Not behind bars Martha Stewart. Let’s talk “Holly Homemaker” type of Martha Stewart. That was me — or at least it seemed over the weekend as I tried to become the next Martha Stewart.
The Next Martha Stewart
It started when I cooked a butternut squash for the first time Friday. I learned how by watching a few videos on YouTube. I removed the skin, diced it and then sautéed it in a tiny bit of butter, then I used a chicken broth and maple syrup mixture and cooked it in a pan until the liquid was gone.
I had no idea how to prepare squash until I watched a “how to” video.
Simmer in the fry pan. Then I topped it with cinnamon. It turned out amazing!
On Saturday I spent some time organizing my IKEA Rajtan Spice Jars. Only recently have I really begun to learn how important spices are to cooking. I was inspired months ago by Emily’s spice rack and after searching endlessly online and in stores, I opted to buy the same set. I only wish I had enough space for as many jars of dry goods!
These are IKEA Rajtan Spice Jars. The jars are glass with a screw on lid and the mouth is wide enough to fit a measuring spoon. I am finally starting to feel like a real cook.
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• Save Money on Meat
• How to Make Homemade Window Cleaner
The rest of the weekend included running, a Halloween party, cooking a pumpkin dip for a Monday potluck and a visit to Mapleside Farms in Brunswick, Ohio, where we bought apple cider, apples and more butternut squash.
But I’ve just been too eager to explore Cleveland, Ohio. In a few weeks that will probably change as it gets colder and suddenly going to the gym becomes a welcomed escape from being cooped up.
kimi says
October 31, 2011 at 8:33 AMGlad you are enjoying Cleveland! Love the spice jar set too, very cute. We still have the same spice rack from a wedding gift. Some of them are nearly empty and some haven’t even been opened.
Holly says
October 31, 2011 at 8:46 AMWe actually have/had a wedding gift set too before I cooked anything. I found later there were certain spices I wanted to use that were not in the set. Hence starting fresh. It was a great starter though!
Faith @ For the Health of It says
October 31, 2011 at 9:35 AMThat’s an awesome way to organize your spices! I hate how cluttered my spice shelf looks with all of my randomized plastic jars – can’t wait to splurge on a better organizing system.
JanaC2 says
October 31, 2011 at 10:51 AMYou GO, Girl! Great job on the meal (and the reorganizing project). I am a total junkie for all things relating to the “new domesticity.” I love to bake bread, cook, can homemade applesauce and jam, bake and even clean (scary, I know).
If you really get into cooking with spices, you’ll love Penzeys Spices over by the West Side Market. GREAT quality!
jen says
October 31, 2011 at 1:00 PMi love to roast squash…400 degrees with seasonings of your choice for 20-30 minutes.
love your spice jars!
Lisa says
November 1, 2011 at 9:00 AMi’m really not a fan of squash, but perhaps with cinnamon it wouldn’t be too bad
Amanda @ There Are Two Sides says
November 1, 2011 at 12:47 PMI love roasted squash! Great job trying something new!
Suzanne says
November 1, 2011 at 3:06 PMThe squash looks great! I’ve got one right now that I need to do something with this week.
sun runner says
November 8, 2011 at 2:50 PMI had a small butternut squash on hand so I cooked it for myself last night. I’ve made butternut squash before several different ways, but the cinnamon thing was new. It was wonderful!
Holly says
November 8, 2011 at 2:56 PMAWESOME. I have another buttnernut (and an acorn) to tackle. Should be fun!