White Bean Stew with Butternut Squash

 WHITE BEAN STEW WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH

We liked this.  It was hearty.  I was in a hurry and added the kale and corn with the butternut squash.  Turned out fine.

• 1 pound dried yellow-eye or navy beans soaked overnight or quick soaked (did black-eyes peas)
• ▢1 large onion chopped
• ▢4 cloves garlic minced
• ▢5 cups water (had some vegetable broth that need to be used did 2 cups rest water)
• ▢4 teaspoons smoked paprika divided (added 2 tsp)
• ▢2 teaspoons dried oregano divided (did one drop essential oil)
• ▢1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin divided
• ▢1 teaspoon dried basil (did 2 drops essential oil)
• ▢1 pound winter squash or pumpkin peeled and cut into 3/4-inch dice (I used butternut)
• ▢1 large red bell pepper chopped
• ▢1 jalapeño pepper optional, seeded and finely chopped (didn't add)
• ▢1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes fire-roasted preferred (just used regular)
• ▢1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• ▢1 bunch kale removed from stems and sliced (about 12 ounces,)
• ▢1 cup fresh or frozen corn optional
• ▢1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (didn't add)

Make sure to rinse your beans first and check for rocks and then soak overnight in cold water. Or do a quick soak by boiling the beans in enough water to cover by an inch for one minute, and then cover and allow to stand for at least an hour. Drain before proceeding with the recipe.

Heat a pressure cooker or large Dutch oven. (In an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, use the Sauté or Brown setting.) Add the onions and a pinch of baking soda (optional but speeds up the browning). Cook until onion is soft and beginning to brown. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the beans, water, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon cumin, and dried basil to the pot. If pressure cooking, seal your cooker and bring to high pressure. Cook at high pressure for 8 minutes; then perform a quick release. (Choose the Pressure Cooker or Manual setting on your electric pressure cooker and set the time to 8 minutes; release the steam when the time is up.) If cooking in a regular pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook until beans are just barely cooked all the way through, 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. Check pot occasionally and add more water to cover the beans if it seems low.

Add the squash along with the remaining seasonings, peppers, tomatoes, and salt, if using. Seal the cooker and cook at high pressure for 8 more minutes. Let pressure come down naturally; after 15 minutes, quick release pressure if necessary. For stovetop cooking, add more water if necessary to cover all ingredients. Cover and simmer until beans and squash are very tender.

Check the seasoning and add more cumin, oregano, or salt to taste. Add the kale and corn and simmer, covered, until the kale is tender. Stir in the basil and cook for another minute before serving.

ZUCCHINI BOATS

Jackson requested these for a couple of weeks.  We finally had them.  Yum!  Not Scott and Abagail's favorite but Jackson and I really liked them. I especially loved the left overs for lunch for the next couple of days.

https://lilluna.com/zucchini-boats/

ZUCCHINI BOATS

• 6 zucchinis
• 1 lb. Italian sausage
• 1 - 2 cups Ragu original sauce
• 1½ cups mozzarella cheese
• garlic salt (to taste)
• basil

1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. Cut 6 zucchini in half and spoon out middle contents.
3. Cook 1 lb. Italian sausage in a pan until no longer pink. Add 1-2 cups Ragu (depending if you like more or less sauce) and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add zucchini to a pan and spoon meat into zucchinis.
5. Top with garlic salt, mozzarella cheese and basil.
6. Cook at for 14 - 16 minutes

CROCK POT CORN CHOWDER

http://www.thehungryhoarder.com/2012/12/04/crockpot-corn-chowder/

Crockpot Corn Chowder

Didn't sure how we would like this, but very yummy!  Used some of our leftover Christmas ham.  Leftovers were very good too.  Really liked it because it isn't as heavy as some of other soups.  Had some little teeny tiny potatoes (Trader Joes) that I used whole.  Just threw them in - didn't peel.  Also used three russet potatoes.

8 Servings

I love corn and this chowder was delicious. It had just the right amount of creaminess, and the ham tied it all together.

Ingredients:

• 6 potatoes peeled, cubed
• 1 can (14 ounce) creamed corn
• 1 cup corn frozen
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces ham diced
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon sweet basil
• 1 cup onions diced
• 1/2 stick butter softened
• 2 cups half & half
• 1 cup colby jack cheese shredded
• 3 green onions sliced, green part only (didn't have any)

Directions:

1. Place potatoes, corn, chicken broth, ham, pepper, basil and onions into the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
3. Using a handheld potato masher, mash the mixture to your desired consistency.
4. Add the butter and half and half.
5. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.
6. Top with cheese and green onions.
7. Serve with your favorite bread.

HERB SUGAR

HERB SUGAR
This would be good sprinkled on top of watermelon with a squeeze of lime.

Put all in food processor:
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh tender herbs (any combination basil, mint or cilantro)

Pulse until herbs are finely ground and mixture is well combined.