12.31.2009

Squash, Apples and a Bit o' Beans

I got home from work the other night cold, tired and positively ravenous. I was dying to crash on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and an old movie, but then I saw my acorn squash, which reminded me of Joanne, and suddenly I simply had to make her recipe for Roasted Corn Pudding in Acorn Squash Cups which she had adapted from her Good Friend Heidi who had found it in The Vegetarian Compass. Phew!

Where this wave of inspiration and energy catapulted from I have no idea, but suddenly I was a whirling dervish of industry and creativity, churning out not only the Roasted Corn Pudding, but also Brussels Sprouts with Dijon Butter and Plymouth Style Baked Beans.

No doubt my efforts were made easier by the sublimely ridiculous old Disney movie "North Avenue Irregulars" that entertained me whilst I chopped and stirred and waited for things to roast.

The Brussels Sprouts with Dijon Butter were finished first, and I downed them happily, delighting in the strong garlicky mustardy butter sauce that pairs so beautifully with cabbage and Brussels Sprouts.



The Roasted Corn Pudding in Acorn Squash Cups came out next and oooeee, where they ever good!! I love the sweet, clean taste of the squash next to the creamy pudding studded with corn and scallions, the whole lot dripping with sharp cheddar cheese.





Then it was time for the beans. I'm not sure what makes them Plymouth Style, but I was intrigued by the recipe calling for grated apple. First I rinsed, quick-soaked and cooked the beans.




While they simmered I chopped an onion...




...and grated an apple...



...added lovely, thick molasses to the spices, tomato sauce and juice.



I fried up the onion, then the grated apple, and added both to the sauce mixture, stirring in the cooked beans. Baked for 45 minutes the beans soaked in all the fabulous flavors of the sauce, emerging soft, sweet and savory, just the way baked beans ought to.



Happy New Year's Eve, dear ones! :-)


Plymouth Style Baked Beans
(adapted from the back of a bean bag that I accidentally threw away :-))

5 cups cooked Great White Northern beans
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, diced
1 or 2 apples, cored, peeled and grated
2 tsp dry mustard
3 Tbsp molasses
1 can tomato sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup red fruit juice (I used Hibiscus Cooler)

Fry onion in oil for 5 minutes, add grated apple and cover tightly. Cook on low heat for 5 minutes. Add to remaining ingredients, cover tightly and bake at 375 degrees for 45-60 minutes.

17 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh. You have me salivating. I've copied the bean and acorn squash recipes and would love your recipe for the dijon/garlicky butter sauce.

    I've got a big pot of spicy black eye peas simmering on the stove right now.

    Have a wonderful 2010.

    FlowerLady

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  2. I'm experimenting with beans lately as I try to eat less meat. These sound wonderful. I'll wait until our weather is abit cooler to try.

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  3. Gorgeous food and beautiful photos! Wishing you a very happy new year :)

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  4. Yummeee, I love the bean recipe, will have to whip up a batch, I'm sure the kids will love it. Have a great 2010!!

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  5. I will get that for you tomorrow morning, dear Flower Lady :-)

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  6. Barbara, I'm trying to eat less meat too, and squash and beans are high on my "learn to make fabulous" list. :-)

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  7. Thank you, Ellie! :-) Happiest of new years to you!

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  8. Thank you, Aussie Annie :-) I hope the kids enjoy them! :-)

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  9. Oh, wow, this looks so comforting and delicious, especially after all the fancy holiday food. Definitely bookmarked :) Love your blog, photos and write ups, and thanks so much for the sweet comment on my blog. Happy New Year!

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  10. I don't have any apples at home.....please hurry on over to food52 and submit it to their weekly contest as this week's focus is BEANS. These look super scrumptious and I have half a tin of giant white beans...!!!!!!!!!! Lots of love Krista and have a super blessed 2010 with loads of hygge! Oz @ Kitchenbutterfly

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  11. I'm so glad you liked the squash! I'm so nervous whenever anyone makes any of my recipes that they won't like it.

    Those beans look fantastic. Baked beans are on my SUPER LONG list of food to cook in 2010. I'm pretty sure they were on the list of things to cook in 2009 as well, but c'est la vie. You can't cook everything in a year.

    Happy New Year chica!

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  12. Thank you, Lisa! I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

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  13. Thank you, dear Oz! I didn't get a chance to submit, but I will be ready for the next time!!

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  14. I sure did, Joanne! It was faaaantastic! :-) I liked the pudding so much that I'm going to make it in some ramekins all by itself. Mmmm! :-)

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  15. Dijon Butter

    1 garlic clove, put through press
    1/4 pound butter
    1 Tbsp Dijon mustard (I like grainy style)
    1 large shallot finely diced or 2 Tbsp minced scallion
    2 Tbsp chopped parsley
    Salt and pepper to taste

    Soften butter and blend with remaining ingredients.

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  16. Mmm that roasted corn pudding looks amazing and I love the cute way it is served! :D

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  17. Aw, thanks Lorraine :-) It was really, really good :-)

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