Classic Recipe for Acorn Squash

It has been some time since I visited our local farmers market. So I decided to do just that. The Leesburg Market, located in Leesburg
Lake County is held every Sat. from 8 am till 1.00 pm and located on Main street downtown. There is always a nice crowd of folks
enjoying the many different vendors and their products. With the added pleasure of live local entertainment coupled with a friendly atmosphere it's easy to find yourself in a relaxed mood.

My mission today though was produce so I found myself at the stand of 44 Produce. A local marketeer with a fine selection of veggies and fruit. 44 Produce has been in the area for several years and has a permanent road side stand located on Highway 44,

about a mile past Radio Road. Their vegetables and fruit always look hand picked with care and have excellent presentation. It is family owned and they are very willing to help you with any questions you might have. As I looked around I decided to purchase some Acorn Squash and Zucchini.

Personally I have never prepared or eaten acorn squash before. Even though I have found it to be intriguing in shape, color and size, similar to a gourd. So today I went for it. The folks at the stand didn't mind a bit in sharing how to prepare and cook this squash. It definitely sounded like something I could handle so I headed back home with my treasures and readied myself for a first time ever adventure of acorn squash as for the zucchini well that's like an old friend and we will definitely meet up later in the week.

The recipe in case you too have never tried this particular type of squash goes something like this.

Take one Acorn squash and cut in half Scrap out the seed section. Now add a pad of butter or margarine to both halves
Sprinkle well with brown sugar,
May also add some maple syrup if so desired
Add just a pinch of cinnamon to both halves, I found it really helped bring it all together.
Salt as desired
Now place in the oven on a pie pan and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes
When the outer skins of the squash are soft they are done.
Serve them up just as they are.

Acorn Squash in my honest opinion has a very unique flavor compared to other types of squash, maybe it isn't for everyone, but I found it to be a delightful
change. We welcome your comments on this unique squash.

The Gourds are upon us

The Gourds are upon us !

Well if you have been to the grocery store or an open air market lately, you have probably noticed that fall and the holidays are just about upon us. Why you might ask? That's easy, gourds are every where in all those cool shapes, colors and sizes. So why do you suppose we only see them around the holiday season? It could be because they are a fall harvested type crop. Coupled with their autumn type colors they are a perfect way to bring a touch of nature into our homes. We have latched on to them in a big way and that's a nice tradition to have.

There are two different groups of the gourd family. The curcurbita a day blooming plant which produces a yellow flower and the lagenaria a night blooming plant with a white blossom. Together they make up hundreds of different species of some of the coolest looking fruits found around the world. Gourds are not at all on the edible side of life as we know, so don't try eating your holiday decorations, not such a good idea.
Of coarse here's a little factoid
Did you know that pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, cantaloupe, watermelon and honey dew melons are derived from the gourd family.
If you think about it you can see the resemblance.

So what do we do with gourds? It takes about 140 days from planting till harvest. That's a lot of vested time for something we can't eat. Well the truth is there are many different uses found around the world. From painted art objects, musical instuments to utensils such as bowls, cups, pitchers or ladles. Here in the good old USA we use them more for bird house, crafted art work and of coarse holiday decor.
The truth is that gourds have been around for a long time and there is a lot of history with gourds and mans utilization of them. It's still nice to see that with all of our modern inventions and technology gourds still have a place in our world.

So the next time your visiting friends or family over this holiday season, you might just see some interesting gourds being displayed on the kitchen counter or table top. They really do bring a sense of change and holiday spirit into the home.

If you've never tried them at your home well it really is a nice inexpensive way to decorate for the fall season, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Just check them out at your local grocery or farmers market. It can really be a fun adventure for the kids too.
Just a little non- food for thought.

Health benefits without the work

Health benefits without the work

In our modern day society you can find cooking spices everywhere. In your grocers, quick stops, health store's, open air markets and on the internet. These spices have been in existence from our earliest times. Sure we know them best as recipe and food enhancers, but through the years they have also been used in cosmetics and as healing potions.
For decades cultures such as Asian and Indian have recognized the health benefits associated with certain spices. Even our great ancestors realized that certain spice's had the ability to help and promote in the healing of their injured and in ailing citizens. As a matter of fact spice's are being looked at and studied more today then ever before. We are just now starting to see and realize the great advantage of utilizing our common spice's. Many posses essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to maintain good health. Plus the advantage of antioxidants, certain nutrients, oils and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron. All of these also add to our overall good heath picture.
We are discovering that the cooking spice's we take for granted can contribute to our health in big ways. From anti-inflammatories, to our digestive system, motion sickness, blood pressure, blood sugar , cholesterol and triglyceride levels can be affected. More resent studies are also showing signs of certain spice's helping in the fight against such disease as Alzheimer's and certain types of cancer.
Lets take a look at the medical benefits of just three different spices.

The first spice is Cinnamon. This exotic spice is actually derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree. It has a high content of anti-oxidants. It can also help improve blood circulation due to it's anti-inflammatory and blood thinning characteristics. This quality makes it useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Cinnamon can also aid in intestinal and digestive disorders.

Our second spice is Garlic. Actually a species in the onion and shallot family these bulbs grow underground. Garlic has shown signs in helping to aid against heart disease and disorders. Such as high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and atherosclerosis. It can also be a factor in the fight against certain types of cancer through its antioxidant content.

Finally the third spice is Turmeric. This is actually the part of the root system that grows off the primary tuber of a tropical perennial plant, also in the ginger family. Turmeric posses many great health benefits. It is probably best known as the additive to mustard helping to produce it's yellow coloring. It is a commonly used spice in many Indian and Asian food recipes.The main compound found in Turmeric is known as Curcumin. For years in Asia it has been used as an antiseptic for cut's and burns. It helps with aid in gastrointestinal and digestive disorders including irritable bowel syndrome. This spice is also being studied to aid in the fight of Alzheimer's, different type of cancers, autoimmune disease, liver disorders and arthritis. This is a very health spice.

We still have a lot more to learn about the benefits of spices and our health. Although there is one thing we do know. Adding a little spice to our meals on a daily basis is a good start to staying heathier. It is also a good way to add flavor to our foods without adding unwanted calories too.

There is a lot of information on this topic and related subjects on line. Thats why we here at Basil and Things are committed to you our valued customers and reader in the product we sell. Not only in freshness but in quality and great service too.

So please take some time to further explore the great potential in the health benefits associated with cooking spices. Also check out our store and our great selections of everyday,special blends, and baking spices at http://basilandthings.etsy.com/

Until next month

Take care,happy cooking, and be safe.

Rick and Kathy with Basil and Things

Maui Maui Recipe with an Attitude

Maui Maui Recipe with an Attitude

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How much spice is in your life ?

For many of us when it comes to seasoning our food salt and pepper is what we first think of. Sure they are usually sitting on the table so we instinctively reach for them. The problem though is that there is a world of spices out there that can turn an ordinary meal into a masterpiece with little effort on our part, as long as we understand what spices we are planning to use.

With the weakened economy more and more families are staying at home these days and preparing their own meals. This is not a bad thing, but it also brings us to a good point. By adding a few different spices to your everyday meals you can change the flavor of your meal plus enjoy the satisfaction of creating your very own special dish. So you are standing in your kitchen asking yourself what spices would be best, remember you don't have to go crazy just try some simple things such as adding sesame seeds to your broccoli, a little cajun seasoning in your rice or add some roasted garlic with fresh chives to your
potatoes. You can roast your own garlic or purchase roasted garlic granules.The idea is to not be afraid to experiment with different spices and ideas. There are a lot of great sources for recipes on the net or in your favorite bookstore to help you.

That's why Basil and Things carries a nice assortment of seasonings, and spices. From 1 oz. and 2 oz. bottles as well as resealable plastic bags. Our blended seasonings are original and not found in stores. We strive to ensure that our products are always fresh. Great flavor and aroma are a key ingredient to any prepared meal. Sure there are some that may never make it to your kitchen but there is a lot of opportunity just sitting there for the taking. Whether you enjoy cooking or not so much remember that spice's can offer you a whole new world. So explore conquer but most of all have some fun with them.

Take a few moments and visit us at http://basilandthings.etsy.com/ we will be happy to help or answer any questions you may have.

So be safe, take care, and happy cooking.

Rick and Kathy with Basil and Things

Vacation - Nightmare or Blessing?

Vacation - Nightmare or Blessing?

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August Newsletter

August 1. 2009

Saffron a very exotic and expensive spice

The saffron plant is native to Asia Minor, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. This very small plant was used in medicines, perfumes, dyes, as well as a food seasoning . It has been dated back as far as the old testament bibical days.

Widely used by the Assyrians, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans,

Persians and other peoples of that day.

Now you might be asking what is saffron exactly?

and that is a good question.

Saffron is actually the stigmas of the crocus flower. Each purple crocus flower produces

three stigmas. These are picked and dried thus producing the reddish strands or

threads which is the spice. They usually bloom in the autumn.

It takes approximately 14,000 stigmas to produce only one ounce of saffron threads or about 70,000 crocus flowers to produce one pound of saffron. The saffron plants themselves are planted by hand. The saffron flowers and stigma threads are also picked and

harvested by hand. The process of harvesting this spice is usually a two to three week period, which is labor intensive and also explains why this is the

worlds most expensive spice on the market today.
To see a photo of a Saffron Crocus in bloom go to Trek Earth
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Italy/Abruzzo/LAquila/Rocca_di_Mezzo/photo612781.htm

The finest quality saffron comes from Spain, Kashmir and Iran. Although it is grown in other countries around the world such as Greece, Turkey, Italy, Morocco and India.

Spain is probably the largest exporter of this "Cadillac" of spices.

Some of the largest saffron importers are Germany, U.S.A., Switzerland, U.K.
There are varying degrees of saffron on the market today and they are usually graded according to laboratory measurements for characteristics such as crocin (colour), picrocrocin (taste), and safranal (fragrance) content. These will determine the grade and quality. Despite such attempts at quality control and standardization in today's market many growers do not recognize these types of test.

You will see that company's will sell a saffron thread mixture. This will usually mean that a high-grade say, Kashmiri saffron, is often sold mixed with a lesser grade say an, Iranian import, thus reducing the saffrons uniqueness. A pure Spanish or Mancha grade of Saffron is a good choice when shopping for the fine quality of saffron.

Saffron has a very unique aroma and flavor.

I have heard and read many different descriptions and I guess it is in the nose of the beholder, to coin a phrase. Anyway I will give you some idea here.

I would say that

saffron has a semi sweet woody aroma. Making it a very distinctive.

As for taste, well that too will be determined by the user.

I do find it to be a semi bitter sweet flavor that does enhance many different dishes.

It also blends well with a varied of spices such as:

garlic, thyme, onion powder, fennel, cardamom, lemon,

curry and pepper to mention a few.
There are several ways to prepare saffron for use from full strands, ground, to soaking them. This will depend greatly on the recipe you are preparing.

Lets look at some of these uses.
If you are planning to use saffron threads just as they are remember that a little goes a long way. The saffron flavor will be stronger the second day.

A pinch in soups, stews or rice is generally all that is needed for

excellent flavor and color.

Oh yes and the color produced once cooked is a nice shade of yellow.

You can also soak your saffron threads in a broth water or wine.

A good rule of thumb is approximately

5 teaspoons of liquid for every half teaspoon of saffron.

Mash the threads and form a thick paste . Then add the paste to your dish when ready. You should allow a minimum of 30 minute soaking to a maximum of 2 hours for best results.
If you use a powdered or mixed saffron seasoning

such as the one we offer remember that the saffron will not be as strong in this setting.

Also there will be other spices in the mix to lessen the effect of the saffron.

You should still be able to recognize the saffron flavor though.

Basil and Things is now carrying our very own special blend of Saffron Rice Seasoning.

We have combined a very unique flavor with a variety of spices.

We are offering this Seasoning in a 1 oz. bottle at this time.

We hope you will try our newest blend and find it to be very tasty.
http://BasilandThings.etsy.com

Saffron is excellent in seafood dishes as bouillabaisse, or marinade for fish.

Try it in risotto and other rice and pasta dishes.

Great in beef stew, soups, and broths.

Also excellent to add to your tomato based sauces.

Saffron is also used in bread and cake recipes too.

As I mentioned above Saffron does blends well with a wide range of spices
So let your imagination take hold an see what you may create

with the "most expensive spice in the world".

So until next month "Have Fun, Take Care, and Happy Cooking".
Rick and Kathy with Basil and Things