Sunday, January 18, 2009

Baked Pepper Squash with brown sugar and cinnamon

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As a child I loved winter. Winter was everything to me. Never complained about the cold, about the snow. We used to play all day long, vehemently denying that it was so cold and we got so wet that we could not feel our hands anymore. The only thing that could get me into the house on a perfect snow day was a good dose of classic cartoons. That and some warming food or drink to keep the energy going. I chose to embrace winter with everything it had to offer. Endless days of ice-skating, making snowmen, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, this is what I remember. Time went by very slowly (in a good way) and I was convinced that everyone had it as good as me. I would have also bet my bottom dollar that all my friends from back than would be my friends forever. And nothing would ever change.
Than one day I found myself at the shoe store looking for boots that don't have slippery soles. That's when I realized things have changed. Even though my daily cartoon dosage was not limited to two anymore, I could stay up as long as I wanted and yes, I could finally have chocolate for breakfast, I felt like I lost something forever.
Nowadays I'm trying hard to look at the world with a child's eyes, even when it's -20 outside, and it's slippery, windy, slushy and miserable.That's where the food comes in. Memories of hot mint tea, warm baked potatoes, steaming bowls of hot soup, aromatic baked squash, they all help when you're trying hard for a different perspective on things.

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Saturday morning I decided to finally check out the Wychwood Barns farmers market. Not knowing much about it, I was almost too late, getting there right before they closed. This wonderful new project on the Toronto foodie and cultural scene is so much more than a farmers market. The space used to be an old streetcar repair barn. Now it's home to artist's studios, a farmers market, a greenhouse and 12 not-for-profit environmental and cultural organizations.
The Green Barn is operated by The Stop Community Food Center. The Green Barn will operate a sheltered garden, and outdoor bake oven and a compost demonstration site. It's a great place that strives to increase access to healthy, culturally appropriate food while building community and challenging inequality. To find out more, donate or to volunteer please click here.
On Saturdays this farmers market is the place to go if you're looking for delicious, seasonal local food and produce. You can buy everything from organic squash, cabbage, carrots, apples, sauerkraut, honey, the freshest, most delicious smoked white fish from the Georgian Bay to ready made goods, like empanadas, fresh artisanal bread, hot chocolate and more.To find out more about Wychwood Barns click here.
I bought some squash, honey and smoked fish and hurried home because this was going to be a perfect winter's day.


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Baked Pepper Squash with brown sugar and cinnamon


Ingredients

1 pepper squash
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350F. Cut squash in two and clean out both cavities. Melt butter. Add sugar and cinnamon to melted butter. Mix well. Cut each squash half in two. Brush with half of the melted butter mixture. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes. Take off foil and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 more minutes, basting with remaining melted butter.

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7 comments:

Ash said...

I love squash! This market sounds great!
I will have to check it out!

Anonymous said...

I haven't been to the barns yet but my friend Marina sells her empanadas there and says it's great! Her company is Surkl empanadas. Try them if you have a chance. I think they are delicious.

Cherie said...

I have tried Marina's empanadas and absolutely loved them! Her dulce de leche cookies are delicious, too.
She said she was working on some new stuff, as well.
Can't wait!

Cakebrain said...

Oh, I love your photos! Great looking squash! It's one of my winter favourites!

Anonymous said...

The cold weather seems like such a wonderful experience. Unfortunately i've always only experienced the warm weather, so i can only try n imagine what you're saying. The pictures are lovely so is the squash :)

MPG said...

I love markets, so if I ever come there I'll have to visit this one... nice shots of the Wychwood Barns Farmer's Market. Squash is a great winter purchase, what are you going to buy next time? :)

Cherie said...

Kate: we all want what we can't have or don't have, right? I wish I was living somewhere where it's always warm.

Mango Power Girl: I'm buying wild smoked fish next time. Actually, I always buy smoked fish. That and some homemade rye or wholgrain bread. My favourites.
The market is well worth a visit. And while you're at it, visit St. Lawrenece Market as well. It is one of the best food markets in the world. I'm not just saying that. I've been to lots of markets around the world and this one really is one of the best.