Roasted Squash and Sunflower seed Risotto

Oh my good god.  I had one of the most amazing meals of my life last night, and I made it.  Don't you feel so proud when you make something wonderful?  I just couldn't believe that I created something that tasted like heaven.

Before I met My Mister, I was afraid of cooking new things.  I was afraid of using too much fat, over-cooking, over-seasoning and using new ingredients.  Watching him in the kitchen helped me to conquer my fears and become a more adventurous cook.  He's not afraid of anything!

I used the Joy of Cooking recipe found here, but modified it slightly.  I used 2 cups of rice instead of 1 1/2; shallots instead of onion; and about 7 cups of stock.  And the wine?  I used 2 cups.  I'm such a boozy cook.

I finished my risotto in the same way, but added a whole acorn squash(about three lbs.), broken into pieces,  and about 3/4 of a cup of toasted sunflower seeds.  I roast my squash with 1/2 tablespoon of butter, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and dark brown sugar for each half.  You could really put anything you wanted on your squash-but I really like the sweetness and the parmesan together.  Throw the squash in the oven for about an hour at 400 degrees.  Let cool, then remove from skin.

(Isn't he just the cutest thing?!)

We've been talking about how to improve this dish, and the only thing we can think of is to try a squash with a stronger flavor and color.  The acorn was pale and subtle in flavor, but tasty and sweet still.  It really would be more visually stimulating if it were a brighter color.

I've had such a good time queueing up all of your movie suggestions!  Thank you so so much for taking the time to share your favorites with me!  It's so funny how many of your favorites are mine also!  I fell in love with Juno the first time I watched it- and the same goes for sweet Amelie.  I heart Huckabees, Kiki's Delivery Service, Being John Malkovich, Thank you for Smoking, and all of those BBC period programs are all things that I love!

I'm watching North & South right now on Netflix Watch Instantly, and it's so good!  There's all this buttoned up sexual tension that I think is so much fun to watch!  I've moved 500 Days of Summer to the top of my queue, since a couple of you suggested it!  I love Zooey Deschanel, so that was one that really stood out to me.

The Wrestler is another film that I've been meaning to see.  I just love the director, Darren Aronofsky, who did Requiem for a Dream, and one of my all time favorites, The Fountain.  If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it.  It's a little sci-fi, but I think it's just great.  I introduced it to My Mister when we first started dating, and we were both blubbering crybabies halfway through.

How are you all doing this weekend?  Have you had any wonderful meals lately?  Any news on the upcoming KAL?