Winter is a wonderland of delightful dishes

Winter Squash Rolls

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups cubed winter squash

1 cup scalded milk

2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

6 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup white sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 cup shortening

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a small saucepan, cover squash cubes with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, cool and mash.

2. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine 5 cups flour, sugar and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture, shortening, squash and milk. Mix well. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and supple, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

3. Divide the dough into twelve equal pieces and form into rounds. Place the rounds in a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking pan. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.

4. Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Lamb and Winter Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 pound lamb stew meat, cubed

2 cups beef broth

1 cup dry red wine

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 bay leaf

2 cups peeled, seeded, and sliced butternut squash

1 cup peeled, sliced parsnips

1 cup peeled, chopped sweet potatoes

1 cup sliced celery

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup sour cream

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan, and brown the lamb meat on all sides. Drain fat, and stir in the beef broth and wine. Season with garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.

2. Mix in the squash, parsnips, sweet potatoes, celery, and onion. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

3. In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and flour. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup of the hot stew mixture.

4. Stir the sour cream mixture into the saucepan. Remove the bay leaf, and continue to cook and stir until thickened.

Winter Fruit Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing

Ingredients

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons diced onion

1 teaspoon Dijon-style prepared mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces

4 ounces shredded Swiss cheese

1 cup cashews

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1 apple - peeled, cored and diced

1 pear - peeled, cored and sliced

Directions

In a blender or food processor, combine sugar, lemon juice, onion, mustard, and salt. Process until well blended. With machine still running, add oil in a slow, steady stream until mixture is thick and smooth. Add poppy seeds, and process just a few seconds more to mix.

In a large serving bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, shredded Swiss cheese, cashews, dried cranberries, apple, and pear. Pour dressing over salad just before serving, and toss to coat.