This week we'll explore ways to enjoy delicata squash and how to make your own ginger wellness shots. We'll also delve into a fabulous new book and tips for stocking a healthy pantry.

Eat Colorfully

Seasonal Ingredient Spotlight: DELICATA SQUASH

Want to know a secret? If you love squash but you think it's a pain (peeling, long cooking times, etc.), then delicata squash is for you. Delicata squash are adorable, delicious, and by far the easiest winter squash to prepare. These winter squash are long, narrow, and have a beautiful mottled white, yellow, and green color. Look for them at your local farmers market or artisan grocery stores.

There are two fabulous things about delicata squash that make them especially easy: (1) you can eat the skin, and (2) they cook quickly. Although I love to hollow them out and stuff them (like this beautiful Wild Rice Stuffed Delicata Squash, which is a stunning holiday centerpiece), you can also just cut them into half moons and prepare them quickly. They work great in the air fryer (400 degrees for 10-12 minutes) or roasted in the oven (425 degrees for 20-25 minutes). You can even cook them in a skillet on the stovetop; just use a lid to help them cook all the way through and stay moist.

If you're looking for some fast and easy delicata recipes, check out this Orange and Cinnamon Roasted Delicata Squash; it's holiday-appropriate but also works great on a weeknight or even as a finger food. And speaking of finger food, you'll definitely want to check out these air fryer delicata squash "fries", which I shared in a newsletter issue last fall.

Try This Week: GINGER SHOTS

Want to give your digestive system a helping hand? How about trying some ginger wellness shots!

There are many health benefits associated with ginger, in particular digestive benefits. I make a big batch of these ginger shots every weekend, then I enjoy one each day in the early evening, right before dinner. I prefer doing them on an empty stomach, since I feel like the ginger juice warms up my whole digestive system.

Homemade ginger shots are easy to make if you have a juicer. Just juice a huge piece of ginger and two peeled lemons, then add a generous sprinkle of cinnamon afterward. If you find the ginger too assertive, you can also stir in a dash of maple syrup or honey to mellow the flavor.

If you’re looking to get yourself a fabulous wellness gift, I recommend the Nama J2 juicer so highly. It’s the one we have in our kitchen at home and use numerous times a week. It’s powerful and has absolutely no trouble with fibrous fruits and veggies like ginger. If you use the code BRUSSELSPROUT10, you’ll save 10% on the J2 as well as any of the accessories (like the sorbet attachment or the citrus attachment).

Live Colorfully

A Book to Explore: VIRGINIA EVANS, THE CORRESPONDENT

I recently finished a great read that I'm excited to tell you about: Virginia Evans "The Correspondent". This is her debut novel and wow, it's really impressive. I can't wait to see what else she does!

"The Correspondent" is written in a creative format, which I honestly don't generally enjoy; it's all letters to and from the main character. Although I admit to being a bit skeptical at the beginning of the book, it's a truly beautiful story following the aging of a strong female lead. It delves into the hardships and pleasures of human existence, and explores the riches of love, family, and community. There are parts that are very sad and parts that are joyous.

As always, you can explore my list of favorite books if you need some inspiration for chilly fall evenings.

Self-Care Pick: HEALTHY PANTRY TIPS

Having a well-stocked pantry is hugely important for taking care of yourself. If you have good ingredients on hand, you'll easily be able to make healthy meals even if you don't have much left in the fridge. Additionally, having delicious options at home might make you less tempted by takeout or pre-made meals. To share some of my favorites, I've put together a healthy pantry list that I hope will be helpful.

Some of my favorite pantry items that I always have on hand:

• Alternative pastas. There are wonderful bean-based pastas available now that are high in protein and fiber. There are also some great, lighter noodles made from hearts of palm. There's nothing better when you need a fast but nourishing meal.
• Whole grains. Quinoa, farro, wild rice, and whole oats are staples that you can use in a myriad of ways.
• Nuts and seeds. These are great sources of protein and healthy fats, especially on a plant-based diet. Hint: keep them in the freezer after they're opened for maximum freshness.
• Shelf-stable tofu. There are a few different types of silken tofu that come in shelf-stable boxes; keep a few stashed away for times when you've been traveling and get home late at night to an empty fridge.
• Beans. Although it's great to cook beans from scratch, canned beans are convenient, especially when you're short on time. I always have at least chickpeas and black beans. Because you don't need to cook them, they're an easy add-in to virtually any meal.
• Nut butters. Opt for natural nut butters with just two ingredients: nuts and salt. Pay attention to the ingredient lists, since many mainstream brands add oils and sugars.
• Alternative flours. Almond flour, coconut flour, and chickpea flour are more nutrient-dense than refined flour and they have great flavors and textures too. There are many recipes on my blog using alternative flours that you can explore.
• Alternative sweeteners. Coconut sugar and date sugar are my favorites, and I really like date syrup for a liquid sweetener. They tend to be less processed and more flavorful than white sugar, and some contain useful micronutrients.

Do you have any lingering pantry questions? Want recommendations for any specific categories or individual items? Feel free to drop me an email or an Instagram DM any time. I'm happy to keep adding items to this pantry list if it's useful. Cheers and happy pantry-stocking!

Thanks for joining me for this issue of Eat Colorfully, Live Colorfully! I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to reply with questions, thoughts, or requests. If you missed a previous issue, you can view all my newsletters here. Have a great week!