Oh, Molly.

There are some bloggers who seem to feel that they should be producing Gourmet-magazine worthy meals for every post. Maybe they should. Who am I to say? But what I do know is that the only recipes I have ever made from the lovely Orangette are simple, homely recipes that she seems to feel the need to apologize for.

Please don't apologize, Molly. I love you. I need you.

Now, she's been crazy busy lately, out there opening a pizza restaurant of all things, but I feel that she's still out there keeping an eye on us, because look: despite a prolonged absence lo these many months (due to restaurant-opening mayhem, for which I harbour no ill will), she recently posted the smack-your-forehead-I-can't-believe-how-good-this-is Warm Butternut and Chickpea Salad with Tahini adapted from Casa Moro, which I have now adapted from her.

She posted the recipe on Oct 1. Two weeks later, she saved me. It was fate.

Coming home from Boston to an empty fridge in the middle of the autumn harvest, I picked up a squash on the way home and wondered what I could make. I ambled around the web a bit, searching for recipes, and then thought of Orangette.

She had never done me wrong. A record kale crop and no idea of what to do with it? Kale with a fried egg and toast becomes a staple. Too many carrots and a vague memory of side salads at Montreal restaurants? A modified French-style carrot salad saves the day. And the easiest, most delightful, always in the pantry solution for desperate evenings (or something you'd like to whip up just 'cause it tastes good?)? The dead easy Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Parmesan, though I usually add garlic.

Now, she might not like to think of these as her legacy, but you ask me, she's done all right.

Thanks, Molly. I've made the exquisite butternut and chickpea salad with tahini dressing two times in less than two weeks. I can't get enough (even grabbing bite after bite - after dinner - as I walk by the bowl "cooling" on the counter).