Is that kind of a bold statement? Probably. Will I most likely change my mind when I show you my Thanksgiving salad this November? Probably. Uh, maybe that salad can be the official HBH salad for Thanksgiving 2017? For the time being though, this salad is my current favorite, and I think it’s pretty obvious why. Hello to honey roasted squash, sweet caramelized figs, and feta cheese. So basically of all my current favorite fall foods! Oh, and pomegranate too, I am obsessed, but my guess is that you already knew that.
Here’s the deal. I have been wanting to make this salad now for months, ever since the end of August actually. Okay so maybe not months, but for a while. I have been waiting and waiting for the kabocha squash to finally arrive at my grocery store. It seemed to take forever, but sometime in mid September the kabocha squash rolled up on a truck and I literally bought them all. If you’re new to kabocha squash, it’s just another type of winter squash. It’s often used in Japanese cooking, but can be used in pretty much any recipe that calls for the more common acorn or butternut squash. And if you can’t find kabocha squash in your grocery, just sub in acorn squash. Ever since I made this sheet pan sticky pomegranate chicken with roasted squash last October I have been way too in love with kabocha squash. It’s buttery, sweet, and when roasted? Well it’s just the most delicious thing ever. I’ve known for a while now that I wanted to create a salad recipe using kabocha squash. I also thought it would be nice to include my other favorite fall ingredient, figs. And yeah, I know some of you don’t love figs, but I love them, so we are just going with it today. ps. if you’ve never actually tried a fig, try one! You’ll never know if you like em’ until you try em’!
The squash and figs get roasted up together with a little honey. The honey helps to caramelize both the squash and figs and it is truly one of the most delicious things to come out of your oven. The squash and figs as a side dish alone would be delicious, but they’re better in a salad…with feta. Once you’ve roasted up all that fall goodness, you really just assemble the salad. I then made a quick and simple cider vinaigrette that’s hinted with warming orange zest and fresh thyme. I finished off the salad with feta cheese and pomegranate arils. So simple, so delicious, and light and healthy too…which I’m thinking is kind of nice, since most of my recipes this month sway much more on the extra cozy side. This is a perfect a side dish, light lunch, or can even served up at this year’s Thanksgiving table (for those of you who like to plan ahead).
And lastly, I just want to say a quick note about all the recent sadness in the world. When I heard about the the tragedy that took place in Las Vegas on Sunday night, my heart just sank. I don’t often talk about these types of things on the blog because sometimes they feel so personal and real that it’s hard for me to talk about. But I guess today I just have to voice my feelings. I don’t know why awful events like this happen, but I am praying for everyone affected, and wishing for brighter days ahead. To everyone suffering, hang in there and stay strong. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. Also, if you happen to enjoy cooking and or baking, remember that offering someone a meal, or even just a home baked cookie, can somehow make a difference. It won’t change the situation, but it might just make someone feel a little better, and even if it’s only for a few minutes, it’s worth it. Here are a few recipes that would be great for gifting to someone who needs a helping hand today…no matter what the reason. Crispy Prosciutto Cheesy White Lasagna Crockpot Beef Chili Extra Cheesy Classic Homemade Lasagna Cheaters No Knead Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread Cinnamon Spiced Sugar Cookies with Browned Butter Frosting Cream Cheese Swirled Brown Sugar Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Have a great Thursday everyone, and maybe tell someone how much you love them..hugs are encouraged as well.
