First Mountain Dinner

SQUASH AND PUMPKIN MOUNTAINS with ROCKY RAVINE

Squash/Pumpkin Mountains
Cook enough squash and/or pumpkin in the microwave to result in 8 cups of squash that have had the seeds and skin removed. Place on the edge of a large plate in mountain-like mounds. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs (trees!)

Rocky Ravine
Rinse 6 cups of dried beans and put them in a large pot with 12 cups of hot water. Bring to a rapid boil and boil two minutes: remove from heat. Cover and let stand for one hour. Drain and rinse beans. Add 12 cups of water, a 14 oz can of chopped tomatoes, 3 bay leaves, 2 T chili powder and 1 t epazote. Simmer over medium low heat until beans are tender. Season to taste with salt/pepper/herbs.

Presentation
The squash pumpkin mountains surround the rocky ravine beans in the center.

MEADOWLAND with SUNSHINE BEETS

Meadowland
Spread guacamole made of 2 avocados with lemon juice on center of plate. Cover with finely chopped salad of 1/3 watercress, 1/3 lettuce, 1/3 dandelion greens.

Sunshine Beets
Boil 2 small beets until almost soft. Cool. Peel. Slice horizontally and then cut sun rays with knife. Serve separately or on salad.

Dressing
Oil and vinegar with herbs and 1 clove pressed garlic.

Presentation
Arrange small sticks of carrots or other vegetables around Meadowland on serving platter. Garnish with edible flowers and or/Sunshine Golden Beets.