A couple of months ago I mentioned how excited I was to attend a workshop with Jenny Steffens Hobick. You can read that post here. Jenny is the Martha and/or the Barefoot Contessa of Kansas City. She is an entertaining expert but with a simple, down to earth style that I love. She can be sharing the secret of perfect crostini (rubbing with fresh garlic after it comes out of the oven) while mentioning the best baguette she has found is at Target. Who doesn’t love that?
The dinner she prepared for us this week was SOOO good. We started with Hubbard Squash Dip and the aforementioned crostini. It was warmed and served in half of the squash and was very appropriate for a fall menu.
We then feasted on an Apple & Cranberry Harvest Salad with an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing.
Jenny demonstrated her techniques for making Beef and Squash Chili,
along with my personal favorite, Jalepeno and Cheddar Scones.
I can not wait to make this chili for Dave. I know he will love this meaty, spicy unique twist on an old favorite. However, I am seriously afraid to make these wonderful scones. Not because they are difficult to make, in fact they appear to be very easy. I am afraid I will eat the entire pan of them as soon as they come out of the oven. As my weight watcher leader says, you might as well figure the points value of the entire recipe if the chance of eating just one is small.
Seriously, these scones are to die for. Jenny mentioned that the recipe is the basic scone recipe that she has posted here on her website, but often switches up the flavorings. On her post today she talks about a cinnamon swirl version with maple glaze and pecans.
Our dinner was topped off with Mini S’mores that were inspired by a party Jenny attended which was hosted by Darcy Miller, the editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings. These one bite wonders were super simple and just the right amount of sweetness to finish off this hearty fall meal.
I had such an enjoyable evening that I signed up for another workshop with Jenny in December, a Holiday Cookie Decorating Brunch. If your interested in one of her workshops in Lees Summit at the culinary store, A Thyme For Everything, you can see the class schedule here.
If you are not local to Kansas City, check out her website here. She has many great recipes and entertaining ideas.
Sounds fun! Wish I could have been there! By the way, I told Dave about the jalepeno cheese scones, and they may just make it on the Thanksgiving menu.