Maple-Thyme Roasted Carrots

Source:  marthastewart.com

2 T. olive oil

2 T. maple syrup

3 springs fresh thyme, leaves removed from stems

1/2 t. sea salt

1 lb. carrots, peeled and cut in oblique shape

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix olive oil, maple syrup, thyme and salt together in a small bowl, then toss the carrots in the mixture.  Place carrots on a small baking sheet and roast in oven for 20 min.

Sweet Potato, Sausage & Greens Soup

Yum, yum, yum!  I decided to try this recipe because I had an abundance of kale and sweet potatoes from the garden, but I never dreamed it would be so delicious.  I'm sure the Italian sausage I bought at Rooster St. Provisions was part of the secret to the fabulous flavor combo.  Yum!

Source:  marthastewart.com

1 T. olive oil

1 large yellow onion, diced large

2 cloves garlic, minced

Sea salt & pepper

3/4 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

1 lb. sweet potatoes, unpeeled and diced medium

4 c. chicken broth

2 c. water

3/4 c. small pasta shells

4 c. packed roughly chopped mixed greens, such as kale and Swiss chard

Grated Parmesan. for serving

In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high.  Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent, about 6 minutes; season with sea salt and pepper.  Add sausage and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.

Add sweet potatoes, broth and water and bring to a boil.  Add pasta and cook 3 minutes less than package instructions.  Reduce to a simmer, add greens, and cook until pasta is tender and greens are wilted, 4 minutes.  Serve with Parmesan.

Serves 6.

Sausages with Acorn Squash and Onions

Source:  Everyday Food magazine, December 2012

1 large acorn squash, halved, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch slices

1 red onion, cut into 1/4-inch wedges

3 T. olive oil

sea salt and pepper

4 hot or sweet Italian sausages (3/4 lb. total)

1/2 c. grated aged Asiago cheese (2 oz.)

1 T. chopped fresh sage leaves

1/4 c. dried cherries, chopped

Preheat oven to 475 degrees.  On a rimmed baking sheet, toss squash and onion with oil and arrange in an even layer; season with salt and pepper.  Add sausages to sheet.  Roast until vegetables are just tender, 15-18 minutes.  Heat broiler.  Sprinkle Asiago and sage over vegetables and broil until cheese is browned and bubbling and sausages are cooked through, 3 minutes.  Sprinkle with cherries to serve.