Hey to you!  I was walking around the kitchen on Sunday afternoon wondering what to do with another big squash that was hand picked by “The Best Builders” around when I noticed some nutmeg sitting in the pantry.  A little light bulb went off and thought that it would be a great combination.  I then wandered over to the fridge as I knew that we had some “real” maple syrup.

That was enough to call it a dish.  Below is the scoop on how this goes together.  Pretty simple yet a perfect fall treat.  Here is a shot of my laptop as I was playing around with the settings on my camera.

Ingredients

• Carrots
• Squash
• Tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1/2 Tsp. Nutmeg
• 1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Prepare and peel the carrots and squash.  Cut into chunks and place in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, nutmeg and maple syrup.
3. Throw in a roasting pan and let cook for 25 minutes.
4. Remove and toss in tomatoes.
5. Cook another 15 minutes.
6. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: When cooking grape tomatoes, I tend to put them in later in the cooking process so they do not completely break down and become mush.

That dish is pretty simple yet satisfying.  Very nice for this time of year for sure. 

I spent a little time at the house (with no power) tonight with my car headlights on cleaning out the utility room.  I think we are getting some heat in the house tomorrow!  The boiler is being installed. 

Question of the Day

How do you heat your house?  Let me know – I think it will be interesting as we go across the globe.

Have a great Tuesday.

Take care

zesty

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  I’ve only made these pancakes a couple of times but they are so good that I had to share them with you.  The secret ingredient, as far as I can see, is nutmeg.

This recipe is perfect for Christmas morning!  Wake up, open a few presents and you can then whip up these pancakes in no time.  The whole grain oatmeal pancakes are super simple with an easy to follow recipe.

The first time I made these pancakes, I found them to be so hearty and filling that I had a hard time finishing three of them.  Normally, I can eat three pancakes before the rest of the family is even seated!

Enough about my voracious appetite, lets get started with the oatmeal pancake recipe.

Quick note, as I have said in the past, make sure your ingredients are fresh especially the baking powder.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Oats
• 1 Cup All Purpose flour
• 1 Cup Whole-wheat flour
• 2 Tbsp. Baking powder
• 1/2 Tsp. Nutmeg
• 1/2 Tsp. Salt
• 1 1/2 Cup Milk
• 1/4 Cup Vegetable oil
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Tsp. Vanilla
• 2 Tbsp. Honey

Method

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium to medium low heat.



2. Whisk together the oats, flours, baking powder, nutmeg and salt.
3. Using the same whisk, but in a second bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, eggs, vanilla and honey.



4. Pour the wet into the dry mixture and stir briefly, just until combined.
5. Spoon into the skillet.



6. Once bubbles form on the outside of the pancake and do not fill in again  – it is time to flip them over.



7. Flip just once  – plate them up.



8. Enjoy!

I hope everyone has a great Christmas day! Let me know what Santa brought you – I love hearing about all the fun gifts.

Take care

zesty