Everything but the Chicken!

Bountiful Basket items used: English Cucumber, Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Tomato, Watermelon, 9 Grain Bread

Tonight we had a dinner full of Bountiful Basket items! Some were just simply done - other's were more complicated! So, I'll share them all!

Cucumber Canapes

Make this the day before you plan on using it:

In a food processor (or blender) mix up:

1 C Mayo

3 oz. Cream Cheese

1 1/2 Tbsp Green Onion

1/2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce

1 clove of Garlic

1/4 tsp Paprika

1/4 tsp Curry

1/8 tsp Oregano

1/8 tsp Thyme

1/8 tsp Basil

1/8 tsp Dill

1 Tbsp Parsley

Once blended place in the fridge for 24 hours (if possible)

This can be great as an appetizer or just a side dish with your dinner.

Use the 9 grain bread (or another darker bread like pumpernickle or rye) and cut the edges off. Toast a little bit in a pan to get it somewhat crispy.

Peel three sides of the cucumber and then drag your fork along the skin left on the cucumber. Then slice pretty thin.

Spread the mixture onto the bread, place the cucumbers on top and shake a little bit of dill on top.

Top with a small slice of tomato (or sweet red pepper if you have one)

Sweet Butternut Squash
Wash the squash and slice in half (with a very sharp knife)

Heat oven to 350

Put slices of butter along the top of the squash and cover with brown sugar and sprinkle with cinnamon (you can always add more later if needed).

Cook for 45 min - 1 hour (test with fork to see if it's soft enough)

Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Use the white potatoes from last week's basket (or the red ones if needed)

Wash and peel the potatoes. Place in water and cover the pot. Boil until potatoes are soft. Drain the water and place potatoes in a bowl to mix. Add in about 1/4 C. butter and a few tablespoons of milk (depending on how many potatoes you cook). Mix till smooth!

Homemade Gravy

This is not something I measure - so it turns out a little different every time.

Boil 2 C water and add in 2-3 tsp Chicken flavored Bouillion (sp?)

Add 2-3 Tbsp of chicken drippings from cooking chicken if you have it (if not - it's not a big deal - you can add any other seasonings you want)

In a small measuring cup add about 3 Tbsp cornstarch and enough cold water to make it liquid and smooth. Slowly add it to the boiling liquid while whisking.

(If you don't have the chicken drippings - like I didn't this time - the gravy will be a pretty light color... this is normal!)

We also cut up some of this week's watermelon to serve with our dinner! It was a nice sweet addition to the meal. Just add in the chicken (or whatever meat you want) and you've got a full dinner!