It's a Holiday Boat Parade!

 It's a Holiday Boat Parade!

Arrrr!!! My Favorite!

Back in 1963, twenty of the hundred boats docked in the Marina participated in the first boat parade and today more than six thousand boats docked and many entries into the parade. This year the Holiday Boat Parade celebrated its 50th parade around the Marina. I am lucky enough to live right behind the Marina and walked over to the Parade Route. 

The celebration began around 5:55pm (strange but ok) with Fireworks, I was not at the Marina in time for the beginning :( However, I was able to hear the fireworks burst in the sky behind me. I then hurried over to the water, where the Parade was on its way. The lights, the people with cheery smiles, and the music made it such a delightful experience. I love LA for bringing in the Holidays its own way, especially with some live and bright holiday entertainment by the water! 

The Boats that are entered into the Parade are then judged and can win Best Overall, Best Sail, Best Yacht Club, Best Character, Band, Music and many more categories.  To me at a first at the Parade, all were amazing!! To view the finalist: http://www.mdrboatparade.org/home.htm. Here are some of my photos of the night: 

Hope y'all had some Holiday fun this year! xoxo

It's an Acorn Squash Season!

I am not sure why this was the first season I was introduced to Acorn Squash, BUT it will not be my last! This squash is sweet savory and creamy! Since it was in season, every weekend I would grab one or two from the market and cook it in a variety of ways... every way was scrumptilicious! If you did not get the chance to try it this season, next fall it is a must do and here are a few ways to prepare it. 

First, make sure you clean the outside of the squash then using a sharp knife cut the squash into the desired (see below picture captions) slices.

If you prefer a sweet addition or snack...

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut squash as wish and place in baking pan and brush with olive oil. This will keep the squash from drying out quickly. If you enjoy pepper, I tend to add the pepper at this time, just about a pinch.  Bake the squash for about 30 minutes. Mix about 2 TLB of melted butter,  2 TLB brown sugar, and 1 TLB of rosemary. Spread mixture onto each slice of acorn squash, using all of the mixture. Bake until acorn squash starts to brown on edges and is tender. Cool for about 5 minutes and enjoy!

Wedge sliced. (Left - Brown Sugar / Right - Thyme)

If you prefer a light and herb flavor...

Again, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut squash as desired and place in baking pan and brush with olive oil and salt & pepper (dash of each). Bake for about 30 minutes. Brush a bit more of the olive oil onto the squash. Grab lots of thyme and sprinkle each slice. Then bake until acorn squash starts to brown on edges and is tender. Cool for about 5 minutes and enjoy this savory squash!

Ring sliced. (Bottom - Brown Sugar / Top - Thyme) 

Bowl sliced w/Brown Sugar Rosemary

Acorn Squash can be a great side or a meal in itself... 

 

Bowl sliced. 

 Here, brush the squash lightly with olive oil and then bake the squash for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. On the stove top caramelize a Sweet Onion and Mushrooms (may use any variety of veggies). Once veggies are caramelized put inside acorn squash halves. Cook until acorn squash is brown on the edges and tender. Delicious!!!

Cut in half. 

For the heartiest acorn squash recipe or meat lover...

Brush the squash with olive oil and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Cook sausage (or other choice of meat that is able to be chopped up) and any choice of veggies, here I used onions and peppers. Place cooked mixture inside acorn squash halves. Sprinkle with thyme. (I had some left over from weeks before). Bake until golden brown on edges and tender. Oh my gosh this was one of the best fall meals!!

There are many ways to prepare acorn squash, the above are just a few! I cannot wait until next year to try more delicious ways to have acorn squash. 

Cheers to an LA way!!! xoxo