Lamb Burgers with Figs, Blue Cheese, and Caramelized Onions

It was bound to happen at some point...  especially since I've had a few requests for carne recipes. Time for my first blog post about a dish with MEAT. I don't eat a lot of meat, but this recipe looked too good to pass by. 

Now, it isn't the most symmetrical burger (pictured above), but it makes up for what it lacks in beauty in flavor. If you like figs, lamb, and blue cheese, this is the burger for you. Even those of you who are lamb-wary may find this burger tasty- it's not overly lamby. I cheated a bit and served this with frozen (gasp!) criss-cut fries.

Creamy Butternut Squash

Welcome to Sage Sprout's first guest post- thank you, Seychelle!

Butternut squash is a versatile winter vegetable that can easily
stand-alone or act as part of a delectable veggie smorgasbord.
Desserts are often laden with processed sugars and fats, which makes
them super tasty but not so healthy. In this simple recipe, butternut
squash becomes a tasty, nutritious dessert requiring little time.

Creamy Butternut Squash

-serves 4-6

1 butternut squash (medium size)
1 Tbsp Olive oil
cinnamon (to taste, 1-2vtsp)
1 ½ tsps vanilla
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1tsp nutmeg (to taste)
½ tsp cloves (to tastel)
½ C walnuts, coarsely chopped and lightly toasted

-Preheat oven to 350˚F.
-Cut butternut squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Rub olive
oil on both halves of the squash innards. Place halves face down on a
cookie sheet.
-Cook in oven for 1hr-1hr 15 min until the flesh becomes very soft.
-Once cooked, scoop flesh into a medium sized bowl. Use a spoon or
food processor to break up the flesh further. For a smoother
consistency use a food processer.
-While stirring add cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup. Nutmeg and
cloves can also be added depending on personal preference.
-Serve into pudding cups, sprinkle walnuts on top.

Prep time: 10 min. Cooking time: ~1hour Total time: 1.25-1.5 hrs