Autumn Equinox Feast

For tonight's Equinox dinner we had Pumpkin Soup, Steamed Summer Squash & Swiss Chard, Candied Sweet Potatoes, with Rye Toast.


Pumpkin Soup Recipe:

• One med pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 2 med. cooking potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 med. onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
  
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• 2 tsp. dried parsley
  
• 1 c. plain soymilk

Directions:

In a large pot combine all veggies and cover with water. Boil until pumpkin and potato are cooked and easily mashed. Strain water off veggies and place into a blender. Add soymilk and nutmeg and puree until blended well. Put back into the pot and add parsley.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe:

• 1 large or 2 med sweet potatoes, diced and peeled.
• 2 Tbs. vegan margarine (Earth Balance, Smart Balance, etc)
• 2 Tbs. evaporated cane juice sugar
• 3 Tbs. water

Directions:

Boil sweet potatoes in water until you can easily cut through with a fork or knife. Strain water. In a large pan combine water, butter and sugar until well dissolved and it starts to bubble. Add sweet potatoes and mix gently and until they are all glazed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Steamed Summer Squash & Swiss Chard Recipe:

• One large or 2 small yellow summer squash, diced
• About 20-30 swiss chard leaves
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth

Directions:

Steam summer squash. In a large pan add veg. broth and chard leaves and saute' in broth until leaves are limp, but still vibrantly colored. When squash is steamed add to chard and gently mix together.


Review: I was a little disappointed with the soup, but hubby and his friend loved it, so I guess it was just me. I've never made sweet potatoes before, and I LOVED them. But, it is easy to over-do them because they are so sweet. My favorite happened to be the swiss chard & summer squash. They were a perfect tasting and colorful combo. I especially liked it with the rye-toast.

It was pretty easy, although a lot of peeling and dicing. But after that, you just boil most of the dinner for a while and then add the finishing touches.