Fall is in the Air

Cooler weather blows in with it the hope of a crisp fall and not just a leap into winter.  Gone from the market porch are the rocking chairs and pea-shellers of the summer.  In their place the finest of fall decorations like straw, pumpkins, gourds, milo and mums.  Also on display is a cornucopia of brightly colored pansies and violas, ornamental cabbage, kale and other colorful plants to brighten up any mundane fall and winter garden or planter.  It truly is a beautiful sight.

I love this time of year!  The past couple of days the windows in Aunt Theresa and Uncle Bubba's house have been wide open.  Even though it's the time when the brilliance of summer greenery begins to die back and life outside progresses towards dormancy; the first hint of the season's change is the springboard on which we jump toward the holiday season.

Every Thanksgiving the Kyzer family gathers at Grandma and Papaw's house for our traditional afternoon feast.  There's ham, and turkey, and duck and dressing...whew... I'm feeling full just thinking about it! The side dishes are provided by "the girls" not just the daughters but the daughter's daughters and daughters-in-law of the daughters, as well. I have to say our family is packed with a passel of good cooks! 

Then there are the desserts... the one most fought over is Grandma's cherry cheesecake.  (I might share that recipe here one day, if I can ever get it right, that is!) Of course, Jeanna, brings several pies from BJs Market Cafe which are quickly gobbled.  I like to get a plate of these tempting confections... to go...before the meal even begins.

Every year I try to bring something new...something not yet tasted by the rest of the family.  This year I am thinking... Butternut Squash! My niece, Dede (You know her from the cafe and as the plant officienado around here.) has a fantastic recipe for butternut squash pie and get this, she makes it in the microwave! It is so sweet and fluffy and rumor has it she made one at the market last Saturday and customers, family and workers alike all got a bit of a taste.  So, I guess pie might be out of the question.

I do have a great recipe for butternut squash soup...but I don't know if our family is a thanksgiving soup eating kind of family... try this and tell me what you think? Should I be brave enough to really bring something new to the table this year?

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

6 tablespoons chopped onion
4 tablespoons margarine
6 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
3 cups water
4 cubes chicken bullion
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 (8oz) pkgs cream cheese

In a large saucepan, saute onions in margarine until tender. Add squash, water, bullion, marjoram, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil and cook 20 minutes or until squash is tener.

Puree squash and cream cheese in a blender or food processor in batches until smooth. Return to pan and heat through... DO NOT BOIL.

If you have a butternut squash recipe you think I need to try post it either here in the comments section or on the discussion tab on our facebook page.  Not a fan on our facebook page? Click the link to the side and become one now!  Thanks, happy cooking and remember....eat fresh... for the health of it!