A delicious and cozy way to enjoy any of your winter squashes.

Fall is one of my favorite times of years—the weather gets cooler, spooky season begins and unfortunately ends, and then the time for gathering begins. A whole different style of cuisine comes into play. We crave warmer and more comfy meals and it is the time winter squash gets to shine.
When I was researching what to grow in my garden, I was surprised to learn that winter squash does not grow in winter! I mean, it makes sense…but why are they called winter squash? Winter squash, depending on the variety, can last months after they are harvested. I grew a green Winter Sweet Kabocha Squash this year and they actually start getting better with age—to an extent. These actually heighten in flavor FIVE MONTHS after they are harvested. Just as with the Winter Sweet Kabocha Squash, the Georgia Candy Roaster can sit for 5 months after harvest and while it sits there, more and more sugar accumulates making it ultra-delicious. So, if you plan ahead and grow the right varieties, you can have these nutrient dense vegetables all winter long! I have a whole new appreciation for what I thought was simply a winter squash.
One of the reasons why I love going to the local farmer’s market and being part of a CSA is to find these treasures that I would not notice otherwise. When I was visiting my parents a couple of months ago, I went to the farmers marketing with some of my family. While my sister-in-law was looking at what she wanted, I randomly saw these large, oddly shaped squashes on the bottom shelf with no label at the stand next door. They reminded me of Bam Bam’s club from the Flintstones (and hence, I named the one I took home Bam Bam). I had to ask what it was! They were Georgia Candy Roaster Squashes.
Georgia Candy Roaster Squash is an Appalachian heirloom variety of winter squash that came from the Cherokee Nation. It is usually grown in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Health Benefits
This recipe is full of healthy food sensitivity-friendly ingredients while also being packed with flavor.
Georgia Candy Roaster Squash
Vitamins A, B, and C; magnesium; potassium; carotenoids; manganese, antioxidants, fiber.(Source: Heirloom Seed Solutions)
Bok Choy
Vitamins A, C, K, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 (folate) & E; beta-carotene; selenium, antioxidants, quercetin, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, and fiber.
I love substituting bok choy for celery because of all of these health benefits.
(Source: WebMD and Healthline)

Green Curry Georgia Roaster Soup
A delicious and cozy soup to enjoy on its own or with a grilled cheese sandwich to increase the cozy factor.
Ingredients
1 Onion, diced
3-4 Stalks of Bok Choy, chopped
4 Cloves of Garlic, peeled
32 oz. Of Chicken Broth
½ Georgia Roaster Winter Squash, peeled and cubed
1-2 Tablespoons of Green Curry Paste (or to taste)
Salt and Pepper
6.5 oz Full Fat Coconut Cream (or to taste)
Directions
Cut the onion, bok choy, and garlic. The size and shape will not matter since you will be blending them at the end. Heat a large soup pot on the stove over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and let the oil heat up. Add the onion and bok choy in the pan to sauté. Once they start becoming translucent, add the garlic. Be careful to not let it burn. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chicken broth and sprinkle salt and pepper.
While those things are cooking on the stove, you can be cleaning and cubbing the squash. Once cubed, place in the pan. Let everything simmer until the squash is easy to spear with a fork—about 30 minutes. Timing may vary depending on the size. You can let it cook longer if needed for it will not hurt anything since there is no dairy.
Once done cooking, blend soup with an immersion blender. Once blended, add the curry paste and coconut milk. I save the curry paste for after it is blended so I can easily taste and determine if I want to add more or not. Especially if you are using a curry paste you have not used before. Stir everything together and it is ready to serve.
This gave me about 6 bowls of soup. I highly recommend pairing it with a grilled cheese. I used roasted chicken, white cheddar, and Swiss cheese on a French bread. It was superb.
Tried the recipe? Let me know what you think!
Substitutions:
Georgia Roaster Squash – These can be difficult to find if you live outside of the Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. You can really use any kind of winter squash such as butternut, carnival, kabocha, red kuri, and acorn squashes.
Bok Choy – Celery
Coconut Milk – Whole Milk
Chicken Broth – If you want to make this vegan, you can substitute vegetable broth.
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