CLEVER KNIFE RECIPES

Steps:

• Lightly score the squash where you will cut it in half: Use a paring knife and cut into the squash 1/8- to 1/4-inch deep from stem to bottom on both sides. This is the line where you will be cutting the squash in half.
• Poke the squash in a few places with either your paring knife or a dinner fork: This creates vents to allow steam to escape during the initial cooking of the squash.
• Microwave the squash for 5 minutes: Place the squash in the baking dish and microwave for 5 minutes on high. This cooks the squash a little bit and makes it easier to cut in half. Do not microwave the whole squash for longer than 5 minutes since this can cause steam to build up inside the squash and create a dangerous situation (even with vent holes poked through the shell).
• Cut the squash in half: Use oven mitts to remove the baking dish with the squash from the microwave. Place the squash on the cutting board and use a chef's knife to cut all the way through to the middle of the squash — start to one side of the stem, cut through the bottom, and then cut the other side of the squash up to the stem. Use your hands to pull the two halves apart and break the squash at the stem (don't try to cut through the stem). The squash will still be hard when you cut it and you'll need to use force, but less than if the squash was raw.
• Scoop out the seeds: Save the seeds for roasting, if you like!
• Season the squash halves (optional): If you like, rub a teaspoon of olive oil into the squash, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. This is just for flavor if you're serving the squash on its own; you can skip if it if you're planning to use the squash in a recipe or want to season it after cooking.
• Flip the squash halves upside down in the baking dish: You can cook each squash half separately if your baking dish is too small to fit both, or cook both at once. You can also save one half in the fridge to cook later.
• Fill the dish with about 1 inch of water: The exact amount isn't important; you just want the squashes to be partially submerged and to have enough water to create steam in the microwave.
• Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
• Check the squash: When done, a fork poked through the skin should slide easily into the squash. Continue microwaving on high for another 2 to 5 minutes as needed.
• Scrape the squash strands from the inside: Remove the baking dish using oven mitts and transfer the squash halves to a cutting board. Use a fork to scrape the strands of squash from the inside. You should get 6 to 8 cups of "noodles" from a 3- to 4-pound squash.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Have rack 1 rung up from center in oven.
• Gather your ingredients.
• Lightly flour work surface and roll out dough a bit; cut into 4 to 6 portions (I cut rectangles to keep it easy and based on how many people I'm feeding). Cut a small hole in center of each piece of dough with a 1-inch round or heart shaped cookie cutter, or freehand cut some slits or designs with tip of sharp small knife. Using a fork, beat an egg in a small dish with a splash of water. Line a baking sheet with a sheet of parchment and arrange dough pieces. Brush dough with egg wash and bake until puffed and golden, 20 to 22 minutes.
• Peel and chop the onion and potato. Halve the celery and carrot lengthwise and chop. Halve the leek, trim top tough greens and roots and run under cold water while fanning the leek to release grit. Shake the leek of excess water and thinly slice. Peel and slice planks off the apple around the core, then stack and dice 1/4 inch.
• Heat a Dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Melt butter and when it foams add the onion, potato, celery, leek, apple, bay and herb bundle and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook to soften, 8 to 10 minutes, partially covered and stirring occasionally. Add flour and stir a minute. Add stock and whisk in to thicken a bit.
• Separate the chicken from the bones and skin and pull meat. Add to sauce to reheat. Remove bay and herbs. Remove chicken from heat and stir in Dijon mustard, cream and lemon juice.
• Serve the chicken and vegetables in bowls and top with pastry.