Tips: 3 cups leftover cooked Thanksgiving side vegetables can be used in place of the fresh vegetables. Recipe provided by Chef Michael Chiarello – June 2010.

Tips & Techniques
Make it easier to cut a pumpkin, acorn squash, or other winter squash: Pierce in several places with a fork; microwave on High for 45 to 60 seconds. Use a large sharp knife to cut in half. Remove the seeds and stringy fibers with a spoon.

To toast chopped nuts, small nuts, and seeds, place in a small dry skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

2 October 2010 —-A number of greens work well in this hearty Italian dish. Chard and turnip greens are growing in my garden, so those are ones I’m using now, but I wouldn’t hesitate to use kale, either.
I also added the fresh cranberry beans that I had from the farm.

A number of greens work well in this hearty Italian dish. Chard and turnip greens are growing in my garden, so those are ones I’m using now, but I wouldn’t hesitate to use kale, either.
Advance preparation: The soup can be made up to a day or two ahead of time, but do not add the pasta until you are ready to serve. Reheat and add as directed.