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I read a great book over the weekend – The Leftovers.  No, it is not about Thanksgiving turkey.  Hah.  It’s a great story about what happens after The Rapture occurs – millions of people suddenly vanish, leaving their friends and family behind to grapple with their new reality. It’s been turned into an HBO series – if the show is anything like the book, I really want to see it!  Anyway, if you’re looking for a great book, The Leftovers is an excellent – and eerie – choice.

 

In addition to a book recommendation, I have a yummy recipe!

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In line with my favorite of all favorite recipes, this one is super simple and easy to prepare.  The most complex step is roasting the delicata squash, and delicata squash is my favorite squash of all because you don’t have to peel it!  I rarely buy other squash because it’s such a nightmare to peel – so it’s nice that you can eat delicata squash’s tasty skin.

 

Basically, this delicious recipe is pretty darn easy to make.  Win, win.

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Delicata Squash Honey Mustard Quinoa

 

Ingredients (for 3 – 4 servings):

 

  • 1 cup red quinoa, measured dry
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 delicata squash
  • Drizzle of olive oil
  • 2 medium carrots, shredded
  • 2 cups raw baby spinach, loosely measured
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • Salt, to taste

 

Directions:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375. Meanwhile, remove the edges of the squash, slice it lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.  Then, slice into 1/2 inch C shapes. Dip in the drizzle of olive oil, arrange on a cookie sheet, and bake for 35 minutes.
  • On the stovetop, cook the quinoa in the water for 15 minutes or so, according to package directions.
  • In a large bowl, mix shredded carrots and thoroughly chopped spinach.  When quinoa is cooked and still hot, pour on top of veggies to soften them.
  • When squash is done, add to quinoa mix.
  • In a microwaveable bowl, combine mustard, honey, and coconut oil.  Microwave for 30 seconds to soften and then thoroughly mix.  Pour over quinoa mix, combine, and add salt to taste.

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This would be an AMAZING vegetarian Thanksgiving entrée (or a nice side dish for a more traditional meal).

 

Thought of the Day:

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{ 19 comments }

 

  • Carol September 30, 2014, 10:11 am

    I watch season 1 of the Leftovers on HBO – great story and amazing acting ! Worth watching , for sure !

  • Bri September 30, 2014, 10:15 am

    Love delicata squash! What type of Dijon do you recommend? I find that they vary quite a bit!

    • Caitlin September 30, 2014, 12:03 pm

      Oh good question. Mine was just trader joes brand so the basic stuff.

  • Carrie (This Fit Chick) September 30, 2014, 11:02 am

    I NEEDED that quote! That is one of my biggest goals this year: to really focus on the present and to stop worrying about the future. Love this quinoa recipe! It’s been ages since I’ve had quinoa!

  • Inez September 30, 2014, 12:42 pm

    I think I’ll try this recipe on Saturday for our neighborhood potluck! I’m a vegan in a neighborhood of boudin lovers and was completely at a loss for what to bring. Thank you!

  • Sam @ PancakeWarriors September 30, 2014, 12:56 pm

    I’m sorry but your food looks to good to eat! haha just kidding I would gobble this up before you could tell me the entire title of the recipe! This looks SO GOOD girl! I have to find some delicata squash – I hear it’s like no other 🙂 Thanks for sharing – definitely saving this!!

  • Meredith September 30, 2014, 1:46 pm

    The show is completely different from the book, but it is still really good. It was way more violent than I imagined it would be – there were a few scenes I just couldn’t watch. Reading the book first was helpful.

  • amelia@i_heart_kale September 30, 2014, 2:46 pm

    Looks delicious as always!! I too love delicata squash. I’ve been roasting it and finishing it off with a drizzle of crunchy almond butter and maple syrup. Makes a tasty topping for salads. I think spaghetti squash is pretty easy too, considering you just scoop out the insides with a fork.
    Can’t wait for thanksgiving and all of your delicious recipes that always pop up around that time. I am definitely eating a pumpkin pie before this baby makes its debut on or around 11/28!!

  • Rebecca September 30, 2014, 3:57 pm

    Nic Cage is now in a remake of the Left Behind movies (based on the books, based on Revelation), I would guess with the same general idea as Leftovers (which I haven’t read but maybe should, although some of the reviews are negative). Revelation is crazy to read, and I was semi-obsessed with the Left Behind series in like junior high. I started with the Kids version (focusing on teenagers) and then read the version that focused on the adults. I’m kind of thinking of rereading them.

  • Lesley September 30, 2014, 4:12 pm

    The show is incredible! So engaging. A must watch for sure. Not to mention Justin Theroux is definitely not offensive to look at :). As well as a really good actor! Watch it, watch it, watch it!

  • Alex @ True Femme September 30, 2014, 4:13 pm

    Honey mustard quinoa!!!?? I am ALL over this!

  • Bobbie September 30, 2014, 4:56 pm

    I needed that thought of the day right now! Just thinking about how I have a touch of a sore throat and just got my monthly friend and wondering if my run tonight is going to suck! In other words..thinking of all that could go wrong…

  • Carrie September 30, 2014, 9:28 pm

    I’ve heard a few interviews with the author, and he avoids saying that the book is about the rapture. His intention was for it to be deliberately ambiguous…maybe it’s the rapture, or maybe not…

    I didn’t like the book, but it was an interesting concept.

  • Jonelle September 30, 2014, 9:31 pm

    You may also like a book called The Brief History of the Dead. it is about what happens to you after you die. Very unusual premise and I liked it. Kind of the same vein as the Leftovers, which I liked too.
    That dish looks amazing!

  • Rachel October 1, 2014, 10:38 am

    Hi Caitlin. I read this article today and thought you would find it interesting: http://qz.com/273255/how-american-parenting-is-killing-the-american-marriage/?utm_source=huffingtonpost.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pubexchange_facebook

    Also, the Leftovers series on HBO was very interesting!

  • Heather October 3, 2014, 3:53 pm

    You had me at quinoa, LOL!

  • char eats greens October 5, 2014, 11:34 am

    I am SO in love with delicata squash! I bought my first two of the season yesterday and of course proceeded to make them for dinner! This recipe looks so yummy to use them in 🙂

  • Sharon T October 7, 2014, 3:08 pm

    I’ve never tried Delicata Squash before. This was great!

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