Encounters with a Strange Fruit

Yesterday, before going to the 99 for dinner, we went grocery shopping.  As we were in the produce section looking for fennel, Geo and I saw this fruit.  It was bright orange and had spikes on it.  

After we got home I searched for it online and found out that it is called a kiwano or horned melon.  Inside it has green pulp and many seeds.  Geo thought we should pass on getting one until we knew what it was.

My fennel search continues.  I've tried both Hannaford's and Price Chopper but there is no fennel available.  My next cooking endeavor will be Arugala Salad with Grapes, Fennel, Gorgonzola, and Pecans.  In the meantime I have all the ingredients for Arugala Salad with Figs, Prosciutto, Walnuts and Parmesan. 

I'm most excited to try Arugala Salad with Oranges, Feta and Sugared Pistachios.  I've found that cooking with nuts is fun.  So far I've tried toasted walnuts, pecans, and hazlenuts.  I look forward to adding pistachios to the mix.

We are anxiously waiting to hear about our woodstove installation.  The estimate has been payed for and now we are waiting to schedule the install.  It hasn't really been too cold lately which is great but it feels like it won't be too much longer before it's really cold.