Fall food

This is a "Delicata" squash from Trader Joe's, also known as "Peanut Squash" or "Sweet Potato Squash." It's an old variety, first introduced by American seedsmen in 1894. "Delicata" is harvested mature as a winter squash, but is actually a species of summer squash, like zucchini and patty pan.

"Delicata" is a nice sized squash for two, only 99 cents at T.J.  And cooking it is a snap, compared to wresting down a big butternut or spaghetti squash. I just drizzled the slices with melted butter, maple syrup and cinnamon and baked it. As the name implies, you can eat the tender cooked skin.  Well, at least I did. The fussier person at the table picked it off.  Perfect with a couple of thin pork chops and pan fried onions.

The weather suddenly turned chilly, with overnight lows in the 40's. It snowed this week at the higher elevation passes.  But the weather experts still predict a weak El Nino this year, which usually means a warmer winter with less snow.  I'm off to ride this morning. A big rain storm comes in tomorrow.