HK Magazine - Food - October 2005

This time of year is amazing for the shear abundance of fresh, local produce that we have available. Warm weather crops like lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers are still in the farmer’s market stalls, and cold weather crops like winter squashes, apples and pears are just beginning to appear – what wealth! With colder weather here, a warmer diet is needed to keep our bodies strong and acclimatized. Shorter days usually mean we’re burning fewer calories, so adjust your diet to be more warming with less calories and full of nutrition with squashes, beans, whole grains and greens.

Sweet Cinnamon Squash
Serves 4 as a side dish

1 medium winter squash (kabocha, butternut or acorn)
1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar

1. Preheat oven to 450F.
2. Wash, dry and cut the squash in half, and remove the seeds.
3. Cut the squash into evenly sized chunks – you can leave the rind on.
4. Place the squash chunks into a mixing bowl and drizzle with the sweetener and cinnamon. Toss to coat all of the pieces evenly and place the squash in a baking dish.
5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the squash is tender.

Adzuki, Millet, Squash Stew
Serves 6

1 cup Adzuki beans
1 cup millet
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced jalapeno chili, seeded with ribs removed
4 cup vegetable stock
1” Piece of kombu seaweed (optional— softens beans and adds minerals)
2 cup butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced
1-2 tablespoon naturally brewed soy sauce, shoyu or tamari

1. Place the beans, millet, garlic, chili, stock and kombu together in a large pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
3. Add the cut squash, cover and cook for 30 more minutes.
4. Season with soy sauce to taste.

Alexandra Jamieson, HealthyChefAlex.com
Alex is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor and health supportive chef. Her upcoming cookbook “The Great American Detox Diet” will be published in June, 2005 by Rodale and was inspired by her fiancé Morgan Spurlock’s experience in the award winning documentary Super Size Me. For more information about her health counseling program and cook book, go to www.healthychefalex.com or write to her at alex_jamieson@yahoo.com.