SQUASH RINGS WITH CHARD AND WALNUT PASTA

3/4 cup walnut pieces
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 acorn squash, cut into 1-1/2 inch thick rings, seeds removed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch chard, stems removed, washed and cut into 3/4-inch wide ribbons
8 ounces orzo pasta
1 medium red onion, sliced 1/4-inch thick
2 tablespoons fresh dill
4 ounces smoked salmon, cut into thin strips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toast walnuts until lightly browned. Put squash rings in a steamer. Place over boiling water, cover & cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Set aside. Whisk together mustard, lemon juice & salt & pepper to taste. Whisk in oil. In a skillet add onions & cook over medium heat, stir often, until onions are completely soft & browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer onions to a bowl & add mustard mixture. Cook pasta. Drain, rinse in cool water & drain again. In a skillet, over medium high heat, add garlic & cook 2 minutes. Add chard & cook until just wilted. Remove from heat. Stir in onion mixture, dill, pasta, half the salmon & half the walnuts. Season to taste. Place a squash ring on each of 4 plates. Fill center with chard mixture. Top with remaining salmon & walnuts. Serve warm.

(from Capay Organic Farm CSA “Farm Fresh To You” website)

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