Did you know avocados are in season in January? I love their mild taste and creamy texture.  They are high in fat, but they have "good fat" and have been shown to actually reduce cholesterol.  This menu also features other seasonal vegetables and fruits.  We paired this with grilled salmon drizzled with mustard and honey and finished it off with a spicy Malbec.    

Avocado Citrus Salad
Source: Everyday Food (with changes) Ingredients
  • 1 grapefruit, peel and pith removed
  • 1 large navel orange, peel and pith removed
  • 3 ounces baby arugula (3 cups) - (I used baby spinach because I had it on hand)
  • 2 avocados, sliced
  • 2 radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced (I omitted  this - I can't stand them!)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 
  • 2 scallions (white and light-green parts only), thinly sliced
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
Directions
  1. Working over a medium bowl, cut out grapefruit and orange segments, then squeeze juice from membranes.  (I didn't quite understand the reason at first but I think it's because the fruit would be too juicy if you don't do this.  I just squeezed most of the juice out with my hands into a bowl).  

  2. Place arugula on a platter and top with avocados, radishes, and citrus segments with juices. Drizzle with oil, top with scallions, and season with salt and pepper.

Roasted Acorn Squash
Source: Everyday Food Ingredients
  • 1 large acorn squash, seeded, cut into 8 wedges (I just cut mine in half) 
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme) 
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon golden raisins
  • 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted (optional)
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss squash with olive oil and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Roast until squash is browned and tender, 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add raisins to a small pot with vinegar. Bring to a boil, then drain and sprinkle over squash along with almonds.





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