What's Cookin'

It's no secret that I generally take a back seat when it came to making meals in our house.  My husband is an excellent cook who has happily assumed that responsibility while I do the grocery shopping and dishwashing.  Lately, though, I've had an itch to get in the kitchen and experiment with some seasonal flavors and to try some of the recipes that I've seen in my bevy of magazines.  The result?  It's been a really fun outlet to break up long afternoons.  Plus, my confidence is improving and my hubby is happy.  So, here's a look at what's been cookin'.

• Apple Crisp: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/recipe.aspx?recipeId=35368

-I used local apples that I picked up on our trip to the farm this fall including Winesap, York and Rome.

• Pumpkin Soup: http://www.mom-mom.com/simple_pumpkin_soup.htm
  

• Garlicky Butternut Squash: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Garlicky-Baked-Butternut-Squash/Detail.aspx

• Roasted Vegetables: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=319897
  

-I've also used beets and pearl onions in a similar recipe.  

• Roasted Brussel Sprouts: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Roasted-Brussels-Sprouts-with-Garlic-and-Pancetta-104566 

• Fettuccine with Artichoke Hearts: http://food.realsimple.com/realsimple/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1840526 
  

-I've added proscuitto for a little extra pizzaz.   

• Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/chicken-with-olives-raisins-and-spinach-rice?autonomy_kw=spinach%20and%20rice%20chicken&rsc=header_1
  

-I cheated a little bit and bought pre-made raviolis.  

• Chickpea and Sausage Stew:  http://food.realsimple.com/realsimple/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1699545
  

-I used a slightly larger bag of spinach (oops!) and sliced chicken sausage instead.  The stew was pretty thick (like a chili consistency) even after adding extra stock so I served it over rice-still yummy.  

• Chicken with Olives and Spinach: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/chicken-with-olives-raisins-and-spinach-rice?autonomy_kw=spinach%20and%20rice%20chicken&rsc=header_1
  

-I subsituted the raisins with other items that I found at the olive bar when buying the olives such as roasted garlic and roasted red peppers.