A Lake Weekend

A friend and I escaped school for a relaxing lake weekend at Petoskey on the Northern Michigan shore.  As a southern California transplant, I have come to appreciate the peaceful, remote country lifestyle.  There is something rejuvenating about the country.  Gone is the hustle and bustle of the city, the constant roar of car motors, and the absence of superficial distractions.  You can hear the whistle of the trees and the tickle of the stream.  You can hear your breath against the crunch of leaves.  

The houses in the Petoskey Bay Harbor are painted in hues of green, yellow, and blue with bright white porches and surrounding lawn chairs. I love these cottage houses. They are truely American! I would love to visit in the summer!

Scrumptious Winter Squash

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching and the Fall season in full swing, there is nothing better than some warm winter squash to spice up your meal.  Winter squash differs from summer squash in that winter squash is allowed to mature before harvesting. Summer squash, such as zucchini, is harvested while still tender and developing.

At any local farmers' market unique types of squash are widely available.  Winter squash such as pumpkin, acorn, buttercup, and spaghetti is best when the skin is dull and thick.  Smooth shiny skin indicates that the squash is not yet ripe.  Squash is delicious, nutritious, and full of buttery flavor.

Butternut squash makes a great soup. Flavor it with cinnamon, cloves, maple syrup, and a dash of cream.  I also love butternut squash stuffed raviolis drizzled with a cream sauce and sprinkled with fresh sage.  Spaghetti squash has recently become one of my favorite dishes. Its a great vegetable alternative to pasta as it cooks up to have the same consistency.  Cook it for an hour then sauté it with garlic and basil pesto. Top it off with some grated gouda and crispy prosciutto!

Stay tuned for my next blog post with delicious squash recipes!

Twice baked butternut squash topped with grated parmesan and sage

Individual butternut squash soup dishes. Great for a fall party!

The Green Door

La Porte Verte, the French translation of The Green Door

There is something cheerful, something soothing about the color green. It represents life, growth, and prosperity.  As a senior in college, I dream of the day I will get to design my own house.  It will be surrounded by whistling trees and blooming flowers with children playing on the front porch, and of course a green door will invite all to enter.  Here are some photographs to spark your interest. Enjoy!