Seasoned Cooking: 2 November 2012 Announcements

Sometimes when you look in the refrigerator for something that could be lunch, you get a mix of a little of this and a little of that. It's tempting to just let those sit and make a sandwich or the like, but that can mean missing out on some really fun dishes that are born merely because you thought outside the box and put together something truly inspired with what looked like bits of food destined to be ignored.

Autumn is the perfect time to entertain outdoors -- most of the bugs are gone, the sun isn't scorching even though it's warm enough to enjoy an afternoon or evening al fresco, and there's a bounty of good things to serve for an outdoor meal. Take advantage of the opportunity before the snow flies!

Faced with at least 3 cups of freshly roasted, pureed pumpkin and looking at much more down the road, I'm asking for advice on what to do with it all. Yep, that's right. Sometimes the foodie is simply overwhelmed and it's nice to reach out for ideas when that happens.

Diehard foodies the world over will do almost anything or travel anywhere to get inventive, delicious and memorable meals. Trying things like squid, goat meat, street-vendor tacos, and curry make their mouths water—and, if they are not careful, their waistlines expand. Staying healthy on vacation might sound like a contradiction in terms, but with planning, it's possible to enjoy your travels AND watch your weight.

As the days grow shorter and colder, there is nothing like the ultimate comfort food -- chicken soup -- to keep the chills at bay. Instead of opting for the tried and true chicken noodle variety, fire up the stove with a pot of fantastic chicken soup that's brimming with lots of great vegetables and slow-cooked chicken flavor.

As cooler weather settles in and pumpkin becomes a focus in everything from coffee to coffeecake, it's time to remember that it can also star in some amazing savory dishes. Just in time for the weekend, a fantastic curry featuring pumpkin and either venison or lean beef is ready to be enjoyed.