Week 40

Week Forty!! Really? How did we get here? I can't believe there are only 12 more weeks left in the year. Actually I just counted the remaining weeks on my calendar and I think we are technically on Week 41. I must have missed one in there somewhere. Anyways, fall is definitely here and Laina keeps asking when we can rake the leaves into a pile so she can jump in them. It's very cute. Now if only she could do all the raking by herself :)

White Bean and Leek Soup with Spinach
Butter or Ghee for sauteeing
2 large leeks, white and light green parts, halved lengthwise and sliced into thin half moons
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
2 cups water
1 large bay leaf
1/2 cup dry small pastina or orzo
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cooked white beans (cannellini or similar)
2 cups packed fresh baby spinach or similar green

Saute leeks in butter in dutch oven. Add garlic and cook one more min. Add stock, water and bay leaf and bring to boil. Add pasta and cook until pasta is al dente. Add salt and pepper to taste and then stir in beans and spinach and heat through. Serve topped with a sprinkling of red pepper flakes and a good grating of Parmesan cheese.


Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
Cut one spaghetti squash in halve the long ways. Scoop out seeds. Place on baking sheet and roast at 400F for about 45 mins or until fork tender. Meanwhile, brown ground beef in medium sauce pot and then add tomato sauce of choice. When sauce is ready, shred squash with forks to look like spaghetti strands and then top with sauce. Serve with parmesan cheese if desired.