#header-inner {background-position: center !important; width: 100% !important;}

Monday, November 11, 2013

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

butternut squash soup
Curried Butternut Squash Soup


On a recent trip to Panera Bread Company, Ryan got a cup of their new autumn squash soup. I’ve been known to (always!) sample whatever Ryan orders, so I snagged a few spoonfuls over dinner. As good as a soup it was, it was almost too sweet for me. It erred on the side of dessert and while you know I’m never one to shy away for dessert, I prefer my squash soups a bit more on the savory side.
Pin Itcurried butternut squash
This squash soup, on the other hand, is my kind of squash soup. Smooth and creamy, you’d never guess there isn’t a hint of cream in it. Although the roasted apples add a bit of sweetness, it’s balanced by the curry powder to create an overall savory soup.
curried squash soup
The best part about the soup? The fun accoutrements! Ina gives a variety of options, but this time we stuck to chopped green onions, toasted coconut, and a swirl of sour cream. Choose one, or two, or none…but enjoy your new favorite soup that screams fall, but won’t make you feel like you’re eating dessert for dinner!

One Year Ago: Broccoli, Red Pepper, and Cheddar Chowder
Two Years Ago: Turkey Tacos and Waldorf Tuna Salad
Three Years Ago: 10 Lessons Learned at the Foodbuzz Festival and Kale & Bean Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sauce
Four Years Ago: Crockpot Salsa Chicken and Cilantro Lime Hummus

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Odds & Ends

Pin It
1. I love this blog post about celebrating the little things. That whole "our lives tend to be overwhelmed by to-do lists" line...yep, that's totally me! And the last line sums it up perfectly, "This is your one and only wild and precious life...!"

sourdough coffee cake
Sourdough Apple Coffee Cake
2. I almost always use my sourdough starter to make pizza dough, but I branched out and made this apple coffee cake with some of my starter and LOVED it. If you have some starter hanging out in your fridge, give this a try! It's dense and moist with just the slightest bit of tang from the sourdough. I was partial to the apples in it, but I'm sure you could experiment with swapping out other fruits.

beyond belief
(Image Source)
3. I've been blowing through books lately, thanks to our trip to Maine, another long flight to Seattle, and a road trip to Chicago. My latest recommendation for you guys--Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape. Written by Jenna Miscavige Hill, the niece of the Church of Scientology leader David Miscavige, I was absolutely fascinated by this book. My Scientology knowledge was limited to knowing its kind of a fad amongst Hollywood, but I had no idea how the innermost circles of this cult operate. If you've ever been curious, definitely check this out...but prepare to have your mind blown!
banana quinoa muffins
Banana Quinoa Muffins
4. Remember my Banana Quinoa Muffins? Reader Donna recently left the following comment, "I love Quinoa muffins for breakfast. I have made them with fresh blueberries, cloves, and nutmeg and again yesterday with pineapple instead of blueberries. Yum! Even my husband liked them this time. And instead of muffins I baked then in a sheet cake pan and cut them into bars for easy packaging." I love hearing when readers make recipes...especially when they put their own spin on them. Thanks Donna!

One Year Ago: Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Two Years Ago: Salted Caramel Pie
Three Years Ago: Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies
Four Years Ago: Lemon Rosemary Tilapia