges. 
 
 
We paired it with a shaved brussel salad topped with chopped pecans, raisins that were plumped in vinegar and orange zest on the stove, orange segments, and a drizzle of organic rasberry vinegarette.
 
 
Did the kids eat it? Yes and no. They ate all the greens, phyllo, and salad. Leaving the butternut squash. And I was happy with that.
 
 
 
Have a great day!
 
xxxx
d



 

 

Goodbye summer. Hello routine.

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We said goodbye to our relaxed summer routine (no routine) and dove head first into kindergarten. E is loving it. The only thing that eases the pain of realizing your first baby is growing up, is that she is having the time of her life. She would like it to be a full day! I knew she was ready. As for me, I was a hot mess leading up to that day. But her excitement eased her mamas pain. 
 
 
I can honestly say I am so happy to be back in a routine. I spent some serious time back at the gym, and dove into my "soccer mom" duties. I really love it minus the parents who think 5 year old soccer games call for yelling from the sidelines. Is it necessary? NO, I think not. Regardless of the spastic minivan soccer mom, its all fun :)....... Also when in your life can your soccer team go by "The Pink Sparkly Unicorns"??? Yep. That's our team name.
 
And since I have made it past a week of firsts, a weekend filled with some back to school illness, and some scattered tears, I am really ready to get back to a real routine. A routine that work for me and my most important peeps. I cant wait to catch up on all that has been happening, share some stories, hop over to Pink Moon Daily to talk food allergies, and share some fall Dandelion goods with you all!
 
 
I hope you all had a smooth summer to back to business transition...
 
xoxo,
d
 

Facing Food Allergy Fears ~ On Pink Moon Daily

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I am over at Pink Moon Daily talking food allergies. Because being prepared could save her life. Come join in the conversation...


   xxx
danielle


Watermelon auga fresca ~ a letter to summer

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Dear summer,

I feel you knocking on my door. Your sun will shine through the May gray soon I know. And because there are reasons to celebrate this weekend I suggest adding tequila to this sweet and refreshing drink :)

Please don't be long summer, were waiting.

Watermelon Agua Fresca
Serves 6 | From earth to Table

1 large seedless watermelon (about 8lbs), peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 10 limes)
1 cup local honey
1 1/2 inch piece of ginger root, grated finely
Ice cubes
Lime slices and mint for garnish
Tequila optional

In a blender or food processor, working in batches, process watermelon until smooth. Pour through a strainer (i used cheese cloth) into a large pitcher. You should have about 8 cups of juice. Stir in lime juice, honey, and ginger. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with lime slices and mint.




xoxo
d






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