It’s Labor Day weekend here in the States, a time when we celebrate the fruits of our labor, and allow ourselves time and space to reflect on the work that has been.
The garden harvest turns to fall-colored things, deeply colored and golden. My favorite winter squash is delicata, the first variety to come to harvest, and one of the simplest to prepare, almost as if the garden said, “Here, take a rest and enjoy the fruits of your labor.”
Delicata plants are prolific, inviting us to gather friends, tell them to fetch a squash from the vine, and tell stories as they roast whole in the oven for 45 minutes.
Set a pot of black lentils up while the oven is going, and serve as a hearty side. Start with a salad of baby kale and baby spinach, the first tender leaves coming forth from the second planting, and top with sunflower seeds and dried cranberries. Dress with garlic apple cider vinaigrette.
