vegetarian Tag

It's still January, and it's been pretty cold and rainy. Not as cold as it can get in other parts of the country, but for this area... it's our version of winter. With it being so gray and overcast (which I love, for what it's worth), sometimes I just crave a bright and vibrant meal, filled with fresh flavors and bursting with color. This recipe is a go to for me for just those moments.

Hey guys! Do you ever feel like you just can't get it together? Yeah, I am definitely having one of those weeks. My back brace finally came off last week, and the doc told me to slowly get back at my normal activities, which I obviously translated to "do all the things". I'm learning the difference between uncomfortable and stop doing that, sometimes backing off a bit is required so that you can progress deeper into life. With 2 back surgeries within 9 months, I am developing my new normal. *sigh* Meanwhile, in my kitchen, I am excited to finally be able to share this recipe with you. My husband is not an adventurous eater; if he can't identify it, hasn't eaten it before, he is very hesitant to step out of his food box. I am the exact opposite; I will literally try just about anything and with a few exceptions, I like every thing I try. Indian food has always been a favorite, but not something the hubby has been willing to try. 

I love how flexible butternut squash is! In general, it tends to add a sweetness to the dishes it is added to, and in this dish, it pairs very well with the savory of the sausage. However, this sauce is excellent without the sausage too. If you're kids are reluctant to eat butternut squash, give this recipe a try and let me know how it went!

Butternut Squash Pasta with Spinach and Sausage

img_7256 I try to find butternut squash that is as close to a long cylinder (as opposed to a long piece and a bulbous end) to make it easier to peel and dice. Also, a good peeler works well for peeling these! And you want to make the pieces as uniformly as you can, to ensure consistent cooking times.