Winter Vegetables: Once upon a time I liked you, cold dreary weather.

Today I was looking through old pictures and came across some shots I took of a dinner I made back in October.  You might be asking, "You take pictures of your food?"  Yes, I do.  I like food that much.  Anyways,  it reminded me of how exciting Fall is; the crisp air, turning leaves... I know you love it too.  But then, as it always does in Seattle, the rains come and Fall sloshes into Winter and I am crabby and in need of an IV of vitamin D.  However, all is not lost.  This meal, a staple in our household, is a great way to renew those feelings of, "I just love being in my cozy house" and "Aren't winter vegetables delightful?"  I am not a Stepford wife but I seriously think these things.  And of course because I am sponsored by them and they pay me in groceries to say this (I wish), the ingredients for this meal can all be found at Trader Joe's.  Bottom line: Inexpensive, good for you, and reminds you that you still have something to live for.

 

This meal is so simple.  I buy butternut squash and sweet potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch squares (or I buy them pre-cut in bags, which are great if you are strapped for time).  Toss with olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary.  In my oven it takes about 35 min. at 375, but I usually just poke them with a fork to see if they are tender.

The winter greens also come pre-cut and in a bag, and on the back is a simple recipe for braising them with onion, chicken stalk, and chicken andouille sausage.  The result is amazing.