FamilyEducation Blogs

profile_mission
Jessica
Sweet Pea Chef
Jessica, aka the Sweet Pea Chef, is a former U.S. Senate staffer/weekend gourmet turned full-time mom/family gourmet. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and two sons.
 

November 5, 2009

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Sometimes I choose recipes with the boys' food "likes" in mind, sometimes it is for a particular occasion, and sometimes, just sometimes, I just choose recipes that *I* think I would like. (Side note: SPH is one of the least picky eaters I know, so he is one person I know will eat almost anything I serve)

I saw a recipe for Moroccan-Style Stuffed Acorn Squash recently in Martha Stewart Living. I had just picked up some local Acorn Squash, so this recipe was calling my name. I loved the idea of using Moroccan flavors in a squash, and this recipe also used Bulgur, which I love.

So, this was a recipe I chose for me, just me. The boys did eat it, but let's just say it probably isn't at the top of their "Make Again!" list. But if you are looking for some fantastic flavor and unique recipe, this might just be up your alley. Plus, its a fun way to introduce your children to another culture.

Moroccan Stuffed Squash (adapted from Martha Stewart Living)

2 medium acorn squashes, cut in half and seeds removed
1 tablespoon
1 small onion diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground meat or chicken
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup bulgur wheat
2 cups water
1/4 cup slivered almonds
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Place the cut and cleaned acorn squash, cut sides down in a glass pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile in a large pot with a lid, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onions and garlic, cook for about 3-4 minutes. Add the meat or chicken and cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, paprika and salt. Cook until the meat is no longer pink.

Add the bulgur to the meat in the pan and the 2 cups water. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium and cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes. Add the almonds and brown sugar. Stir well.

Place 1/4 of mixture in each acorn squash. Return to oven for about ten minutes, or until the tops are slightly browned.

Serve with parlsey sprinkled on top, if desired.

Serves 4.

Enjoy!
SPC

November 4, 2009

English Muffin French Toast Dippers

It's become a bit of a tradition that we usually have a big breakfast on Saturday mornings. Either SPH or I get up with the boys and we make something like eggs and bacon, homemade waffles or pancakes.

The other morning the boys requested French Toast and no bread was to be found in the house. I substituted Cinnamon Raisin English Muffins and called them English Muffin French Toast Dippers, which I guess made them sound even more fun and exciting, because the boys loved it. [more]

November 3, 2009

Tuesday's Tip, Short and Sweet

I can be pretty stubborn, and sometimes when my wonderful mom offers advice, my pride can get in the way of receiving it. Here's the thing though: my mom has some pretty good advice to share and when she shared this tip, I was glad I listened up!

I wouldn't call myself vertically challenged, but there are plenty of time when I am in the kitchen and I cannot reach something up on a high shelf. Instead of straining to reach said item, I now use my kitchen tongs! [more]

November 2, 2009

Halloween Wrap Up

How was your Halloween? [more]

October 30, 2009

Naturally Orange

Our kids get enough artificial candy gunk this time of the year, don’t they? Why not try a way create orange colored frosting for your little pumpkins?

I developed this naturally orange colored frosting for some pumpkin cookies the boys and I made last Halloween. They were so cute, so tasty and so naturally cute that I just had to share.

First, make your cut-out pumpkin cookies. We like to use gingerbread dough for cut-outs, but whatever floats your boat is just fine.

Once they’re cooled, whip up some…

Naturally Orange Frosting [more]

October 29, 2009

Pumpkin Seeds

Have you carved your pumpkins yet? If you have, did you save the seeds? Did you know that pumpkin seeds toast up super yummy and are rich in iron, zinc and antioxidants?

I have tried many times to roast pumpkin seeds and I have found that the best way to roast them is to do it in a fairly low temperature oven for about an hour or more. Oh, and there are a few other tricks to do too. [more]

October 28, 2009

Eggs in a Nest

The holiday season is almost upon us and with it comes holiday visitors. Need a yummy, warm and filling way to feed your visitors breakfast? Try a new Sweet Pea favorite, Eggs in a Nest.

Eggs in a Nest

2 medium russet potatoes, shredded
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound of turkey breakfast sausage
1 medium onion, diced
8 eggs
16 ounce container reduced fat cottage cheese
12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. [more]

October 27, 2009

Tuesday's Tip

I like learning new things in the kitchen; new techniques, new recipes and new cuisines. I am usually up for a good challenge, but when it came to learning how to do yeast dough, I almost gave up.

For the longest time I think I allowed my intimidation with the temperatures and science behind yeast stop me from just diving in and trying new recipes. But then along came the idea of making my own pizza dough, and I just *had* to learn. [more]

October 26, 2009

That's a wrap

A new week is upon us and with it comes new busyness and excitement. R and G both have Halloween/Harvest parties at school this week, Thursday brings Trick or Treating (still don't understand why we have it on the 29th this year) and SPH has a busy work week too.

Each weekend I try and come up with a menu plan for the week to help ease the stress of each night's meal. With an extra busy week, I tend to focus on easy-to-prepare favorites, some of which can be made ahead or in the slow cooker. [more]

October 23, 2009

Fall Frost

Have you had to pull your summer vegetable plants? We pulled ours a couple weekends ago and were left with copious green tomatoes:

[more]