Just so all you WV skiers can get this on your calendar early, I wanted to remind you that Bellayre has a winter festival week with a GREAT deal on lift tickets on the weekdays during the festival.
Winter Festival Week
Jan. 26 - Feb. 1
Belleayre Mountain
$10 Lift Tickets
Mon - Fri., January 28- February 1
It's a great deal for families who want to teach the little ones to ski. For that price sometimes I just go and ski for a few hours! There is another deal with discount skiing on Sundays for Shandaken residents. I am waiting for details about that and will post that information as soon as I get it.
Here is a link to Bellearye's website for more information.
http://www.belleayre.com/
Friday, November 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Rick Altman and Dave Oliver in Concert
Rick Altman and Dave Oliver are giving 2 concerts in our area. They will be evenings of new music for vibes and marimbas inspired by jazz, folk, ska, afro-cuban and other world musics.
Saturday December 1st
Pine Hill Community Center
287 Main St.
Pine Hill
845-254-5469
8:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation $5.00
Saturday December 8th
Dutch Arms Chapel
16 John St.
Saugerties
8:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation $5.00
Rick Altman, a vibraphone and marimba player, as well as a composer, calls the Catskill Mountains of New York, home. He spent his early life in Los Angeles, where he studied under world famous vibes player Terry Gibbs. That led to performances and recordings with some of the biggest names in music. It was at that time that Rick began his first jazz group as a leader. In 1979, Rick moved to New York City to seek more creative opportunities. This led to a partnership and recording of “Cityscape” with guitarist/composer Barry Glick. During Rick’s tenure in New York, he led sessions and played at the Village Gate, Fat Tuesday’s, St. Peter’s Church, among other jazz venues, alongside players such as Oscar Peterson, Reggie Workman, Roy Hargrove, and bluesman Albert King, to name a few. In 1991, Rick moved to upstate N.Y. to explore music born of less urban influences. Rick’s interest in the world of jazz has not diminished, but instead has broadened to include these multi-rhythmic, cross-cultural duets for vibes and marimbas.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Keep the Emails and Photos Coming
Just a reminder to everyone who is reading this site (and I am fully aware that I may just be blogging to myself) to keep the emails and photos coming. This is not MY blog, it is OUR blog and I need your help to make it work. So........send me stuff to post. Anyone who wants to post a holiday message, just send it to me and I will put it on the site. Holiday and/or family photos are good too.
Weather in the Valley
I know that when I wasn't living here in the valley full time I was constantly wondering what the weather was like. It was especially helpful in the winter to know if and when it snowed in case I was planning a trip up. To arrive and find the driveway blocked with snow was no fun at all, especially not in the dark. That being said, once in a while I am going to post a weather update so that all of our part time residents and snow birds know if they should be concerned about their house, property and/or driveway. If any of you come up from the city and have a particularly harrowing drive on the Thruway I would appreciate an email or phone call so we can warn others who might be making the drive later in the day.
As of today, although the weather has been intermittently cold (in the teens at night, 30s during the day), there is no snow on the ground in the valley. Let's see how long that lasts!
As of today, although the weather has been intermittently cold (in the teens at night, 30s during the day), there is no snow on the ground in the valley. Let's see how long that lasts!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
The Botchfords Ride the Rails
Here is a photo of Hawley and Joyce Botchford riding the Catskill Mountain Railroad not too long ago. The tourist train is closed for the season but will have a free Christmas train soon featuring Santa Claus.
Hawley Botchford joins CMRR volunteer and fellow WV resident Bob McDonald on the train. Bob works countless hours as a conductor on the railroad.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Library Survey
The Phoenicia Library is conducting a survey. They would like everyone who uses the library to participate. They are interested in hearing from all patrons, part timers, full timers, weekenders, home owners and renters. The survey forms are available at the library or by email. If you write to me at wvview@gmail.com or cs@carolseitz.com I will email you the survey and you can fill it out and return it to the library electronically. Since the library is thinking about moving and expanding, right now they are especially interested in where patrons think they could potentially locate. If that issue is important to you, you should fill out the survey ASAP and return it by Monday or Tuesday (Nov 26 - 27). But they will still be accepting surveys for a month or so after that addressing all other comments.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Giving Thanks
Recently, Rannie Arp sent me this story by her son Sigmund. He was born in 1959 and died 6 years ago of cancer. Sigmund was very interested in writing and was taking courses when he became ill. Even though this story is a little longer than I would usually put on the blog, and not really about Thanksgiving per se, I thought it was lovely. A wonderful reminder of all the reasons we who get to live in this magnificent place have to be grateful. And, although Sigmund is no longer with us, we can be grateful to him for helping us to remember. Peace to all in the valley. Happy Thanksgiving.
"Woodland Valley" - by Sigmund H. Arp
Before my parents built their current home, they owned a two-bedroom cabin in the Catskill Mountains. We used it as a weekend and summer home. It was clapboard, rust stain and a stone chimney. In front was a protected porch on which fire wood was stacked in the fall and winter. During late spring and summer, breakfasts were taken on the porch.
The cabin was perched upon a hill in a valley. There was one mountain directly behind us and another across the valley. There was only one road into the valley and it dead-ended by a state campsite. A small stream ran parallel to the road.
In the summer-time the trees on the surrounding mountains looked like deep green plush carpets rolling over humps and bumps. The windows would all be open, and the mixed scent of fresh cut grass and pine trees would waft through on warm breezes. In the evenings, fireflies would fill the night like thousands of concert-goers with their lighters, begging for an encore. I would drift off to sleep under the cacophony of crickets, frogs, and other nightlife buzzing, chirping, and whirring outside my window.
There were two other boys in the area with whom I would explore "our" valley. We would hike the mountains and forest pretending to be pioneers in an undiscovered land. Chipmunks and Blue Jays would announce our presence, no matter how hard we tried to walk like Indians. The only way to decipher time, was the rumbling of our stomachs, at which point we would no longer be concerned with stealth and run and deer jump down the mountain. After wolfing down a hasty lunch we would re-group and bound off to new adventures. We never lacked for a playground regardless of the weather or the season.
The stream that ran through the valley was also a favorite place. Many camp-outs and fishing trips were visited along it. There were two spots suitable for cooling off during the sweltering summer days, and on more than one occasion it was inevitable that we would come home soaked and wet fully clothed. One of our greatest adventures was to follow the stream until we founds its source. It was an all-day affair and after six miles of trekking we eventually found it. A small spring that came trickling and bubbling out of some rocks at the end of the valley by the foot of a mountain. We scooped the crystal clear water in cupped hands and drank. A cooler, cleaner, more refreshing taste could not be found we all agreed. Especially since we had discovered the source. We decided to keep this our secret. There were many secret places in "our" valley, and although the cabin is long gone and we have all grown up, the valley still remains with all its secrets for another generation to discover.
"Woodland Valley" - by Sigmund H. Arp
Before my parents built their current home, they owned a two-bedroom cabin in the Catskill Mountains. We used it as a weekend and summer home. It was clapboard, rust stain and a stone chimney. In front was a protected porch on which fire wood was stacked in the fall and winter. During late spring and summer, breakfasts were taken on the porch.
The cabin was perched upon a hill in a valley. There was one mountain directly behind us and another across the valley. There was only one road into the valley and it dead-ended by a state campsite. A small stream ran parallel to the road.
In the summer-time the trees on the surrounding mountains looked like deep green plush carpets rolling over humps and bumps. The windows would all be open, and the mixed scent of fresh cut grass and pine trees would waft through on warm breezes. In the evenings, fireflies would fill the night like thousands of concert-goers with their lighters, begging for an encore. I would drift off to sleep under the cacophony of crickets, frogs, and other nightlife buzzing, chirping, and whirring outside my window.
There were two other boys in the area with whom I would explore "our" valley. We would hike the mountains and forest pretending to be pioneers in an undiscovered land. Chipmunks and Blue Jays would announce our presence, no matter how hard we tried to walk like Indians. The only way to decipher time, was the rumbling of our stomachs, at which point we would no longer be concerned with stealth and run and deer jump down the mountain. After wolfing down a hasty lunch we would re-group and bound off to new adventures. We never lacked for a playground regardless of the weather or the season.
The stream that ran through the valley was also a favorite place. Many camp-outs and fishing trips were visited along it. There were two spots suitable for cooling off during the sweltering summer days, and on more than one occasion it was inevitable that we would come home soaked and wet fully clothed. One of our greatest adventures was to follow the stream until we founds its source. It was an all-day affair and after six miles of trekking we eventually found it. A small spring that came trickling and bubbling out of some rocks at the end of the valley by the foot of a mountain. We scooped the crystal clear water in cupped hands and drank. A cooler, cleaner, more refreshing taste could not be found we all agreed. Especially since we had discovered the source. We decided to keep this our secret. There were many secret places in "our" valley, and although the cabin is long gone and we have all grown up, the valley still remains with all its secrets for another generation to discover.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Residents Volunteer
This is a photo of Doris Morehouse and Linda McDonald (both WV Residents) in period costume on the platform of The Empire State Railway Museum. They both donate huge amounts of time volunteering at the museum. If you haven't been there you should check it out. It is located on Lower High Street (does anyone else but me find that street name oxymoronic?) in Phoenicia. There is a free kids holiday train in December featuring Santa Claus. Fun for all and the price is right! I will keep you posted on time and date information when I get it.
Photo by Joyce Botchford
Official Election Results
The election results are finally official.
Peter DiSclafani(D)- Supervisor
Tim Malloy(D)- Town Board
Vincent Bernstein (R)- Town Board
Laurilyn Frasier(R)- Town Clerk
Heidi Clark(D,R) and Rose Rotella(D,C) - Town Assesor
Eric Hofmeister(D) - Highway Supervisor
The town voted NO to the proposition to change the assesor position to one single appointed position rather than two elected positions.
Here is the link to the ulster county board of elections although right now they still have the unofficial results. It is still a good link to have.
http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/election2007/
Congratulations to all the winners!
I found great information on voter registration and absentee ballots on the Vote Smart website located at:
http://www.vote-smart.org/voter_registration_resources.php
Peter DiSclafani(D)- Supervisor
Tim Malloy(D)- Town Board
Vincent Bernstein (R)- Town Board
Laurilyn Frasier(R)- Town Clerk
Heidi Clark(D,R) and Rose Rotella(D,C) - Town Assesor
Eric Hofmeister(D) - Highway Supervisor
The town voted NO to the proposition to change the assesor position to one single appointed position rather than two elected positions.
Here is the link to the ulster county board of elections although right now they still have the unofficial results. It is still a good link to have.
http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/election2007/
Congratulations to all the winners!
I found great information on voter registration and absentee ballots on the Vote Smart website located at:
http://www.vote-smart.org/voter_registration_resources.php
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Historic Marker
A plaque has been erected by the Shandaken Historical Society at the base of the old Simpson Ski Slope located at the beginning of Woodland Valley Road. The property, now owned by Harry Jameson, was the first ski area in the state of NY. Trains would come from Kingston and stop right on WV road across from the slope to allow passengers to disembark and hit the slopes. Check it out.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The Brook on May 23
At the evening’s last pool,
Two bats swoop in tandem and strafe the water,
As I send my line upstream, searching for trout.
The Grandparents’ Pool, where once we laved
Their old anglers ashes,
First he in his year of death,
Then she in her’s.
I think of reincarnation, and worry,
That the reincarnate might bite,
On my Dark Cahill’s barb.
One last cast, times three,
Then, up through dark childhood woods,
Stumbling home,
Troutless, breathless, content.
- By J. Michael O’Neil - WV Resident
Two bats swoop in tandem and strafe the water,
As I send my line upstream, searching for trout.
The Grandparents’ Pool, where once we laved
Their old anglers ashes,
First he in his year of death,
Then she in her’s.
I think of reincarnation, and worry,
That the reincarnate might bite,
On my Dark Cahill’s barb.
One last cast, times three,
Then, up through dark childhood woods,
Stumbling home,
Troutless, breathless, content.
- By J. Michael O’Neil - WV Resident
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Stargazing Opportunity
I am an avid amateur astronomer, a professional astrologer by trade however ... a rare combo! Maddy (my wife) and I own a 20" diameter reflector telescope, the largest in the Hudson Valley (most universities scopes are way smaller ... to give you an idea). So far I've only shared it with a few..... and I've only done one or two workshops with it at Mirabai Books in Woodstock... (I lectured there recently on Pluto). I'd love to share the heavens with others here in the Valley, and even start a local astronomy club to observe together if any are interested ..... I often observe in the Day Use area and on top of Belleayre Mtn.
If the Valley has any open fields perhaps we can arrange a viewing for locals one clear night!! ...
From - Alexander Mallon
Email: astroskywatcher@yahoo.com
Phone: 845-688-9751
If the Valley has any open fields perhaps we can arrange a viewing for locals one clear night!! ...
From - Alexander Mallon
Email: astroskywatcher@yahoo.com
Phone: 845-688-9751
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Call for Artists and Musicians
I am planning to hold an exhibit of outdoor art, August 16 & 17, 2008, in collaboration with Arts Upstairs in Phoenicia, on my property at 938 Woodland Valley Road. I'm looking for artists who want to show their work and musicians who want to play on the outdoor stage that will be set up. I envision it as a picnic outing with people bringing a blanket and lunch, strolling around the art displayed, dancing to the music, listening to poetry, and swimming in the pond. I'll provide a port-a-San. I'm thinking that it will be a benefit for Arts Upstairs (maybe collect $5 a car to cover expenses). If you are interested please email me at GSTUT44@aol.com or
phone (914) 479-1066.
From - Gabrielle
phone (914) 479-1066.
From - Gabrielle
Friday, November 9, 2007
Snow in the Valley
We have had the first snow of the season up here in the valley. I came home last night in some fairly heavy snowfall. By morning it had accumulated to about 4 inches on my porch. It was amazingly beautiful because a lot of the leaves are still on the trees. Of course, it being early in the season, most of the snow melted away during the day. I guess this is a sign of things to come.
Holiday Outreach
Greetings Good Neighbors,
I'd say our Ms. President (Carol) is off to a brilliant start. Enabling the community to better help itself, starting with communicating like this, which is just what we needed.
....but speaking of need. My guess is there are some Woodland Valley residents who can't afford Christmas gifts, let alone internet access and computers.
I'm wondering if anyone else feels it might be a nice community initiative to reach out some how to a WV family in need?
Perhaps you actually know one?
I realize there might be issues determining "need",but it seems like the right thing to do.
Happy Holidays!
Michael & Maureen
1215 WV Rd
email: mlatriano@yahoo - phone 688-1120
ps - photo taken at the 2005 WV Party
Thursday, November 8, 2007
New Information Kiosk at WV Bridge
There is a new information kiosk installed by the bridge at the convergence of Woodland Valley stream and the Esopus creek. It tells the dynamic story of epic flooding, disastrous erosion and the heroic efforts to restore and stabilize the streams. NYC DEP and Ulster County Soil and Water District joined together with the Army Corps and other agencies to do the work. Local artist Dave Channon was hired to design the snappy 3 x 4 foot panels. The third panel will be a community bulletin board for all the fishermen, waders & swimmers, kayakers, tubers, bikers, hikers and assorted lunch-munchers that stop by to visit this scenic location.
Of special interest is a new biological approach, planting willow saplings and other root anchoring native plants to protect stream banks from washing away. Get the skinny on how to deal with Knotweed invasions! Homeowners with a desire to help out can visit
www.EsopusCreek.org and get in touch with our local branch of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County. There are get-togethers, stream cleanups, tree planting parties, events, lectures and workshops and all are invited to attend.
From - Dave Channon
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Yoga with Ricarda O'Conner
A former professional dancer, Ricarda has been teaching yoga for over twenty years. From a lifetime of study and experience, her knowledge of the human body is extensive, as is her understanding of the mind/body connection---how thoughts and emotions influence our physical health.
Through the practices of hatha yoga, meditation, pranayama (breath work) Reiki and other techniques, Ricarda teaches people of all ages how to focus their energy and intuition, empowering them to create strength, balance and health in their bodies and their lives.
For information Call: (845)688-5006 or Email: ricardao@earthlink.net
RICARDA'S YOGA CLASSES
At The Copperhood Spa, route 28 in Shandaken
Monday: Open Level Yoga @ 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Tuesday: Open Level Yoga @ 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Friday: Open Level Yoga @ 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Friday: Stretch Class @ 5:00 -6:15 p.m.
Private and semiprivate lessons by appointment
Owners of Overbrook
From Melinda Stickney-Gibson -
This is a photo taken in September of Overbrook's only 4 owners -
Chet Gaede, Sr. (his family built the house); Jim Frain, current owner; Melinda Stickney-Gibson (1987-2005); and Chet Gaede Jr. & his wife Sherry Robinson (second owners)
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Beautiful Buck - Photo by Rannie Arp
This picture was taken yesterday outside my dining room window, "Does he know bow season is here".... I really hope he survives.
Some Comments on the Blog
From Evelyn Polesny -
Your idea is great — some positive energy will not only be nice, but will help us maybe avoid some of these long negative roads in the future. Connecting before bad things happen is a great step!
From Mike Connor -
It's a great idea that will, hopefully, help draw our community closer.
Your idea is great — some positive energy will not only be nice, but will help us maybe avoid some of these long negative roads in the future. Connecting before bad things happen is a great step!
From Mike Connor -
It's a great idea that will, hopefully, help draw our community closer.
Hey Kids - Up for a Playdate?
From Evelyn Polesnys -
Greetings from the Polesnys on Grandview! We would love to hear from other families with young children in the Valley who might want to have playdates. It’ll be a LOOONG winter when it’s cold, and we’d love to have playdates when we’re upstate. Our son Leos (lay-osh) is two and a half. He’s glad to play with kids of any age who want to play with him. Please write to us at polesny@verizon.net if you wanna play with us.
Greetings from the Polesnys on Grandview! We would love to hear from other families with young children in the Valley who might want to have playdates. It’ll be a LOOONG winter when it’s cold, and we’d love to have playdates when we’re upstate. Our son Leos (lay-osh) is two and a half. He’s glad to play with kids of any age who want to play with him. Please write to us at polesny@verizon.net if you wanna play with us.
The Great Woodland Bear
A Poem
By Dakin and Doris Morehouse, ‘97
There once was a great Woodland Bear
Who had long, thick, messy black hair.
Our deplorable bruin
Left everthing in ruin,
As he took food from hear and from there.
This unrefined beast would rip and would tear
A’ tossing the garbage about everywhere.
But as our patience grew thin
At the old garbage bin,
There was nothing to do but to cry – or to swear.
He was rude and uncouth and he – just didn’t care,
And standing his ground he would loudly declare,
With a snort and a growl
As he went on his prowl,
That He – was The Great Woodland Bear!
By Dakin and Doris Morehouse, ‘97
There once was a great Woodland Bear
Who had long, thick, messy black hair.
Our deplorable bruin
Left everthing in ruin,
As he took food from hear and from there.
This unrefined beast would rip and would tear
A’ tossing the garbage about everywhere.
But as our patience grew thin
At the old garbage bin,
There was nothing to do but to cry – or to swear.
He was rude and uncouth and he – just didn’t care,
And standing his ground he would loudly declare,
With a snort and a growl
As he went on his prowl,
That He – was The Great Woodland Bear!
When Dakin Was President
From Dakin Morehouse -
Did I ever tell you the story of when I got drafted as WVA president years ago? Late 70’s I believe. It was after Charlie Wapner’s long regime and I said I would accept on one condition – that we would drop the backroom politics and get to know our neighbors through block parties and the like.
I even started “The Valley Echo” newsletter with a sketch of the classic scene of Terrace Mt with the Wittenberg peeking above.
As fate would have it, that summer 3, 32 unit condos were planned to be built up Cross Mt. above Toneska. After many weeks of ‘rallying around the (Woodland Valley) flag’ they said we had the biggest turnout at Town Hall to date – and in the Q&A part we asked if they had done a perk test. “Of course.” And where? One of the several engineers walked up to one of the many visual aids and maps prepared for the presentation and put his finger right on a spot that many of us knew to be the center of the old beaver pond (now below Dershawitz’s).
Well, the packed hall roared with laughter and fortunately the project was dropped.
Wish it was that easy these days …
Did I ever tell you the story of when I got drafted as WVA president years ago? Late 70’s I believe. It was after Charlie Wapner’s long regime and I said I would accept on one condition – that we would drop the backroom politics and get to know our neighbors through block parties and the like.
I even started “The Valley Echo” newsletter with a sketch of the classic scene of Terrace Mt with the Wittenberg peeking above.
As fate would have it, that summer 3, 32 unit condos were planned to be built up Cross Mt. above Toneska. After many weeks of ‘rallying around the (Woodland Valley) flag’ they said we had the biggest turnout at Town Hall to date – and in the Q&A part we asked if they had done a perk test. “Of course.” And where? One of the several engineers walked up to one of the many visual aids and maps prepared for the presentation and put his finger right on a spot that many of us knew to be the center of the old beaver pond (now below Dershawitz’s).
Well, the packed hall roared with laughter and fortunately the project was dropped.
Wish it was that easy these days …
"Camp Lowfayl"
Linda McDonald shared this information about the history of her house in the valley.
"It was 1913 when grandpa built the cabin. The club "Woodland Valley Park Association" itself was founded in 1906. My grandfather's name was James T. MacDonald of Clifton NJ (notice I married a McDonald)! Before I inherited the house, my parents had inherited it, Janet MacDonald & John Dunnican. They had it from 1951 until 1992. Then when Dad died it became Mom's & mine. 2 years ago Mom signed her shares over to my daughter Jessie, so she is the 4th generation to be part of Camp Lowfayl. (pronounced - Loaf A While)."
"It was 1913 when grandpa built the cabin. The club "Woodland Valley Park Association" itself was founded in 1906. My grandfather's name was James T. MacDonald of Clifton NJ (notice I married a McDonald)! Before I inherited the house, my parents had inherited it, Janet MacDonald & John Dunnican. They had it from 1951 until 1992. Then when Dad died it became Mom's & mine. 2 years ago Mom signed her shares over to my daughter Jessie, so she is the 4th generation to be part of Camp Lowfayl. (pronounced - Loaf A While)."
Acorn Squash Recipe
From Mike O'Neil aka Boreegard -
Amigo mio or amiga mia, as the case may be--
At this time of year, November in New England, the markets are flooded with squash—praise be to Allah.
Why is it, I wonder, that the ubiquitous acorn squash is cooked one way, 99.9% of the time, and given few alternatives? By this I mean—the general recipe is to cut the little darling in half, scoop out the seedy goop, fill the cavities with nuts and honey (or some such combination) and bake.
That is all well and good, but this wonderful, well-behaved cucurbita (here I speak as a gardener who grows pumpkins and squash), deserves better. Here is one way to do her up right:
A FINE WAY TO TREAT A WINTER SQUASH
(OR STUFF IT)
INGREDIENTS
Two acorn squash, about a pound each.
½ cup finely chopped celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp butter
4 tbsp chopped fresh basil (dill or thyme will do, too)
4 tbsp snipped chives
½ cup diced cooked ham
2/3 cup sour cream ( or plain yogurt)
TO DO
Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
Cover the bottom of a baking pan with about a quarter to a half inch of water,
And place the squash halves in the pan, cut side down.
Bake in a preheated 350 F. oven for about 35 minutes, or until squash is cooked to softness.
A short time before the squash has finished baking, sauté the celery and onion in the butter until limp and opaque. (Have you, darling, ever been limp and opaque?)
Turn heat down and add ham, sweet basil, 2 tsp chives, and the sour cream. Stir it together and set aside.
When the squash has finished baking, spoon out the meat carefully, so as not to damage the tender skins and add it to the stuffing. Mix together—keep the squash lumpy or mix it t a smoother consistency to suite your taste.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Carefully fill the shells with the mixture and bake for another 20 minutes.
Garnish with the rest of the chives. It be good.
Amigo mio or amiga mia, as the case may be--
At this time of year, November in New England, the markets are flooded with squash—praise be to Allah.
Why is it, I wonder, that the ubiquitous acorn squash is cooked one way, 99.9% of the time, and given few alternatives? By this I mean—the general recipe is to cut the little darling in half, scoop out the seedy goop, fill the cavities with nuts and honey (or some such combination) and bake.
That is all well and good, but this wonderful, well-behaved cucurbita (here I speak as a gardener who grows pumpkins and squash), deserves better. Here is one way to do her up right:
A FINE WAY TO TREAT A WINTER SQUASH
(OR STUFF IT)
INGREDIENTS
Two acorn squash, about a pound each.
½ cup finely chopped celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp butter
4 tbsp chopped fresh basil (dill or thyme will do, too)
4 tbsp snipped chives
½ cup diced cooked ham
2/3 cup sour cream ( or plain yogurt)
TO DO
Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
Cover the bottom of a baking pan with about a quarter to a half inch of water,
And place the squash halves in the pan, cut side down.
Bake in a preheated 350 F. oven for about 35 minutes, or until squash is cooked to softness.
A short time before the squash has finished baking, sauté the celery and onion in the butter until limp and opaque. (Have you, darling, ever been limp and opaque?)
Turn heat down and add ham, sweet basil, 2 tsp chives, and the sour cream. Stir it together and set aside.
When the squash has finished baking, spoon out the meat carefully, so as not to damage the tender skins and add it to the stuffing. Mix together—keep the squash lumpy or mix it t a smoother consistency to suite your taste.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Carefully fill the shells with the mixture and bake for another 20 minutes.
Garnish with the rest of the chives. It be good.
