Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo

I'm seriously wishing I had taken more pics as I prepared this because it's killer. Instead I'll just spin you the tale and let you imagine the details. 

I cut the skin off of two butternut squash, cubed them, and then tossed in grapeseed oil, salt and pepper. They roasted in a 375 degree oven for about 30 min, until the chin is were brown. I left them in a bit too long and some burned but not a total disaster. 

I added butter to cooked orzo, along with chopped fresh sage and threw in the squash. That's it. T'was so good I had two bowls that I instantly regretted as the empanadas we ordered for the crew arrived. I gotta eat at least one of every flavor of those right?!

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Vegan Chimichurri Farro and Green Beans

Whoa. This is one tasty flipping dish! Fresh green beans and farro with a tangy dressing and walnuts. Chimichurri is a powerhouse of a sauce from Argentina made primarily as accompaniment for steak. The sauce is vinegary and the parsley and garlic are the key players. I saw the Badia brand jars at Target and nearly squealed aloud in the aisle. 

To make this one pan dish boil water with salt or vegetable bouillon, side note: I added mrs dash to the water also to replace my missing bouillon.) I admittedly don't measure the amount anymore but according to package it's 2-1 water and farro. Once the water is boiling add farro and reduce heat to medium.  After about 10 min of simmering I add the green beans, you don't need to stir them in since they basically steam on top. When the beans are bright green the farro should be tender. Drain the remaining water. 

In your pan add a handful of walnut pieces, and about a cup of the Chimichurri(depending on how much farro you are making.) I threw a bit of pepper on it to give it kick. 

Dang this was delicious and full pretty well balance dish with protein, fiber and greens!

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Crafty Cinema- Downton Abbey

There's something I truly love about crafting while catching up on my Netflix. This week I decided to try making a steampunk inspired cuff and for the "soundtrack," if you will, Downton Abbey. I've become terribly behind on all the doings and let me just say this season, Season 3, has been a real tear jerker. So today I settled in for a bit of leather, lace, lords and ladies. 

First I measured the leather out for a nice overlap and then sewed my lace edging on both sides and the top edge. With a few screw backed gold studs added for some edge and tiny teeth studs for the stitching border. As for closure, I employed screw backed posts. 

Tools: leather punch, needle nose pliers, sewing maching, and scissors

Materials: 12" long by 1.5" wide leather, 26.5" lace, two screw posts, 

5 screw studs, and 16 tiny square studs

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