Squash for Squash-Haters

Stuffed squash topped with bacon is the single recipe for yellow squash that actually elicits a bit of enthusiasm from my family. Oh, they'll eat squash in all the other ways I fix it but this is a recipe they'll take seconds on . . . or thirds.

Begin by boiling your squash in salted water till fork-tender.

Remove and drain and let cool a while. Meanwhile, saute some diced onion in some sort of fat -- I used bacon grease this time; olive oil would be better for you.

When the squash are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise and scrape their little insides into the pan with the onion. Mix and saute.

Now add bread crumbs -- homemade or otherwise. I used Italian flavored breadcrumbs. A stuffing mix would work too.

My mother used to make these and one time, out of white bread, she used caraway seeded rye. That's really good too. If I had some caraway seeds, I'd add them now.

But I don't. I do have cumin seeds so I toast them in the crepe pan to bring out their flavor. I realize this is too much cumin so half goes into the stuffing and the other half into the bucket of scraps for the chickens. I wonder if they'll be pleased?

Stuff the squash halves, top with bacon, and bake at 350 till the bacon is done ( about a half an hour.)

And there's the squash -- along with turkey breast roasted with garlic and Herbes de Provence (just like Elizabeth fixed for Phillip in Signs in the Blood) and a salad of spinach, sliced cucumbers (fresh from the garden) , red onion, gorgonzola and vinaigrette.

It was good.

But wait, there's more! Pat in East Tennessee sent me some more squash recipes and here they are:

These recipes are from the book "Too Many Tomatoes .......". It's a book I got about 35 years ago and is very handy.

ZUCCHINI BREAD

3 cups grated zucchini

1 cup oil

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine the above ingredients.

3 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon soda

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ginger

(I also add 1/4 teaspoon cloves)

Stir to blend.

1 cup chopped nuts

1 cup raisins or craisins

Add and beat 4 minutes - put in a greased bundt or tube pan and bake for 1 hour at 350.

This freezes very well.

ZUCCHINI DROP COOKIES

1 cup grated zucchini

1 teaspoon soda

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup shortening or butter

1 egg beaten

Mix together.

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

Stir to blend.

1 cup chopped nuts

1 cup raisins

Stir in and then drop by teaspoonfuls on a greased cookie sheet and bake 12 to 15 minutes at 375.

Yes, these are similar to zucchini bread. A moist, spicy cookie that also freezes well.

ZUCCHINI GOULASH

1 large onion, diced

1/4 pound mushrooms, sliced

2 Tablespoons olive oil

Using a large pot, sauté until soft.

1 # ground chuck

Add and cook until crumbly.

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

1/4 cup minced green pepper

2 Tablespoons fresh minced parsley

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 teaspoons minced fresh basil

2 cups diced tomatoes

Add, cover and simmer 15 minutes

6 zucchini, sliced diagonally

Add to pot, stir well, cover and simmer 20 minutes or until tender.

Grated Parmesan cheese

Serve in bowls, sprinkle with cheese. I usually have crusty rolls to go with this ... good for dipping in the juices.

I know this recipe sounds a little weird, but it is VERY tasty!

and this:

Here's a yellow squash recipe that I have made for years and is always a hit with everyone, except for Mike! HA! It's easy to make and freezes well, so I make it often when the squash are in and then freeze it in serving sizes for Bob and I when the snow flies!

YELLOW SQUASH CASSEROLE

4 cups squash, chopped

1 or 2 medium onions, chopped

Cook together until tender.

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 - 13 ounce can evaporated milk

1 can cream of chicken/mushroom soup ... yes there is such a soup but

it is not always easy to find.

Mix together well.

1 - 8 ounce bag Pepperidge Farm stuffing. (You can use either the

Herb or the Cornbread, but we prefer the Herb.)

1/2 cup butter, melted.

Mix everything together and put in a large greased casserole. Bake for 40 minutes at 375.

and finally -- a link to a recipe for Pineapple/Zucchini Sheet Cake
-- yet another way to sneak a little squash into your family's diet!