Gluten-free Roasted Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Chevre, Adorned with Rose Chipotle Glacée

I love crispy autumn days. I love the comfort of slumber through the procession of lengthening nights and how the depth of the places I visit in my dreams expands with the shortening of days. I love waking up to sleepy sunbeams as they meander dreamily through amber leaves moistened by the kiss of dew. I love the crimson maples dotting an evergreen landscape in fiery contrast. I love the excitement of making my way down a golden path adorned as if confetti offered in celebration of my arrival. I love the radiant glow of the moon, full against the backdrop of the clear evening’s sky.

I love what the season evokes in my inner world as much as the candy my eyes devour through the colors and beauty of the outer. It is a time of inward journeying, a time of retreat, when we draw deeper within ourselves, and also come together with those we love. It is a time of connection. It is a time of sharing. It is a time of growing.

It is a comfort to slow down.  I bask in the warmth self re-acquaintance, clarifying my purpose, solidifying my intention and reigniting the connection to my passion. When so much is slowing down and retreating, isn’t it only natural that we, too, should follow such a natural rhythm?

This time of year I find to be a beautiful affirmation of life. I see it everywhere I go. It is a time when we traditionally take solace in celebration of the harvest. It is a dual harvest that we celebrate: the inner harvest, taking stock in our personal value; and, the outer harvest, where we embellish in the yield of the “growing season”. A stroll through the local Farmer’s Market is a wonderful testimonial of said abundance and bounty. It is also an experience which draws me within, connecting me to a simpler time in a simpler place, when we were more deeply linked with the seasons, the land and a way of life both dependent upon and ruled by nature.

Now, of course, it is up to us to style our own connection to the seasons in a way best suiting our own unique expression. This means much to many in varying forms. Likely most will have some element of comingling with friends and loved ones, shared pours of wine, snow-melting giggles over a cups of hot cocoa (dairy-free, of course), creatively prepared meals in fête of the season, and an expression of love in all that is manifest.

How is your season styled?

Celebrate autumn’s enchantment.

Bon appétit!

Gluten-free Roasted Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Chevre, Adorned with Rose Chipotle Glacée

12 – 15 large organic squash blossoms (generally found at Farmer’s Markets)

3 oz. organic goat ricotta (or substitute of similar consistency)

4 oz. organic chevre, plain

2 springs fresh organic thyme leaves

2 springs fresh organic lavender leaves, chopped

1 large organic sage leaf, chopped

1 spring fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tsp. sea salt

Fresh ground pepper

½ T. hard cherry cider

1 T. white wine

2 T. organic maple syrup

1/3 c. rose water

1 pinch organic cinnamon

Dried chipotle pepper, crush in bits (optional)

Dash of smoked chipotle powder

1 t. tapioca flour mixed with 2 T. cold water

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the ricotta and chevre with the herbs; add the salt and pepper and mash. Divide the mixture evenly among the number of blossoms to be stuffed. Gently stuff each blossom center with the chevre mixture, carefully pulling the petals back over the mixture; rest on a backing sheet. Bake the blossoms for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the hard cherry cider, white wine, maple syrup and rose water; sprinkle in the cinnamon, crushed chipotle chili and smoked chipotle powder. Stir with a whisk and heat to boiling on medium-high heat. Drizzle in the tapioca and water mixture, continuing to stir as it boils, keeping up the bubbling for 3-5 minutes until you achieve a glacée thickness. Remove from heat.

Serve blossoms drizzled with the rose glacée as a light appetizer with a crispy white wine. They offer a fitting pronouncement of autumn.

Enjoy!

copyright 2011 Taylor Donovan
source: taylorstable.com