Behind The Butter/ Lunch

Kabocha Squash and What’s In My Kitchen

Welcome to my kitchen!

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I thought y’all might like to see what I currently have in my fridge and pantry…..it’s not much, be warned! 😉

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From the bottom:

  • grapes
  • leftover squash
  • whole wheat sprouted bread
  • chickpeas
  • light muenster cheese
  • tofu
  • more bread
  • local goat milk cheddar cheese
  • cottage cheese
  • hummus
  • greek yogurt
  • fresh salsa
  • almond butter

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So there you have it. I also have some organic eggs, pumpkin butter, regular butter, olive oil and frozen naan that escaped the camera’s eye. It’s weird moving away and slowly having to rebuild your pantry…especially spices! Currently I only have ginger, cayenne, black pepper and sea salt…slowly but surely building everything back up again.

Oh yes…and vino.

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I shan’t go thirsty.

For lunch today I finally tried kabocha squash!

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I followed Heather’s instructions on roasting this puppy and it turned out perfectly!

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I topped some slices with a half cup of organic chickpeas, a bit of this AMAZING cheese and sprinkled everything with sea salt and olive oil.

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It was…..nutty! So good.

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+ sprouted bread, grapes and a few slices of parsnip.

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Mmmm! Yummy. The squash pieces literally melted on my tongue. I think butternut is still my very favorite because its the sweetest, but this is a close second. Washed everything down with some apricot white tea with agave.

Off to run errands then come back for some yoga-ing.

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  • Meredith (Pursuing Balance)
    October 18, 2009 at 12:10 pm

    I love the sneak peak into your kitchen! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • Diana
    October 18, 2009 at 12:10 pm

    I’ve never tried kabocha squash. I didn’t even know it existed before I started seeing it on blogs ahah
    I bought a butternut squash to try though, so I’ll have to take care of that one first 🙂

  • Aimee
    October 18, 2009 at 12:12 pm

    how do you store your opened wines? i noticed a couple corked bottles of red on your counter– is that preferrable to the fridge my zin is currently hanging out in?

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    October 18, 2009 at 12:15 pm

    I think your fridge looks pretty stocked for just one person. 🙂

  • Amanda (modernation)
    October 18, 2009 at 12:20 pm

    I totally feel your pain on building up your pantry. It seems impossible sometimes. I like to have a fully stocked pantry and freezer so I can just throw meals together, but it seems like every week we wind up out of everything! Mission: Stocked Pantry here we come!

  • Leah @ Simply fabulous
    October 18, 2009 at 12:23 pm

    I have never cooked squash but it looks so delish!

    And you can pass the wine over… love it! Looks like you’ve got your door locked well in the background of the first photo. Always good to do! haha.

  • Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter)
    October 18, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    Jenna,
    I remember us talking about kabocha when we had lunch together. So glad you finally found it, and I love all your toppings. Such a well balanced and pretty lunch. Perfect.

    P.S. – All a girl truly needs in her fridge is almond butter. 😉

  • Marisa (Trim The Fat)
    October 18, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    I haven’t found Kabocha yet, but I’m dying to try it!

  • Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter)
    October 18, 2009 at 12:27 pm

    My last comment just disappeared. Check your spam folder. Silly WordPress. 🙁

  • Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter)
    October 18, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    Nevermind. It’s back. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite
    October 18, 2009 at 12:29 pm

    I’ve never tried that type of squash before! Looks great!

    Your kitchen supplies look pretty good to me 🙂

    Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

  • Niki (Running In Pink)
    October 18, 2009 at 12:31 pm

    Cute tour of your kitchen! Stocking up on all the pantry staples (spices, baking ingredients, etc.) really is one of the hardest parts of getting your kitchen set up! It’s so nice to hear that things are coming together for you in Cali! Just a side note, every time I pick up a new wine, I always think of you and your Wine 101 posts a couple months back. Those were so helpful!

  • blueberrybabe
    October 18, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    Jenna-

    What brand of sea salt do you recommend? Or what do you look for on the package when you are buying it? I went to whole foods and was surprised when i saw so many different brands and prices! Thanks.

    • jenna
      October 18, 2009 at 6:28 pm

      Blueberrybabe,

      I just use regular sea salt…no special brand…actually, right now, I’m using sea salt that a chef at a restaurant gave me here for a “house warming present”! Its a bit grainer and I really like it.

      Aimee,

      It depends. I keep my kitchen window open at night so it gets nice and cool inside and the wines are fine. At work, we put all our wines in the fridge every night and take them out every morning for the day. I usually just keep my reds out and put my whites in the fridge when I’m at home though.

  • Rachael
    October 18, 2009 at 12:39 pm

    Building spices can be a pain… and spendy! A tip– find a place where you can buy spices in bulk. You save money and only get the amount you will actually use.

  • Danielle
    October 18, 2009 at 12:51 pm

    I have yet to try kabocha but it always looks so deliciously squashy! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

  • Kristin (Kristin's Nibbles)
    October 18, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    Great “sneak peak”! I love squash, but I have yet to try Kabocha! I think it needs to go on the list!

    xo
    K

  • MelissaNibbles
    October 18, 2009 at 1:02 pm

    I’ve found spices and pantry staples to be quite a bit cheaper at Target than at regular grocery stores. Just thought I’d pass along a money saving tip 🙂

  • Stephanie
    October 18, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    never even heard of this type of squash… hmmmm

  • Susan
    October 18, 2009 at 1:39 pm

    I agree with Heather’s comment – all a girl needs is a jar of almond butter… but everything else is nice too 😉

    Love me some butternut squash! Def. my fave 🙂

  • katerina
    October 18, 2009 at 1:48 pm

    I have just tried Kabocha for the first time this year and I really like it. I think I may still like butternut better as well, but sometimes the kabocha is half the price, and then it is totally worth it!

  • Courtney (The Hungry Yogini
    October 18, 2009 at 2:04 pm

    Love the kitchen…all the essentials are there =)

    Mmm, okay. Now I HAVE to try Kabocha squash!! YUM!

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
    October 18, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    Looks like you have all of the essentials! Thanks for the peek! 🙂

    MMMmm that squash sounds fabulous! I love all the wonderful varities that are out this time of year.

  • Evan Thomas
    October 18, 2009 at 2:15 pm

    Your kitchen looks scarily like what I stock my dorm with: Old wessex, TJ temptation trail mix, pumpkin flax granola.
    That goats milk cheddar sounds soooo good. I’ve had goats milk yogurt by the same company–yummy!

  • Abby (Abby's Vegan Eats)
    October 18, 2009 at 2:28 pm

    Yummy looking kabocha!!! Your kitchen looks pretty good for just getting started!!

  • ellen eats beets
    October 18, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    At least the few things you have are all DELICIOUS!

    Love the kabocha!

  • Jenna
    October 18, 2009 at 2:35 pm

    like the new kitchen!
    jenna

  • Kristen
    October 18, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    Never had that type of squash but it looks delicious. Just picked up butternut and spaghetti squash for myself 🙂

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee)
    October 18, 2009 at 2:51 pm

    Stocking up on spices was the longest process when we got our first place. Now I keep wondering what I have 🙂

  • Meghan@traveleatlove
    October 18, 2009 at 2:52 pm

    I still have to find kabocha squash. I have a butternut at the moment. Butternut squash coconut curry soup is calling my name!

  • Matt
    October 18, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    I remember when I first moved into my apartment. It took forever to build up my pantry!

  • Tammy
    October 18, 2009 at 3:04 pm

    Just found your blog via the new issue of SELF! Congrats! It was neat to see that I already follow almost all of the bogs recommended, and find a new one (yours), I like!

  • Paige@ RunningAroundNormal
    October 18, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    That’s such a cute way to cook it! I’ve never had kabocha squash. Just picked up an acorn squash though. Have fun with yoga:)

  • MarathonVal
    October 18, 2009 at 3:08 pm

    Thanks for the kitchen tour! How fun! 🙂

  • Stacey
    October 18, 2009 at 3:18 pm

    I’ve never had butternut squash! Or acorn squash for that matter, I feel so clueless haha 🙂 And a yummo to your lunch my dearie

  • Kristin
    October 18, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    Kabocha squash is my FAVORITE. It makes wonderful soup. You might try out buttercup squash; it’s very sweet. It looks a bit like a kabocha but has a pale green bump on the base.

  • Ashleigh
    October 18, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    Congrats on being featured in SELF Magazine!! Love your blog – and reading about all the new and exciting things you are doing in Cali 🙂

  • Gloria
    October 18, 2009 at 4:13 pm

    Your apartment is SO cute! Seeing all those TJ’s products makes me miss California… when are they going to realize that us Floridians want to experience the Trader Joe’s gloriousness too?! Crazy, I’m eating Kabocha squash for the first time for dinner right now!! I finally broke down after seeing it on HEAB so many times. I love it!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    October 18, 2009 at 4:29 pm

    Such a cute peek at your kitchen. I hate having to build the pantry back up. I think that’s why mine is super stocked all the time because I’m afraid to have nothing after first moving out. But you’ll soon have full shelves.

    I love that you have the big container of hummus. I buy a ton of it too because I eat it so often. There is hardly a day I don’t use it. So much better than mayo.

  • Liz
    October 18, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    Totally know what you mean about rebuilding the pantry. Spices was one of the first things I noticed that I needed to stock up on…my parents have like a million!

  • anonymous
    October 18, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    i hear ya on the rebuilding…am doing the same myself, though i was incredibly lucky to have my parents help me move, so their housewarming gift was a sam’s club trip, haha.

    i wanted to share that this blog has become one of my favorites. i quit reading awhile back bc i became uninterested in what you were blogging about at the time. however, i revisited when i saw on other blogs about your brother (i am so sorry, and god bless him as well as you and your family). since that time, the tone and writing is so inspirational and so genuine…i was sold. i know you dont do this for anyone in particular, and i’m just one sole reader, but honestly your outlook is refreshing and wonderful! i love coming back each day, and this past move across the country is awesome! thank you for appreciating all life gives us, and never holding back.

    *sorry for the novel, just wanted to let you know…

  • maria
    October 18, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    Thanks for the kitchen tour. I love seeing inside other people’s homes. It’s so fun!

  • Adriane (Wholesome Foodie)
    October 18, 2009 at 5:04 pm

    Oh man that looks yummy! Have a great day!

  • Peanut Butter Bliss
    October 18, 2009 at 5:13 pm

    love how your kitchen is stocked with Trader Joe goodies 🙂 best place ever.

  • Andee (Runtolive)
    October 18, 2009 at 5:13 pm

    Thanks for introducing a new vegetable! Looks delicious the way you prepared it.

  • Jil
    October 18, 2009 at 5:44 pm

    oops. i responded to both of the entries i read in one post. haha but seriously, our fridges are decently identical. haha gotta love having lots of vino in the house!

  • Annie D.
    October 18, 2009 at 5:46 pm

    That looks a WHOLE lot like our fridge/pantry!!!!!!!

  • Chloe (Naturally Frugal)
    October 18, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    I just bought some kabocha this weekend and can’t wait to try it. I love HEAB’s fun new foods, she always has something up her sleeve!
    You kitchen looks cute, and pretty well stocked for just having moved. You’ve kept what’s most important though: the wine!

  • Gina
    October 18, 2009 at 7:48 pm

    Jenna ,have a great week!
    I love reading your blog.Only one problem…I have become addicted to it!Yup!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)
    October 18, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    I have never tried one of those squashes before – looks delicious!
    I wish that I had less in my fridge sometimes, because food goes bad because I forget that it is in there because I can’t see it.

  • Anna
    October 18, 2009 at 8:31 pm

    Squash season makes me happy – looking forward to those rainy days when I have a butternut squash in the oven filling my house with it’s delicious scent (sadly I wasn’t prepared during our last storm).
    As you explore the areas around you, on days when you decide to take trips a little further south – You can actually go and visit the Redwood Hill Farm and see the goats. They have some great varieties of cheese – their chevre is pretty good. A little further down the coast, but also worth checking out is the Petaluma Creamery – they have divine vanilla bean quark (perfect with strawberries and apples).
    I think this was in regards to your last post, but yes, I love all the variety you can get in CA – all the fresh veggies that always look so good you just have to find out how to prepare them even if you’ve never had them before 🙂

  • BroccoliHut
    October 18, 2009 at 9:36 pm

    Loved taking a peek into your pantry! Wish I could fin kabocha around here…

  • Jac
    October 19, 2009 at 6:25 am

    well.. though u have to restock your kitchen, i’m sure you’ll have fun!! lots of grocery shopping! lol

  • Tay
    October 19, 2009 at 8:24 am

    I love seeing what’s in other blogger’s kitchens! Great stash!!

  • The Healthy Apple
    October 19, 2009 at 9:05 am

    O My … your squash dish looks irresistible…so yummy…
    Love the ‘pantry’ and ‘fridge’ views…
    Hope you are feeling better..

  • Aynsley - WrenLife.com
    October 19, 2009 at 11:45 am

    I’d like to try tofu but need a simple yummy recipe! Cook it up and give me one…pls 🙂

    Also, how long is it good for once you buy it? Can I store in the fridge for a week or a day or two weeks before I open the package?

  • Sharmila
    October 19, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    Jenna, this looks so delicious! 🙂
    much luv, Sharmila 😉

  • squash, kabocha squash, salads, seasonal ingredients — Eat, Live, Run
    September 22, 2010 at 2:16 pm

    […] first learned about kabocha squashes from Miss Heather a little over a year ago. Previously, butternut always had first place in my heart and I was a little questionable about […]