Feels like fall

Remember these little guys from a few weeks ago?

Well tonight they made their big debut as part of a very fall friendly side dish of sauteed delicata squash, cranberry beans, rosemary and sage.

Delicata Squash and Cranberry Beans with Sage and Rosemary Olive Oil

This was our first experience with both delicata squash and cranberry beans and what a marvelous introduction it was! Too bad I destroyed the tenderloin in the process of babysitting them. Oh well, no one is perfect, especially not yours truly.

The squash was sweet and tender, almost like a combination of sweet potatoes and gnocchi, while the cranberry beans were very starchy and nutty. The sage and rosemary were added to some garlic and sauteed in olive oil for the base of the squash and cranberry beans. The sage compliments squash so beautifully and the rosemary adds great depth.

All and all a great first attempt at both of these fall treats and a promising beginning for our fall cooking.

I couldn't figure out which picture best portrayed this evenings creation, I personally like the one below, but G likes the others. What do you think?

Now off to a puppy playdate before the VMA's. Happy Sunday and may you have a wonderful week!

Bean there, done that

Every morning that I set off to explore the farmers market is truly an adventure.

However, there have been some days when (gasp!) I am less than awed with the produce, finding myself velocitized by the whirlwind of seasonal eating.

Shame on me, right?

Well I'm proud to admit that today was no such day.

During my usual routine selecting squash, thyme, rocambole, blueberries, etc... I ran into these cute little guys. I admit to being superficially drawn to them initially, hey they've got one heck of a cute ride(What's cuter than pink pods?) I'm a sucker for packaging! But upon popping open these slender beauties I was surprised with an equally playful pod of yumminess.

Cranberry beans, or so they are called by the professionals, are perfect for soups, salads, dips, steaming or just eating out of the pod. At least that's what I thought as I happily sauntered away.

I hear they lose their cute pink specks upon cooking but their taste more than makes up for it and they freeze like troopers which means this girl will get her fill of fresh (kind of) cranberry beans year round.

Talk about having your pod and shelling it too!

(and yes, friends, I am taking these photos myself....sheesh, what's a girl to do to get some credit around here!)