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1.16.2010

Roasted Sweet and Spicy Kabocha Squash, Mayo Clinic Diet Give Away Winner, and Some thoughts and News


Its been really hard to get in the groove with blogging and cooking this month. Between the diet and exercise, and now the devastation in Haiti, I admit I have more pressing matters on my mind. I apologize for not picking a winner earlier, but I felt I really needed to call out attention to Haiti which wears on my heart. Even before this earthquake , it always has. Some bloggers and I are trying to cook up a project to drum up more aid, so stay tuned throughout the week. As for the skeptics and naysayers, remember any help anyone can give is needed. This problem wont go away overnight, in the next few months, or even years. Do your homework and trust your gut as to who to give to. I'm distressed at the subtle and overt racism I'm seeing in regards to this human tragedy. Always know it could be you in need one day, whether your white black, Asian, rich , middle class, or poor.I don't care care how much you think you think you have your life in control. My heart weeps for our society.

Onto the other things...
I used Random.org to pick a winner of the Mayo Clinic Diet and Journal.
And the winner is my dear friend Jen of A2eatwrite. I cant figure out to paste the snapshot screen on Blogger to show you all. Congrats Jen. Email me your address. I will have another Give away next week with Ciao Italia...Five Ingrediant Favorites by Mary Ann Esposito. Stay tuned.
As for Ten In Ten. I have lost a total of about 2 pounds. I have been working out 3 or more times per week,as well as keeping my calorie in the 1200 range for t weeks thus far. The last two nights were not so good with a dinner engagement and takeout dinner. But that's life and the whole point of my challenge is how to function with all that and blogging while losing some weight and incorporating fitness. I feel good. I have been getting feedback about posting calories for all my recipes. I would love to , but the sites I find seem to keep them in a collective pool, and I just wont being doing that for everything. but some I will.

I received a Kabocha Squash in my Organic delivery last week. I took half of it and made roasted wedges. I can now say I'm a fan! I have seen many ways people make this, but roasting to me hits, the spot. Not to say I wont simmer it in the traditional Japanese style or put it in yet another squash soup one day. I still the other half to toy with this weekend.

Roasted Sweet and Spicy Kabocha Squash Recipe


Roasted sweet winter squash. Skin is edible. This comes in at about 82 calories a serving. I love munching on these wedges that are both filling and sweet.
Ingredients
1 1/4 lb Japanese Pumpkin
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1 pinch of salt
1 pinch of black pepper
Directions
Cut and slice the Kabocha Squash into small wedges. Arrange on parchment a lined baking sheet. Toss the squash in all the remaining ingredients to be sure the pieces are covered in the oil. Roast at 450 for about 15 minutes or until caramelized and crispy.

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8 comments:

Toni said...

Courtney - Oh how I agree with you on so many levels! The tragedy in Haiti is overwhelming. A nightmare. And began long before the earthquake brought the world's attention to the poorest country in our hemisphere. The corrupt rulers of that country could care less about the people.

And I applaud your weight loss efforts. As a health care practitioner, all I can say is don't become discouraged for any reason. If you are exercising more and eating healthy foods, you are doing the right thing. The Mayo Clinic approach is sensible, and I applaud your choice.

And finally, I never thought of cutting squash in wedges and baking it that way - I love it!!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

What is going in Haiti is truly devastating.It saddens me to watch the news and realize that without the media, television or any other sources the people of Haiti feel abandoned. Withall our resources we know tjis is not the case and in any natural disaster it takes time to mobilize organizations, etc. The people of Haiti will not heal over night and most likely not in their lifetime but we need to do what we can even if we think it is not enough.

Lys said...

Whatever you are doing to help call attn. to Haiti, you know I'm more than willing to help out.

This tragedy is at the forefront and you are absolutely correct - it is more important right now and needs our focus!

Congrats on the weight loss!

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Congrats to the winner and for the weight loss!

Interesrting recipe!

Cheers,

Rosa

Jen said...

What kills me is that Wyclef has to even TAKE the time to dispute the garbage being said about him, when he's already burning the candle at both ends to help.

You're right, we live in a sick society.

As I said on FB earlier, thank you, thank you, thank you for the book! I'm very excited to read it.

Anything you and others are cooking up for Haiti, let me know. I'm not blogging much these days, but I'm in for this one.

The Caked Crusader said...

Great tips re the weightloss - thanks for sharing.

Nina Timm said...

I have experienced an earthquake at age 6 and it made a lasting impression on me seeing my mother crying over her home that has been irreparably damaged.... I feel for the people of Haiti and you are so right....tomorrow it can be you or me.... thanks for caring so much about other people Courtney, you are an inspiration to me!!!

Mary said...

The racism and political opportunists that have risen from the tragedy of Haiti are really really upseting to me too. It almost makes the whole thing worse, if that's possible.

Your squash looks terrific.