The easiest way to roast a Hubbard squash is to roast it whole. Hubbard squash is very hard and is very difficult to slice in half even with a high quality chef’s knife. Try this simple technique to bake you Hubbard squash whole.
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What is Hubbard squash
It is a fall squash with a grey exterior and orange interior. Although it is very ugly, it is often used for an autumn decoration. The exterior is very hard to slice which is why baking the whole squash is the preferred method. When blended into a puree it has a creamy texture that works well with soups. The texture is more comparable to a sweet potato than other autumn squashes.
Preheat you oven to 400 degrees F. Rinse you Hubbard squash. Use a pairing knife to cut 10-12 slits around your Hubbard squash. Place the whole squash on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake the squash for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Remove the squash from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes.
Slice the squash in half. This will be very easy to do.
Use a large spoon to remove the seeds.
Once the seeds are removed you can begin scraping the flesh from the rind.
Place the flesh in a large mixing bowl.
How to make Hubbard squash puree
Most recipes call for Hubbard squash puree.
Use an immersion blender to blend the squash into a puree. Season and use as desired.
Can you freeze Hubbard Squash?
Yes you can freeze Hubbard squash. First roast the squash and puree the flesh. Allow the squash to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight. Place the squash in a freezer safe container, label and date it, then place in the freezer.
What can you make with Hubbard Squash?
Use Hubbard squash puree in soups, risottos and other tasty recipes.
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This easy wild rice salad with oranges and cranberries is delicious year round but is especially tasty in the fall when oranges are in season. It makes a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving. A great way to get some more whole grains into your diet. This salad keeps for 4-5 days in the refrigerator so it is perfect for packed lunches.
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Start by rinsing the wild rice blend using a mesh strainer.
Rinse the rice
Cook the wild rice blend according to package directions. Allow the rice to cool before adding it to the salad.
Slice the avocado in half, remove the pit. Dice one half and put it into a large salad bowl along with the oranges, half of the shallot, cranberries, apricots and parsley.
For the dressing: Combine the other half of the avocado, half of the shallot, avocado oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard and agave in a mini food processor. Process until smooth.
Add the pecans, chilled rice and dressing to the salad bowl. Stir until well coated.
1 Cup wild rice blend, cooked according to package directions
6 Mandarin oranges, cubed
1 Avocado
1 shallot, minced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
6 diced dried apricots
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup avocado oil
3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon agave
3/4 cup pecans
DIRECTION
Start by rinsing the wild rice blend using a mesh strainer. Cook the wild rice blend according to package directions. Allow the rice to cool before adding it to the salad.<br>Slice the avocado in half, remove the pit. Dice one half and put it into a large salad bowl along with the oranges, half of the shallot, cranberries, apricots and parsley.<br><strong>For the dressing:</strong> Combine the other half of the avocado, half of the shallot, avocado oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard and agave in a mini food processor. Process until smooth.<br>Add the pecans, chilled rice and dressing to the salad bowl. Stir until well coated.
NOTES
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Try this easy creamy pumpkin cranberry risotto recipe. It’s a perfect side for Thanksgiving or a great family meal. It also makes great leftovers for packed lunches. It’s a perfect way to use up some tasty and nutritious pumpkin puree. You can even use your Jack-O-Lantern puree in this recipe.
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Add the wine and continue to cook until all liquid is gone.
Start adding the warm stock/pumpkin mixture 1 ladle at a time. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally until all liquid is gone before adding another ladle. This process should take approximately 20 minutes.
When you add the last ladle of stock/pumpkin, stir in the cheeses, drained cranberries, and parsley.
Continue to stir and cook until the cheeses are melted completely and the liquid is gone.
Homemade applesauce is so much better than store bought. You can use lower cost apples straight from the orchard, called seconds. These apples may be mis-shaped or may have some spots. That’s okay, just peel and remove the spots. The brown sugar, cinnamon and apple cider make this homemade applesauce recipe amazing!
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Start by peeling, coring and slicing the apples. Place the apples in the large stockpot. Add the cider, lemon juice and brown sugar and mix.
Simmer the apples on low, stirring every 5-10 min for the first 30 min. Then continue to simmer for 2-3 hours on low, stirring every 15-20 min.
Use a potato masher to break down the apples.
Chunky Sauce:
If you prefer a chunky applesauce it may be done at this point. If so, stir in cinnamon if desired starting with 1 teaspoonful. Stir taste and add more if desired.
Smooth Sauce:
If you would like a smoother texture, continue to simmer, stirring and mashing every 15-20 min until the sauce is the desired consistency then stir in the cinnamon. Remove from heat. Serve warm or chilled.
Start by peeling, coring and slicing the apples. Place the apples in the large stockpot. Add the cider, lemon juice and brown sugar and mix.<br>Simmer the apples on low, stirring every 5-10 min for the first 30 min. Then continue to simmer for 2-3 hours on low, stirring every 15-20 min.<br>Use a potato masher to break down the apples. If you prefer a chunky applesauce it may be done at this point. If so, stir in cinnamon if desired starting with 1 teaspoonful. Stir taste and add more if desired. If you would like a smoother texture, continue to simmer, stirring and mashing every 15-20 min until the sauce is the desired consistency then stir in the cinnamon. Remove from heat. Serve warm or chilled.
NOTES
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Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F, and grease a 11×7 inch baking dish. Set aside.<br>In a small bowl mix the dry ingredients: oats, flax, baking powder, salt and seasonings.<br>In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: egg, milk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until well combined.<br>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. Allow this mixture to sit for 5 min, then fold in the diced apples.<br>Spread the batter into the greased pan. Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds over the top. Arrange the sliced apples on top and top with the cinnamon sugar.<br>Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is slightly brown. Remove from the oven and allow the oats to cool for 5 minutes before serving.<br>Garnish with chopped walnuts, butter, or maple syrup.
NOTES
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Do you need a quick and easy yet healthy recipe to start your day? These easy ham and cheese quinoa egg bites are a great way to start your day. They are loaded with protein and vegetables. These bites are easy to store and reheat.
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Start by shredding the zucchini with a mini food processor. Set it aside to drain while preparing the other ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the quinoa, ham, cheese, eggs, onions, and zucchini. Mix in the black pepper if desired.
Spoon the mixture into a greased 12 cup muffin pan. Fill the cups all the way to the top.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the bites for 18-20 minutes or until slightly browned on the top and firm.
NOTES
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Are you looking for a healthier alternative to pasta? Do you have some extra zucchini? Try zoodles! Zucchini is one vegetable with endless possibilities. This is my favorite zoodles recipe.
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Parmesan cheese and fresh ground pepper for garnish
How to make zoodles
Start by spiralizing the zucchini. While spiralizing, cut the zoodles with kitchen shears occasionally, to make the length of the zoodles more manageable. Set aside in a colander to drain for 15-20 minutes.
Salads are a delicious nutritious way to pack some lean protein into you diet. Lean protein is essential for building muscle. Protein helps you stay full longer, which is great if you are trying to shed some extra unwanted pounds. These high-protein salad ideas can help you and your family stay healthy.
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Chef Salad
This salad is a meal. Loaded with protein. The highest protein ingredients include chicken breast 43 grams/cup, ham 29 grams/cup, cheese 28 grams/cup and 1 egg = 6 grams. The bed of spinach contains another 1 gram/cup. Dress with your favorite dressing and enjoy!
Asian Snow Pea Salad
Snow peas contain quite a bit of protein for a vegetable, approximately 5.2 grams/cup. This salad also contains chickpeas which are an excellent source of plant based protein, 39 grams/cup. The sesame seeds also provide protein, 1.6 grams/tablespoon.
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Find this high protein lentil salad recipe here. This salad is packed with plant based protein. 1 cup of cooked lentils provides 17.9 grams of protein. This salad also contains bulgur wheat which contains 5.6 grams of protein/cup.
Chicken Fajita Salad
This tasty salad is packed with protein sources: Chicken breast 43 grams/cup, avocado 3 grams, corn 3.8 grams/cup, black beans 15 grams/cup, cheese 28 grams/cup.
Greek Quinoa Salad
Find this high-protein salad recipe here. Just one cup of cooked quinoa provides 8 grams of protein. This salad also contains chickpeas which contain a whopping 39 grams of protein/cup. Other good protein sources in this salad include kale, 2.2 grams/cup and fat free feta cheese 59 grams/cup.
Four Bean Salad
Find this hearty filling salad recipe here. The high protein ingredients include: chickpeas 39 grams/cup, kidney beans 15 grams/cup, green beans ~2 grams/cup, wax beans ~2 grams/cup.
Superfood Salad
This superfood salad contains a couple of high protein vegetables: beets ~2.2 grams/cup, spinach ~1 gram/cup. Other high protein ingredients include: fat free feta 59 grams/cup and walnuts 12 grams/cup. Find the vanilla paste here.
Summer Farro Salad
Find the summer farro salad recipe here. Farro contains ~7 grams or protein/cup. This salad also contains chickpeas 39 grams/cup and corn 3.8 grams/cup.
Waldorf Salad
This protein packed salad makes a great breakfast or lunch. Serve it alone or on a bed of spinach or lettuce. Protein packed ingredients include: Chicken breast 43 grams/cup, pecans 9 grams/cup, and low fat Greek yogurt 20 grams/cup.
Broccoli Salad
Believe it or not broccoli has high protein content for a vegetable ~ 2.6 grams/cup. Bacon ~3 grams/slice and sunflower seeds ~24 grams/cup pack some additional protein in this salad. The Greek yogurt in the dressing adds ~20 grams/cup.
You do not need a chicken throne to smoke amazing spatchcocked chicken on the Traeger pellet grill. When you spatchcock the chicken it reduces the smoking time to about 3 hours for a four pound chicken. Add any seasoning you wish for a juicy tasty whole chicken on the Traeger smoker.
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This method will also work for a turkey, but it is much easier to spatchcock a chicken.
Start by turning the chicken over so the backbone is facing up. Use a heavy duty kitchen shears, or poultry shears to cut down alongside the backbone on both sides until it is cut completely through from end to end. You will have to cut through the ribs so it is not easy. If you are spatchcocking a turkey you may need to use a large knife or meat cleaver, but a kitchen shears is usually enough for a chicken.
Turn the chicken over (breast side up) and press down with the heel of your hand until it flattens. You may hear a crack when the breast bone breaks. Then season both sides as desired.
How Long do you Smoke a Spatchcocked Chicken
Preheat the Traeger to 225 degrees F. Place the spatchcocked chicken directly on the grate. Insert a probe thermometer into the breast.
Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Approximately 3 hours.
1 Tablespoon Kinder's Lemon Pepper (or rub of your choice)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
DIRECTION
Start by turning the chicken over so the backbone is facing up. Use a heavy duty kitchen shears, or poultry shears to cut down alongside the backbone on both sides until it is cut completely through from end to end. You will have to cut through the ribs so it is not easy.<br>Turn the chicken over (breast side up) and press down with the heel of your hand until it flattens. You may hear a crack when the breast bone breaks. Then season both sides as desired.<br>Preheat the Traeger to 225 degrees F. Place the spatchcocked chicken directly on the grate. Insert a probe thermometer into the breast.<br>Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Approximately 3 hours.
There is some much fun to be had right at home in the summer. Why spend a bundle travelling in the summertime? Have you checked out all of the tourist attractions in your hometown? If not, here are some summer staycation ideas have fun right at home.
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Try a New Restaurant with Outdoor Seating
One thing I always try to do on vacation is dine outdoors. Especially when travelling somewhere tropical in the winter. Why not find a hometown restaurant with beautiful outdoor dining in the Summertime? This is a perfect summer staycation experience.
Photo by Datingscout on Unsplash
Try Grilling Something New
Nothing says summer more than outdoor cooking. If you do not have a grill already, I’d suggest a Traeger Grill! If you are interested in all of the wonderful things you can make on a Traeger grill, check out this post on how to use a Traeger.
I make take it for granted living in Michigan, there are plenty of Great Lake beaches as well as many other smaller lakes to enjoy nearby. If you live near any body of water, make a day trip and enjoy! If not, try a local pool.
Visit an Amusement Park or Water Park
No need to book a vacation to visit a local water park or amusement park. Sure, it’s fun to travel and try something new once in a while, but why not enjoy what you have near home? I have both a water park and an amusement park near my home. A quick day trip for the family. If you do, give it a try.
Make a Fun Summer Dessert
Flower pot cupcakes. Just put a chocolate cupcake covered with chocolate frosting and Oreo crumbs in a 2.5 inch terracotta pot. Top with berries, Oreo filling and mint leaves.
It’s fun to go to a campground, but it can also be fun to “camp” at home. Give it a try!
Make Dinner Over a Fire
If your hometown allows bonfires, you can make dinner or at least some s’mores over the fire. If you cant have a regular firepit, try a patio firepit.
Try Gardening
Tomatillo plant in a pot
You don’t need a huge space for a vegetable garden. You can plant many different vegetables in pots. Just add a few flowers and enjoy the beauty all summer. The pictured pot above contains two tomatillo plants, two sweet potato vines and a variety of marigolds.
Take a Lesson
Don’t just ship your kids off to a bunch of camps this summer. You can learn plant of new things by taking lessons. First of all everyone should learn to swim. Start with that lesson if any of your family members need it. Then try something else. Try pottery, golf, pickleball, knitting or anything else you may want to learn.
Go to a Museum
This is a popular vacation activity. Have you been to every museum within 50 miles (~1 hour) of your home? Even if you have, museums are constantly adding new exhibits. Give it a try!
Run!
Sign up for a race or just enjoy a run near your home. Either way running can be lots of fun.
Go to a Farmer’s Market
Check out your local farmer’s market. Try something new every week. You will be surprised how many different fruits and vegetables you will find.
Pick your own Produce
Photo by Joshua Woroniecki on Unsplash
Many local farms offer U-pick fruits and vegetables. Summertime in Michigan is a perfect place to pick strawberries, blueberries, cherries and peaches. If you pick blueberries, try this amazing Peach blueberry pie recipe.
Family Pizza Night
This is great fun! Make or buy some pizza dough. Provide a selection of toppings and give each person a piece of parchment paper to assemble their own pizza.
Have you ever noticed that many vacation destinations have candy stores. You will find them in hotel lobbies and popular tourist shopping districts. Why not shop one in your hometown? Candy is a nice staycation treat!
Go to a Zoo or Aquarium
Have you been to every zoo or aquarium near home? Even if you have give it another try, they always have something new to see.
Go out for Ice Cream
Ice cream is not just for vacations. Sure you can scoop some in a bowl at home, but once in a while it’s nice to go out for a cone. Ice Cream is a staycation must!
Try a New Sport
Pickle ball is a great new sport to learn this summer. Have you driven by that new pickle ball court at your local park, thinking that looks fun? Pick up a couple paddles and some balls and find out!
Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash
Try a New Activity
An escape room
A trampoline park
Arcade
Bowling
Ropes Course
Zip line
Rock climbing
Skating
indoor skydiving
Walk a New Trail
Go for a Bike Ride
Photo by Yiwen on Unsplash
Watch a Movie
Of course a drive in movie would be the best summer staycation expirience, but if you don’t have drive in nearby you can still enjoy a good flick at home. If you choose to stay home make it fun with a new popcorn maker or movie theater candy! For even more fun get a projector and project your movie on a large white sheet outside.
Join a Summer Reading Program at you Local Library
Reading is a great family activity for summertime. It’s great to keep the kids reading all summer, and a perfect time to join a reading program at your local library.
Try a New Park
Visit a park near home that you have never been to before. You never know what you might find.
Do an Outdoor Craft
Take your creativity outside. Anything from sidewalk chalk to painting rocks can be fun.
Have a Spa day or get a Pedicure
Photo by Konstantin Shmatov on Unsplash
Fly a Kite
If all else fails, go fly a kite!
Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash
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