I love to try new recipes. Unfortunately, the resto f my family really doesn't! This is one of the best I've tried in a while, so I wanted to share it with you...

Baked Barley Risotto With Butternut Squash

Serves 4 Hands-On Time: 20m
Total Time: 50m
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small butternut squash (about 11/2 pounds)—peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
1 onion, finely chopped
kosher salt and black pepper
1 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
5 ounces baby spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces), plus more for serving
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Directions
Heat oven to 400° F. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large oven-safe saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the squash, onion, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften, 4 to 6 minutes.
Add the barley to the vegetables and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until evaporated, about 1 minute. Add the broth and bring to a boil; cover the pot and transfer it to oven. Bake until the barley is tender, 35 to 40 minutes.
Stir in the spinach, Parmesan, and butter. Serve with additional Parmesan.

Merry Christmas!

Our early Christmas gift... Lucy!

oh what fun!

Seeing Santa... Meeting Dasher

playing bingo

my dad's entire side of the family

packed full fall

Still cheering on our VOLS!

the "bad guys"

Jacob LOVED playing soccer this year!

Disney on Ice

our birthday boys

summer time

The boys learned to swim this summer and we really enjoyed the pool. I think it's the first time in a while that I've been sad to see summer go. We enjoyed the lake a few times too and made a trip to the beach. These are pictures of Jacob & Luke with their cousins.

end of school

Luke had a great year in 3 year old pre-k. He had the same teacher as Jacob, Ms. Julie and he was absolutely inseparable from these two "buddies." They would figure out play dates during school then inform us of them when we picked them up. It was truly a sweet thing for me to watch them create a friendship. Next year at pre-school will not be the same without Elijah & Jon Jon!

Jacob soared in his 5 year pre-k class. Ms. Susan was amazing as Jacob has learned to write & sound out the alphabet as well as learning to read a few words. He is so excited for kindegarten!

Ben, Baker, Jacob & Caleb