Roast Pumpkin and Beet Salad

Now, let me pre-face this with, this isn't out of the book. This is a 'wing' it dish.

Tonight we had some friends over for dinner. With so much food left over for Christmas, I was excited to be able to really cook and let loose in the kitchen. The centrepieces obviously were the turkey and roast beef (with a red wine and herb marinade). However, variations of this side are ALWAYS a hit.

Roast pumpkin and beet medley. Tonight I added some pear crisps (Pear sliced and sprinkled with cinnamon, baked at 180 for 20 mins), char grilled red pepper (sliced, oiled and in the oven for 30 mins), and crushed cashews. A total hit and looked a real treat on the table.

Dessert was a real cop out - store bought steamed pud, chocolate bombe with as much whipped cream and custard as you can manage... that said, there isn't a crumb left.

RECIPE

500g Diced Pumpkin
500g Diced Fresh Beets
A swirl of EVOO
Sprinkle of Rock Salt

Dice pumpkin and beets, toss with salt and EVOO, let sit for 15 mins (not necessary if you don't have time), pour into an oven dish and baked at 180 degrees for approx 1 hour, tossing regularly. Ensure not to allow either pumpkin or beets to burn, but ensure crisp outside and soft (well cooked) inside.

Add extras as desired.
One of our favourites is to put on a bed of Baby Spinach and topped with King Prawns and Orange Chili Dressing

RECIPE FOR ORANGE CHILI DRESSING

1/2 Cup EVOO
1 Table Spoon Orange Peel
1 Cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
1 Small Red Chili thinly diced

Blend until smooth then pour over salad

Inspiration and a journey of food awaits....

Delicious. Simply the best.

I received this mouth watering book for Christmas.... well, ok I bought it for myself after buying two other copies for Mum and girlfriend Marie, then when flicking through and lusting after the deliciousness page after page caved and bought a third.

It's boxing day, the day of nothing-ness after the hectic crazy of Christmas, so I was sitting outside with Mum drooling over the pictures when the idea struck... instead of this being ANOTHER cookbook that sits in my pantry which rarely sees the light of my kitchen, why not make this book, this deliciousness, this mouth watering goodness, the food focus for 2012.

Now don't get me wrong, I am a good cook, a great cook even. The problem is, of late, I tend to stick to what I know, what's safe and I just 'wing' it. It works, it tastes ok, but it isn't exciting. There is no passion in the food, no love, its more the business end of things - to get the job done. I want the passion back and to taste the love in my food again.

The challenge has been set... Every.Single.Recipe in this cook book WILL be created during 2012. I intend to have friends partake in the challenge (you didn't think you would get away with this scot-free did you?), sample the food and find the best dish of 2012.

Join me in 2012 in this journey of food and creation.