Wednesday Dinner

I'm sitting on the floor in my kitchen, back against the cupboard under the sink, feet against the stove, computer propped on my legs. Homemade apple (and pear) sauce is simmering on the stove. I just burned my mouth tasting it because I'm so impatient. In the oven, an experiment is baking. It is baked brown rice and pumpkin risotto. It smells good and tastes good so far. I'm thinking of topping it with crispy bacon crumbles, pecorino cheese, and maybe some sauteed greens.

Applesauce with pears
3 golden delicious apples, peeled, quartered and chopped
3 pears, peeled, quartered and chopped

Put the fruit in a large saucepan and cover with just enough water. Bring to a simmer and cook until tender. Mash with a potato masher and sweeten as desired.

I added a little honey, about a tablespoon of brown sugar (I know, it's just ghastly that I would add sugar to applesauce, but the soft brown texture was calling to me!!) and some vanilla. It only needs a LITTLE BIT of vanilla. Now I'm allowing all the excess liquid to cook off. I just tasted it again, without burning my mouth, and it tastes great.

Baked Brown Rice and Pumpkin Risotto
about 1-3/4 cups of cooked brown rice
2/3 cup pumpkin puree (I used canned)
half a shallot, minced
about 1 tablespoon minced onion
1 clove of garlic (I would increase)
Wegman's basting oil

I sauteed the shallot and onion in the basting oil until they looked tender and then added the minced garlic. Add the pumpkin puree and season with salt and pepper. I added a little water to thin the pumpkin mixture to the consistency of thick soup. Add the cooked rice. Stir to combine. Pour into a casserole, top with a drizzle of basting oil and bake at 325 degrees.

Oh, and did I mention I'm listening to Christmas music? I know, what is this world coming to? I just can't help myself. It helps put me in a happy mood and melts away the stress of the day. It really is better than chocolate, if you can believe that.

Enjoy!  ¶ 6:40 PM