Baked in a water bath, this pie has a texture that's more like a custard than a traditional pumpkin pie. In place of canned or fresh pumpkin, I sometimes use cushaw, a type of crookneck squash.
Spinach, toasted almonds and bits of dried cranberries are tossed together in a bowl and dressed with a sweet and tangy vinegar and oil dressing full of sesame and poppy seeds.
Almonds take the place of raisins in this one, and apples are also featured. Lemon juice and a big dollop of honey make this a sweet, sweet salad. Serve chilled.
A hint of balsamic vinegar gives a fresh taste to this simple side shared by Glenda Malan. 'Sliced almonds dress up green beans tastefully when company's coming,' she relates from Lake Forest, California. 'I can't think of an entree this dish doesn't complement.'
A spicy tomato-based sauce loaded with fresh zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms and spicy Italian sausage is served over browned polenta rounds and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. You can substitute yellow squash or eggplant for the zucchini depending on your tastes.
