Curried Butternut Squash Soup by Mighty Mom

I've made this a few times, combining multiple recipes into one. I think that qualifies as a new recipe, no? It is absolutely divine with a crisp salad, a hunk of grainy bread, a wedge of cheese and a glass of Chardonnay. Can you tell it's Friday?

1 large butternut squash
1/2 a large sweet onion, diced
1 ½ tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tart apple, peeled and diced
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp curry powder
4 cups + 2 cups vegetable stock
1 ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

1. Preheat oven to 450°F / 225°C. Use convection mode if you have it.
2. Split the squash lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and brush with melted butter.
3. Roast cut side down on a baking sheet until fork tender (45 minutes to an hour).
4. When the squash is nearly done, sauté diced onion, ginger and apple in remaining butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
5. Add curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
6. Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat and add roasted squash. Discard skins and any blackened bits.
8. Using a hand blender or food processor, purée until smooth.
9. Add an additional 2 cups vegetable stock and heat through. Salt to taste.
10. Serve with a dollop of cream, a few croutons, a sprinkle of cilantro or roasted squash seeds for garnish.

Go Chiefs!

The Captain and Homer, the Chiefs' mascot, making nice.

Check out his ankles. Ouch! Talk about follow-through.

Mouse, The Captain and Emma dogging it.

Emma: the one eye love.

Blogging My Novel: Didn't You Used to Write?

A year ago I sent out 17 queries for my middle-grade novel in hope of agency representation. Seven were rejected on sight, seven disappeared into query oblivion, but three had the desired effect: a request to read part or all of my pride and joy. It took over nine months for the final rejections to trickle in, but arrive they did. I'm apparently a "writer with real talent" and my story is "well crafted" with "many possibilities," but given the current "economic climate" they have had to make a decision that they "may regret." Not to appear ungracious but @#$&!

Starting my BSc in Elementary Education put my planned revision of Gone on hold. Swamped by sixteen hours of class for two semesters in a row, I slept less, ate more and drank way too much caffeine. Needless to say, I finished the year with honors and withdrawal.

Days after my final exam I was asked by one of my professors to help her write a textbook of case studies.  Over the ensuing two months I wrote ten cases, including six to nine study questions each.  Again, Gone was put aside.  Stalling am I? Maybe...

With only 3½ weeks to go before the start of school, I'm running out of time. Should I submit Gone to publishers as is? My gut reaction is no. I know it would benefit from more depth. So its off to the revision chair tonight. I'll be posting a tally of my hours. I'd like to put in five before Friday.  The scary thing about this is that I'll be writing new stuff to add, not revising the old. I always find that a tad intimidating and I don't have my Birks to steer me straight. Ach! So can I do it? Revise and submit before the start of term? 

We'll see...