Pickle Dressed Acorn Squash And Beets Recipes

PICKLE-DRESSED ACORN SQUASH AND BEETS

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with 1 to 2 inches water and bring to a boil. Place squash slices in a steamer basket, then place in pot. Cover and cook until squash is just cooked through, about 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Let cool completely in a single layer.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wrap beets in parchment-lined foil and roast until easily pierced with a knife, about 50 minutes. Let cool completely. Remove skins (keep stem ends intact, if desired.) Transfer to a shallow bowl.
• Whisk together vinegar and salt in a small bowl. Add oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until emulsified. Divide vinaigrette between squash and beets and toss to coat.

BEET-APPLE SOUP IN ACORN SQUASH BOWLS

Steps:

• Roast squash: Preheat oven to 375F.
• Cut off"tops" of squash (about 1 inch from stem end) and reserve.
• Scoop out seeds and discard.
• Cut a very thin slice off bottoms of squash to create a stable base.
• Brush"bowls" and tops all over with oil and sprinkle salt inside.
• Arrange squash bowls, with tops alongside, stem ends up, in large shallow baking pan.
• Roast squash until flesh of squash is just tender, about 1 1/4 hours total.
• (Do not get them overly soft or floppy. they need to hold their shape to hold the soup.) If a small hole forms, serve soup in squash but set in a soup bowl.
• Make soup while squash roast: Cook onion in oil in a 5-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened.
• Add beets and apple and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds.
• Add broth and 4 cups water, then simmer, uncovered, until beets are tender, about 40 minutes.
• Stir in vinegar and brown sugar.
• Puree soup until very smooth, at least 1 minute per batch Please use caution when blending hot liquids.
• Return soup to pan, then season with salt and pepper and reheat.
• If soup is too thick, add enough water to thin to desired consistency.
• Serve soup in squash bowls.
• Soup can be made 3 days ahead and chilled, covered.

PICKLED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• To make the cucumber variation: Wash and sterilize 3 quart-size jars. Toss cucumbers with 3 tablespoons salt, and place in a colander set over a bowl. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Drain, rinse, and drain again. Divide cucumbers, garlic, and dill among jars. Divide pickling spices (recipe above) among jars. Bring pickling brine ingredients (recipe above) and 2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a medium saucepan, and pour over cucumbers. Let stand until cool. Cover, and refrigerate.
• To make the carrot variation: Wash and sterilize 2 quart-size jars. Bring pickling brine ingredients (recipe above) and 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add carrots, and return to a boil. Divide carrots with liquid evenly between jars. Cut about a 2-inch slit into side of each chile. Divide chiles, garlic, and pickling spices (recipe above) evenly between jars. Let stand until cool. Cover, and refrigerate.
• To make the beet variation: Wash and sterilize 2 quart-size jars and 1 half-quart-size jar. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Wrap beets in parchment-lined foil. Bake until tender, about 1 hour. Let cool slightly, then rub off skins; discard. Cut beets into 3/4-inch-thick wedges, and divide evenly among jars. Divide ginger slices, orange peels, chile slices, and pickling spices (recipe above) evenly between jars. Bring pickling brine ingredients (recipe above) and 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a medium saucepan, and pour over beets. Let stand until cool. Cover, and refrigerate.

PICKLED SQUASH

Steps:

• In a large non-aluminum pot, combine the squash, bell pepper, and onions. Cover with salt, and let stand for 2 hours to release the liquids. Stir occasionally.
• Just before the 2 hours are up, combine the sugar, vinegar, mustard seed, turmeric and celery seed in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Drain the salty liquid from the vegetables. Pour the spice brine over the vegetables, and let stand for 2 more hours.
• Bring to a boil once again, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Ladle into 1 pint sterile jars, filling with the liquid to within 1/4 inch of the top. Wipe rims with a clean towel, and run a thin spatula around the inside of the jar to remove air bubbles. Seal with lids and rings. Process for 10 minutes in a simmering water bath to seal completely.