11/6/08

Anonymous Giver and ONE Acorn Squash!

Last weekend a kind soul dropped off, in our driveway, some potted plants and grasses ready to be put into the ground!

Paul and I found it quite interesting, as these verses were attached (in Ziploc bags to stay dry).


We’re so appreciative and excited to plant this variety of grasses in our back yard. We both decided that this was a very creative way to show hospitality.


So here’s a BIG thank you – to the anonymous giver!

Also, last year around this time when my husband was planning our garden, he asked what I wanted to grow. Years ago we gave up on growing things like carrots, garlic, onions, corn – things that we felt just took too much garden space and were cheaper to buy in the stores or at the market. Living on a city lot, we don’t have a huge space for our garden as if we were in the country.

My mother loved to garden, and the type of squash that I loved to eat as a kid was acorn squash! My mom made it taste like candy, because she baked it with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. It was heavenly.

This year we grew “one” acorn squash. I don’t know what happened and why we only got one, but because this “one” was so significant to me, I wanted to make sure our whole family enjoyed it, the way I did as a girl.

I cut the squash in half, removing all of the seeds


I melted butter with brown sugar and cinnamon


I sliced the squash like a cantaloupe, laying it in a sprayed 9x13 and pouring the butter mixture over the top


Then I baked it at 400 degrees for 1 hour

It came out of the oven soft and bubbly, and our family of 5 consumed it last night around our dinner table.


I’ve decided that next year we will grow more than 1 acorn squash. And I’ll be heading to the market this weekend to buy more. It’s a perfect winter side-dish!


(Using my apple butter recipe, I made 7 pints of pear butter this last weekend! It takes a little more work because I had to peel and core the pears, but when it’s served on homemade waffles or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches – I always know it’s worth it!)


Thank you Melissa, for naming Reluctant Entertainer "Blog of the Week," over at The Inspired Room. If you haven't checked out Melissa's blog - it's full of inspiring and beautiful posts!

21 comments:

Ms. Tee said...

That acorn squash looks delicious. I love anything with brown sugar on it!
What an interesting anonymous gift, too. :)

Andrea@Sgt and Mrs Hub said...

What a thoughtful gift, and one that took lots of effort! Somebody loves you guys!! :)

I LOVE acorn squash, though I've never had it prepared it like you did. Sounds delicious!

-Andrea

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

I have got to try that acorn squash recipe. I usually just stare at them blankly in the store and go "Huh" and walk on by but you've inspired me to pick one up and bring it home lol.
Blessings to you and have a great weekend.

Suzann said...

What a neat surprise.

I've never tried acorn squash - perhaps I should give it a try.

Jen said...

I love acorn squash. Its so good. Your pear Jam looks great as well.

Our Green Nest said...

YUM - we LOVE acorn squash!

Anonymous said...

That acorn squash looks so yummy. How fun to get an anonymous gift like that...enjoy!

Lucy..♥ said...

The acorn squash looks wonderfully glazed w/my favorite way :-)

What a wonderful gift, I've had similar gifts presented to me and it's alway a wonderful surprise ;) I know my gift giver, but just never know when something will be left for me to discover!

Betts said...

That's the way my mom always cooked acorn squash, too. I'm the only one who likes it in our house, but sometimes I'll make it and eat the whole thing for lunch.

Teresa said...

Love your blog- just came over from the inspired room- congratulations on being the blog of the week- I can see why- fabulous.

Kirstin said...

That was sweet of the giver!
The squash looks yummy!!
THe girls and I are making apple butter today. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

I was scrambling so much over the weekend there was definately no way I could have met up with you. We will meet up in the spring. HOw'd the games go?

Kim said...

I had my students make acorn squash this week as one of their vegetable labs. We did the butter and brown sugar, however we microwaved it because of class time. By the way, I emailed you - hope you got it!

Shell in your Pocket said...

Congrats on your award...you deserve it...I just love your blog!! That acorn squash looks delightful!
-sandy toes

grace said...

what an awesome gift! if everyone were so generous, the world would be a much different place.
i made some squash much like this earlier this week--it's sensational! :)

Robin Beck said...

I have to tell you...I am not a big squash lover but your acorn squash really looks delicious! I'm thinking I am going to try this at Thanksgiving. Thanks so much for showing how to do it step by step. I'm really looking forward to trying this.
Robin~♥

Nadine said...

Congratulations on being blog of the week.

I'm not a big squash person, but you made that look so good, I think I may need to get some and try it.

How lovely for someone to bless you like that with plants.

Anonymous said...

This looks fantastic. I usually cook the two halves filled with butter and brown sugar.. sometimes a little bit of bacon.. and we just scoop it out.. With this method do you eat the skin too? Can't wait to try it.. we all love acorn squash.

Jules from "The Roost" said...

I LOVE Acorn squash! Thanks for the recipe.

RefreshMom said...

That's how my mom made acorn squash too. Aside from pumpkin (as in pie) it was the only kind I'd voluntarily eat. Might be a good time to try it with my kiddos. Thanks for the reminder.

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Ooo, I love squash! I have some sitting right here that I am going to make for dinner. Such a perfect fall treat!

I love the gift the anonymous giver dropped off, how thoughtful! Great idea for quick and fun hospitality!

Have a great Sunday!

Kristen said...

What a wonderful gift... and I love the verses attached! God is so good! Love your blog... will be back to visit!