 Winter Vegetable Bruschetta A great way to get some fiber in your party food while feeling that you are bringing the best thing on the buffet! Use whatever vegetables that are in season or those you love! 1/2 a medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed 2 cloves chopped garlic 1/2 onion, chopped 1/2 head of cauliflower, chopped 1 bunch Gai Lan chopped fine 3 tablespoons goat cheese 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon spice mixture (recipe follows) Salt and pepper to taste Chopped green herbs to garnish 1 baguette, sliced thin Heat olive oil in a sautee pan. Add onion and garlic and sautee for a few minutes. Add squash and cauliflower and sautee a few more minutes until vegetables are semi soft. Add goat cheese and green herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Toast bread slices and spread vegetables on. Makes two baguettes worth. Spice Mixture 2 cardamom pods, cracked and seeds removed 2 teaspoons fenugreek 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds 4 cinnamon sticks, crushed 2 star anise 3 tablespoons of cumin seed Place all spices in a dry, non stick sautee pan. Turn temperature to medium high heat and toast the spices until the seeds begin to pop and the pan is lightly smoking. This should be extremely fragrant at this point. Do not burn the spices. Remove from heat and let cool. Grind all together in a coffee grinder. Store in a tightly covered jar in a dark place. Printer-friendly version Risotto with Butternut Squash and Cremini 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and chopped 1 large red onion, chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 cups Aborio or Carnaroli rice or you can substitute barley for more fiber and protein about 6 cups stock, heated 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound cremini, sliced thin 4 cloves garlic, chopped 6 ounces of grated parmesan cheese 3 tablespoons chopped parsley Kosher salt and freshly grated pepper Heat olive oil in a deep, heavy sauce pan. Add onions and garlic and sautee for about 4 minutes until they begin to caramelize. Add the rice or barley and sautee for 3 to 4 more minute until the rice becomes opaque and starts to brown. Add a cup of stock and let it come to a boil. Stir well and reduce heat slightly to a simmer. When stock is almost absorbed add another cup and let absorb. Add another cup and keep repeating until risotto is creamy and almost soft. Turn off heat and in another sautee pan heat the olive oil and sautee squash until almost soft. Add cremini and sautee until soft. Stir into rice and season with parsley, salt and pepper. Serve with grated cheese. Serves 4. Printer-friendly version More recipes |
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In a few short weeks the holidays will be upon
us and activites overwhelm us despite our best
intentions. It has been a wild and frightening
year for most and I for one am glad it is wrapping
up. 2009 will be much better! It has to be. I
want to remind everyone that the Walnut
Creek Farmers’ Market
will be closed on December 28th and will reopen
January 4, 2009.
We have arrived at the time of the year again that could be quite crazy and stressful, if we choose that, but luckily for us we have our year round farmers' market in Walnut Creek to alleviate some of the holiday madness. Just the action of strolling through the market every Sunday can melt away troubles to be replaced with blissful winter fruit and vegetable purchasing. It feels good to consume and support local produce. There are also so many holiday gifts to be found at the market that you could forgo the mall entirely as I do. Jams,
sauces, baked goods, honey and all the citrus and hard fruits have staying power in a basket and are welcome sights over hard, smelly, imported plastics.
You can also go to our 
It is easy to get caught up with party madness and buy into the commercial aspect of the season so keeping your weekly trip on the calendar will also help you deliver the most sought after items on the party buffet table. People love a
bowl of Satsuma's as much as anything and a winter
vegetable stew brought to the table ensures that you have something awesome to eat when it comes time to imbibe. Fresh
pressed apple, pomegranate and orange juices are also great items to bring to the party either on their own or mixed with a spirit or two.
With your market bounty, you will not only be the most popular guest but you will ensure yourself a place at the table next year too.
Website: www.cccfm.org
© Copyright CCCFM 2008.