first fall meal

We enjoyed our first fall meal last night.  I have been glancing at the beautiful winter squash at the farmers' market these past few weeks, but didn't feel ready quite yet for jumping into fall foods.  Still too many delicious tomatoes and melons and glorious summer veggies.  And more pickles to make.  But on Sunday I felt I was finally ready and took the plunge.  It was a beautiful blue-green kabocha squash.  And yesterday I baked it, along with a pumpkin for good measure (hopefully to become a pie or muffins this week), and made our favorite gingered squash and apple soup.  It was delicious with some fresh bread, sausage, and a simple salad.  Oh, and a scrumptious cottage pie made by our friend Noah.  We had a lovely house meal with our upstairs friends.  A wonderful way to welcome in the autumn.