84th meeting. Wintry mix

Where? D's
Attendants: A, Y, G, D, and special guests B and O

Menu:
1) Wintry mix of butternut squash, potatoes, turnips, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas
2) Tossed salad
3) Gingerbread apple pie
4) Pumpkin chocolate bread pudding


Two illustrious guests joined the VSC for dinner



Wintry mix and hot tea



Gingerbread apple pie

83rd meeting. Cauliflower and chickpeas

Where? Y's
Attendants: Y, A, Ch, L, G, and D

Menu:
1) Curried Cauliflower and chickpea stew
2) Tossed salad with lettuce, spinach, avocados, and sunflower seeds

Discussion:
University governance 101, the Board-of-Visitors threat, students cheating in class, hiring, local tomatoes in winter, organizing winter-break festivities


Curried Cauliflower with Chick Peas and Tomatoes (Adapted from recipe by Tyler Florence)

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons store bought curry powder
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped (add more if you like ginger)
• 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
• 1 head cauliflower (about 1 pound), cut into florets (I used frozen cauliflower)
• 3 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt
  

I also added 1-2 teaspoons of coriander seeds to boost the flavor of this dish.

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the spices and ginger to release the flavor, about 30 seconds. Add the onion abd stir for a few minutes to soften the onion. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring, until the tomatoes break down and soften, about 6 minutes. Mix in the cauliflower , chickpeas, tomato paste, and 1 cup of water; stir everything together. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the cauliflower is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Uncover, and continue cooking until the excess moisture has evaporated and the cauliflower and chickpeas are coated with a thick gravy . Season with salt to taste.

82nd meeting. Huitlacoche enchiladas and stewed kitty

Where? Vide Infra
Attendants: G, D, Ch, L, Y, M-boy (ex officio, proxy for Aa, in absentia)

Menu:
1) Huitlacoche enchiladas with tofu, spinach, black beans, onions, green peppers, jalapeño peppers
2) Baked acorn squash with apples and walnuts
3) Spice cake

Discussion: international travel, Hawaii, betraying your employer, cats, putting your best foot forward in interviews and why I should never have chosen to work here, trespassing


Welcome


Treat junkie


Acorns


Huitlacoche enchiladas


M-boy preying while everybody is distracted posing


Spice cake


I want me more cake


Got it!


Highly intellectual discussions commonly ensue dinner


I want me some more cake!


Sugar crash


Y is scared of kitties


Postprandrial inspiration


Partaking in the leftovers