Pumpkin...Yes, I said it... Pumpkin :)

Dear Z

Later on in life, you will read this and feel like you got played, with all the pumpkins I made you inhale. The truth is, not even us parents care for pumpkins. We just make you eat them because we know they are good for you!

To inspire you (and me) into eating pumpkins, I sought out some inspiration from the southern part of the U.S; some “good ol’ down home cookin” if you may 

This pumpkin and butternut squash recipe is simple, and absolutely delicious!
It’s fall in some parts of the world, and this is the classic accompaniment to a hearty meat stew and crisp greens like sautéed spinach and kale (sukuma-wiki. Now isn't that comfort food?


All my love,
Mama Z


BROWN SUGAR AND CINAMMON PUMPKIN AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH

PREPARATION: 15 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 30 MINUTES

¼ pumpkin thickly sliced
½ butternut squash peeled and thickly sliced
½ cup of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of cinnamon or 3 sticks of cinnamon
Extra virgin olive oil or sunflower oil
1 red onion

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Put cold water into a saucepan
2. Add in the peeled and sliced pumpkin and butternut squash pieced
3. Bring to boil until the pieces are firm
4. Rinse out in a colander with cold water to stop the cooking
5. In a separate pan, add the Extra virgin olive oil/sunflower oil
6. Add in the red onion and cook until translucent
7. Add in the pumpkin and squash and cook for 2-3 minutes, coating the pumpkin and squash with the onion and olive/sunflower oil
8. Add the cinnamon to the pan and mix tenderly to avoid breaking the pumpkin and squash pieces.
9. Coat with brown sugar (use regular sugar if brown sugar is not available)
10. Remove from the heat, cover and set aside


WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT PUMPKIN...

Pumpkin and butternut squash are a great source of:
 Vitamin A which promotes a healthy immune system and good eye sight. Give your babies an edge over those school-borne sniffles and colds by adding pumpkin and butternut to their diet.
 Vitamin C which is essential for healthy bones, teeth, and gums. It also helps your body absorb iron and calcium; and aids your body in healing. If you are into fitness; healing and repair are critical to your well-being, so get onto those pumpkins stat!
 Vitamin E which promotes healthy blood cells, and is an anti-oxidant that protects your body’s cells from damage. Think sunscreen with vitamin E; protecting your skin from sun-damage.
 Vitamin K which allows your blood to clot normally; helps prevent bone fractures, as well as post-menopausal bone loss. So mummies, grab your fork and dig right in alongside your little ones! 