Tag: pecans

Cheesy Baked Pumpkin Shells

Well Dined | Cheesy Baked Pumpkin Shells

I feel like I constantly need some form of cheesy winter squash pasta on hand at all times.  It’s kind of a problem.  I saw a recipe for shells with pumpkin and ricotta that sounded good, but the comments all said it came out dry and bland.  So instead of using that recipe, I decided to make a pumpkin version of my Spring Shells and Cheese.

Well Dined | Cheesy Baked Pumpkin Shells

So instead of ricotta, I made a bechamel with sage, pumpkin, Gruyere, and Parmesan.  Then I added in some sauteed spinach and shallots, for health and color.

Well Dined | Cheesy Baked Pumpkin Shells

Because adding spinach totally makes up for all the cheese and pasta, right?  I mean, I did use whole wheat shells…

Well Dined | Cheesy Baked Pumpkin Shells

Anyway, I added in some pecans for crunch.  Nuts are healthy, too, right? (more…)

Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash


When my friend Melissa and I get together it is usually to bake, or cook, or go out to eat – which is fitting for two food bloggers. We wanted to get together recently and cook up something satisfying and healthy. Melissa, who is a vegetarian, came up with a wonderful recipe for Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash – and you can read all about her take on her blog, Smells like Brownies.

This recipe is full of delicious veggies, packed with flavor and texture, and super healthy! Quinoa is not quite in the popular lingo yet, so for those of you who are unfamiliar with it, here is a brief rundown. Quinoa is a grain, similar in use to rice or couscous, but it is better than either of those because it is both a whole grain and a protein! It’s basically a super food. (more…)