Acorn Squash and Apples...

Acorn squash and apples is one of the best combinations of winter foods, sweet and tart. This recipe will make two main course meal servings. The recipe came from the Mayo Clinic; they suggest pairing this with whole-grain crackers and a small wedge of cheese for a complete “whole food” meal.

My husband has to have a meat on his plate, so I will make this and split between the four of us as a side dish. Before serving, I take each half of the cooked squash and half it. I usually serve it with the cinnamon chicken recipe found here on the blog.

Ingredients

1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and sliced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 small acorn squash, about 6 inches in diameter
2 teaspoons trans-free margarine

Directions

In a small bowl, mix together the apple and brown sugar. Set aside.

Pierce the squash several times with a sharp knife to let the steam escape during cooking. Microwave on high until tender, about 5 minutes. Turn the squash after 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Place the squash on a cutting board and cut in half. Scrape the seeds out of the center of each half and discard the seeds. Fill the hollowed squash with the apple mixture.

Return the squash to the microwave and cook until the apples are softened, about 2 minutes.

Transfer the squash to a serving dish. Top each half with 1 teaspoon margarine and serve immediately.

Nutritional analysis per serving

Calories	270	Sodium	140 mg
Total fat	6 g	Total carbohydrate	52 g
Saturated fat	trace	Dietary fiber	5 g
Monounsaturated fat	2 g	Protein	2 g
Cholesterol	0 mg

Field Trip!

Apples waiting to be washed

It is fall and that means apple season. I purchase my apples from Debbe and Jay Noonkester of Windy Hill Orchards, at the farmers market.

Their orchards are actually in Ararat, Virginia. If you get a chance, go visit and pick your own fruit.

Debbe has participated in the Baby G.A.P (Good Agriculture Practices) Program and it is common for her to have home school groups visit for a field trip.  

The Noonkester family farm, is a Century Farm. The land has been in the family for over a hundred years and the orchard is a parcel of the original track of land.

Fitzhough Lee, the nephew of Robert E Lee, gave this land to Jay’s second great grandfather and two brothers for their service in the Civil War. The Noonkester's are active participants in J.E.B. Stuart Civil War Encampmentand Living History Weekend held in October.



Tomato now apple polisher



Windy Hill is an environmentally friendly, low spray and integrated pest management orchard. They cover eighteen acres with the same amount pesticide their competitors use to cover two acres. Along with the low spray, keep an eye out for the Ladybugs and Praying Mantis in the integrated pest management program.

Debbe and Jay told me they often sell their fruit to organic grocery outlets, because of being low spray and non-waxing of their fruit. To be honest they do not have to wax their fruit. Many years ago, they purchased a tomato polisher to polish the apples. The fruit comes out of the machine as shiny as a waxed apple you get from store.

Cleaned and polished

I was able to visit the farm on Wednesday.  I missed a turn, and roamed the countrysides of North Carolina and Virginia for almost an hour. So because of my mistake and time constraints, I was not able to venture into the orchards. Instead, I was given a personal tour of “The Shed.” The Shed is where the apples are washed, polished, and readied for either market or cider. You can also purchase award winning butters and jams made by Debbe. If you get a chance to visit, make sure to go on Thursdays when Debbe makes the apple cider.

Cider press

Besides apples, Windy Hill Orchards also have peaches and cherries.

You can find Windy Hill Orchards on the internet at http://windyhillorchards.com/home or
Windy Hill Orchards
176 Windy Hill Lane
Ararat, VA 24053
ph: 2762515222
alt: 2766928157
debbe@windyhillorchards.com

In the mood to try something different but surprisingly tasty?

Russian Apple with Eggs Salad:

4 apples peeled, cored and chopped into bite size pieces

2 chopped hard boiled eggs

1/4 cup of green peas

2 cups of chopped lettuce (variety of choice)

2 Tablespoons + of mayonnaise

Directions:

Mix apples, eggs, peas, and mayonnaise until well blended.

Serve over lettuce.

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