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Showing posts with label Squash. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Squash. Show all posts

Another One For Holiday Planning

So, I might have a new addiction. I can't seem to walk past the acorn squash at the grocery store without bringing a couple home. Now, to be fair, I have always been a squash fan, and so has every one else in my house.

In fact, when Alex was a baby, his favorite baby food, hands down, was the squash. Not the sweet bananas, like so many other kids. Sure, he liked those too, but if you really wanted to bring a smile to his face, a jar of squash was a guarantee. I can remember holding him while getting the jars out of the cupboard when lunch or dinner time rolled around, and he would stretch his little neck to see if there was any squash.

Anyway, I'm a squash fan from way back. My dad used to grow them in his garden, roast them and freeze it for the winter. But his favorite variety was buttercup, and to this today that is still what I associate with "winter squash" in my head. And if you've ever bought the frozen boxed squash in the grocery store, it was more than likely buttercup, with that bright orange color. And many times, that is exactly what I do when I want squash on my table. A couple boxes of it, some butter, salt and pepper...it's quick, easy and yummy.

But every since I made the stuffed squash recipe last month, I've been on this acorn squash kick. I can't get enough. And since making it fresh isn't something I've done a lot of, it's always a treat to my "boys" too.

These would make a beautiful, simple, and tasty side dish for your Thanksgiving meal. And depending on how many people you are serving, you have a couple options to make sure you get the most "bang for your buck". (Just see the note below for serving options.) Sweet and savory, the glaze only enhances the flavor of the squash, not over powering it. It really allows the squash to shine, not to mention makes it gorgeous on a plate.

If you are a squash lover too, you are going to want to make this asap. And if you are in the midst of holiday meal planning, I think this would make the perfect addition!

Maple and Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash
2 medium acorn squash, cut in half and seeded
4 TBS butter, melted
4 TBS brown sugar
4 TBS maple syrup
Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. In a small bowl combine melted butter, sugar and syrup. Whisk well to combine. It will be thick and resemble caramel! Brush cavity of squash liberally with butter mixture. Leave a little extra in each "hole". Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 1 hour or until squash is fork tender. Sprinkle with extra brown sugar before serving.

*NOTE* To serve you have a couple options. If you're feeding a big crowd, scrape the squash from the skin into a casserole dish. Adjust seasoning and cover. If need be, you can put back in the oven to reheat. If there are only a few people, I think these are very pretty to serve on individual plates, as is, letting each person season their own.


Shared on The Country Cook Nov. 8, 2013

Squash at Very Good Recipes

So, I might have a new addiction. I can't seem to walk past the acorn squash at the grocery store without bringing a couple home. Now, to be fair, I have always been a squash fan, and so has every one else in my house.

In fact, when Alex was a baby, his favorite baby food, hands down, was the squash. Not the sweet bananas, like so many other kids. Sure, he liked those too, but if you really wanted to bring a smile to his face, a jar of squash was a guarantee. I can remember holding him while getting the jars out of the cupboard when lunch or dinner time rolled around, and he would stretch his little neck to see if there was any squash.

Anyway, I'm a squash fan from way back. My dad used to grow them in his garden, roast them and freeze it for the winter. But his favorite variety was buttercup, and to this today that is still what I associate with "winter squash" in my head. And if you've ever bought the frozen boxed squash in the grocery store, it was more than likely buttercup, with that bright orange color. And many times, that is exactly what I do when I want squash on my table. A couple boxes of it, some butter, salt and pepper...it's quick, easy and yummy.

But every since I made the stuffed squash recipe last month, I've been on this acorn squash kick. I can't get enough. And since making it fresh isn't something I've done a lot of, it's always a treat to my "boys" too.

These would make a beautiful, simple, and tasty side dish for your Thanksgiving meal. And depending on how many people you are serving, you have a couple options to make sure you get the most "bang for your buck". (Just see the note below for serving options.) Sweet and savory, the glaze only enhances the flavor of the squash, not over powering it. It really allows the squash to shine, not to mention makes it gorgeous on a plate.

If you are a squash lover too, you are going to want to make this asap. And if you are in the midst of holiday meal planning, I think this would make the perfect addition!

Maple and Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash
2 medium acorn squash, cut in half and seeded
4 TBS butter, melted
4 TBS brown sugar
4 TBS maple syrup
Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. In a small bowl combine melted butter, sugar and syrup. Whisk well to combine. It will be thick and resemble caramel! Brush cavity of squash liberally with butter mixture. Leave a little extra in each "hole". Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 1 hour or until squash is fork tender. Sprinkle with extra brown sugar before serving.

*NOTE* To serve you have a couple options. If you're feeding a big crowd, scrape the squash from the skin into a casserole dish. Adjust seasoning and cover. If need be, you can put back in the oven to reheat. If there are only a few people, I think these are very pretty to serve on individual plates, as is, letting each person season their own.


Shared on The Country Cook Nov. 8, 2013

Squash at Very Good Recipes

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Our Veggie Bin

Last week I told you about our experience with Green BEAN Delivery; and how much we enjoyed the fresh produce we were provided. If you missed that review, or are totally intrigued, you can read about it here.

One of the things I added to our bin that wasn't initially included was acorn squash. We love all kinds of squash, and we love to eat it year round, but to me, there is just something about enjoying fresh squash during the fall months. Maybe it stems from my childhood when my dad used to have a pretty impressive garden, and the squash were always ready to be picked about the time the leaves were falling from the trees. Maybe it's simply because squash reminds me of pumpkin. Whatever the reason, this time of year is when squash begins to makes an appearance on our table more frequently.

I'm telling you, this recipe looks like autumn on a plate! From the squash to another of fall's best gifts, apples, this looks, smells and tastes like a celebration of the season! These would make a great Sunday supper on a brisk, fall day, or even a weeknight meal if you have a little extra time on your hands. (Don't let that scare you. It's not a difficult recipe, the squash just needs some time in the oven to get tender and delicious.)

If you are looking for more meals that include autumn's bounty, make sure to save this one. Celebrate the changing of the seasons with fresh ingredients that come together in a beautiful and tasty way!

Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
2 Acorn Squash, cut in half and seeded
1 lb. pork sausage
1 TBS butter, melted
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
3/4 tsp. ground sage, divided
1/2 c. onion, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
6 button mushrooms, finely chopped
2 apples, cored and finely chopped
1 c. bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
Salt and Pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Preheat oven to 400. Place cut squash, cut side up, in a 9x13 baking dish. In a small bowl combine melted butter, garlic salt and 1/4 tsp. sage. Mix well. Brush the cavity of each squash with butter mixture, coating it well. Bake for 1 hour until squash is tender, but holds shape.

While squash is roasting, brown sausage over medium heat in a large skillet. Drain, reserving 2 TBS of drippings. Place drippings back in pan. Add onion, celery, and mushrooms. Saute for 4 minutes. Add apples and saute 2 more minutes. In a large bowl combine browned sausage, veggies, 1/2 tsp. sage, salt, pepper, bread crumbs and egg. Mix well to combine. Remove squash from oven. Fill each with sausage mixture, mounding slightly. Bake for 20 additional minutes until browned. Sprinkle with cheese before serving.


Shared on The Country Cook Oct. 18, 2013


Squash at Very Good Recipes
Last week I told you about our experience with Green BEAN Delivery; and how much we enjoyed the fresh produce we were provided. If you missed that review, or are totally intrigued, you can read about it here.

One of the things I added to our bin that wasn't initially included was acorn squash. We love all kinds of squash, and we love to eat it year round, but to me, there is just something about enjoying fresh squash during the fall months. Maybe it stems from my childhood when my dad used to have a pretty impressive garden, and the squash were always ready to be picked about the time the leaves were falling from the trees. Maybe it's simply because squash reminds me of pumpkin. Whatever the reason, this time of year is when squash begins to makes an appearance on our table more frequently.

I'm telling you, this recipe looks like autumn on a plate! From the squash to another of fall's best gifts, apples, this looks, smells and tastes like a celebration of the season! These would make a great Sunday supper on a brisk, fall day, or even a weeknight meal if you have a little extra time on your hands. (Don't let that scare you. It's not a difficult recipe, the squash just needs some time in the oven to get tender and delicious.)

If you are looking for more meals that include autumn's bounty, make sure to save this one. Celebrate the changing of the seasons with fresh ingredients that come together in a beautiful and tasty way!

Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
2 Acorn Squash, cut in half and seeded
1 lb. pork sausage
1 TBS butter, melted
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
3/4 tsp. ground sage, divided
1/2 c. onion, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
6 button mushrooms, finely chopped
2 apples, cored and finely chopped
1 c. bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
Salt and Pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Preheat oven to 400. Place cut squash, cut side up, in a 9x13 baking dish. In a small bowl combine melted butter, garlic salt and 1/4 tsp. sage. Mix well. Brush the cavity of each squash with butter mixture, coating it well. Bake for 1 hour until squash is tender, but holds shape.

While squash is roasting, brown sausage over medium heat in a large skillet. Drain, reserving 2 TBS of drippings. Place drippings back in pan. Add onion, celery, and mushrooms. Saute for 4 minutes. Add apples and saute 2 more minutes. In a large bowl combine browned sausage, veggies, 1/2 tsp. sage, salt, pepper, bread crumbs and egg. Mix well to combine. Remove squash from oven. Fill each with sausage mixture, mounding slightly. Bake for 20 additional minutes until browned. Sprinkle with cheese before serving.


Shared on The Country Cook Oct. 18, 2013


Squash at Very Good Recipes
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Soul Food Saturday #25

Welcome to the first weekend of October! It's hard to believe, but in this house September was simply a blur due to how busy we were, so it kind of snuck up on me. Today Bekki has a great recipe, perfect for using the squash that is so beautiful this time of year. I can not wait to try this one myself!!


During a recent visit with my family, we were all completely engaged in our conversation until Rachael came back from commercial. As soon as she was back on we were glued to the TV waiting for her to reveal the recipe we had just heard her mention. Double stuffed Butternut squash! What? Yes! Just like a twice baked potato, loaded to the heavens with bacon and cheeses. How could to be bad? Of course it had my name written all over it. I had to try it as soon as I could get a hold of a butternut squash. But…to my dismay the recipe had been removed from her fan page, and seemed to have disappeared forever. With that thought still in my head and a butternut squash in hand my recipe was born. Just before writing this I did a search for her recipe and found it! Thank you Internet angels! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. I never imagined it could really be THIS good! Enjoy!
 
 
Double Stuffed Butternut Squash Adapted from Rachael Ray
 2 Butternut squash
12 slices thick cut bacon
3 green onions, chopped
1 c. ricotta cheese
1 c. cheddar cheese blend
1 tsp. granulated garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
 
 
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place bacon slices on a slotted pan, bake until crisp. Remove and chop. Set aside. Cut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and season with salt and pepper. Place flesh side down in a baking dish. Roast until just tender. About 30 minutes. Carefully scoop the flesh into a bowl, keeping the skin intact. Mash with half of bacon, ¾ c. cheddar, ricotta and garlic. Adjust seasoning by adding additional salt and pepper if needed. Add filling back into skins and top with remaining cheddar. Bake until golden. Garnish with remaining bacon and chopped green onions.


Welcome to the first weekend of October! It's hard to believe, but in this house September was simply a blur due to how busy we were, so it kind of snuck up on me. Today Bekki has a great recipe, perfect for using the squash that is so beautiful this time of year. I can not wait to try this one myself!!


During a recent visit with my family, we were all completely engaged in our conversation until Rachael came back from commercial. As soon as she was back on we were glued to the TV waiting for her to reveal the recipe we had just heard her mention. Double stuffed Butternut squash! What? Yes! Just like a twice baked potato, loaded to the heavens with bacon and cheeses. How could to be bad? Of course it had my name written all over it. I had to try it as soon as I could get a hold of a butternut squash. But…to my dismay the recipe had been removed from her fan page, and seemed to have disappeared forever. With that thought still in my head and a butternut squash in hand my recipe was born. Just before writing this I did a search for her recipe and found it! Thank you Internet angels! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. I never imagined it could really be THIS good! Enjoy!
 
 
Double Stuffed Butternut Squash Adapted from Rachael Ray
 2 Butternut squash
12 slices thick cut bacon
3 green onions, chopped
1 c. ricotta cheese
1 c. cheddar cheese blend
1 tsp. granulated garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
 
 
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place bacon slices on a slotted pan, bake until crisp. Remove and chop. Set aside. Cut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and season with salt and pepper. Place flesh side down in a baking dish. Roast until just tender. About 30 minutes. Carefully scoop the flesh into a bowl, keeping the skin intact. Mash with half of bacon, ¾ c. cheddar, ricotta and garlic. Adjust seasoning by adding additional salt and pepper if needed. Add filling back into skins and top with remaining cheddar. Bake until golden. Garnish with remaining bacon and chopped green onions.


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Vegetable Tian

This Vegetable Tian is a great way to use the bounty of summer squash and tomatoes, and it is such a colorful and delicious dish. The roasted vegetables are sitting on a layer of caramelized onions, and they are topped with Parmesan cheese. Vegetables just don't get any better than this!







Vegetable Tian

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Olive oil spray
1 large sweet yellow onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 - 2 russet potatoes, unpeeled
1 zucchini
1 yellow squash
3 large Roma tomatoes
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Dried thyme
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a baking dish by spraying with olive oil cooking spray. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cut the onion in half from tip to root and slice; add to the hot oil. Saute onions until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 60 seconds. Spread the onion mixture on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Slice the potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes in 1/4 inch thick slices. Layer the vegetables alternately on top of the onions, arranging them in a spiral, making only one layer. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and thyme. Drizzle the remaining teaspoon of olive oil over all. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove foil and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 - 30 minutes, or until browned.


The cast of characters - Potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, onion, and garlic.


Saute the onions and garlic, then spread the mixture in the bottom of a greased baking dish.


Slice the potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes, then arrange the slices over the onions and garlic.


Bake covered in foil for the first 35 minutes, then remove the foil and add the Parmesan cheese. Bake an additional 25 - 30 minutes, or until browned.




This recipe was shared with:
Country Momma Cooks Link and Greet
Weekend Potluck
Momnivore's Dilemma Creative Juice Thursday
Miz Helen's Full Plate Thursday
A Little Nosh Tastetastic Thursday
Cast Party Wednesday
Bizzy's Recipe Box
Naptime Creations Tasty Tuesday
Our Delightful Home Party
This Vegetable Tian is a great way to use the bounty of summer squash and tomatoes, and it is such a colorful and delicious dish. The roasted vegetables are sitting on a layer of caramelized onions, and they are topped with Parmesan cheese. Vegetables just don't get any better than this!







Vegetable Tian

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Olive oil spray
1 large sweet yellow onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 - 2 russet potatoes, unpeeled
1 zucchini
1 yellow squash
3 large Roma tomatoes
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Dried thyme
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a baking dish by spraying with olive oil cooking spray. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cut the onion in half from tip to root and slice; add to the hot oil. Saute onions until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 60 seconds. Spread the onion mixture on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Slice the potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes in 1/4 inch thick slices. Layer the vegetables alternately on top of the onions, arranging them in a spiral, making only one layer. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and thyme. Drizzle the remaining teaspoon of olive oil over all. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove foil and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 - 30 minutes, or until browned.


The cast of characters - Potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, onion, and garlic.


Saute the onions and garlic, then spread the mixture in the bottom of a greased baking dish.


Slice the potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes, then arrange the slices over the onions and garlic.


Bake covered in foil for the first 35 minutes, then remove the foil and add the Parmesan cheese. Bake an additional 25 - 30 minutes, or until browned.




This recipe was shared with:
Country Momma Cooks Link and Greet
Weekend Potluck
Momnivore's Dilemma Creative Juice Thursday
Miz Helen's Full Plate Thursday
A Little Nosh Tastetastic Thursday
Cast Party Wednesday
Bizzy's Recipe Box
Naptime Creations Tasty Tuesday
Our Delightful Home Party
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Baked "Fried" Squash

Yellow squash is usually plentiful at our house during the summer, and my husband has always loved it fried. I am continually looking for better and healthier ways to prepare our food, and I know deep frying is something we need to avoid. I wanted to try this recipe and see how he would like a baked version of fried squash. We taste tested this dish with our dinner, and the vote was split. His comment was, "I like fried better." But I gave it a "thumbs up" because I don't miss the grease at all. The breading was crispy, and it was easy and not messy to prepare. Give this Baked "Fried" Squash a try and judge it for yourself.




Recipe adapted from Living with ZenLizzie

Baked "Fried" Squash

Yellow squash, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Panko
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs
Olive oil spray

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and spray with olive oil. In a shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs, flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Dip several slices of squash in the beaten eggs, then place slices in the bread crumb mixture, turning to coat on both sides. Place squash in a single layer on prepared pan. Repeat until all squash slices have been dipped and coated. Spray coated slices lightly with olive oil. Place in preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, then flip slices to the other side and continue baking for 10 - 15 more minutes, or until squash is golden brown on both sides.



Prepare the squash with egg for dipping and a bread crumb mixture for the coating.



Spread the slices in a single layer on a sheet pan that has been sprayed with olive oil.




Yellow squash is usually plentiful at our house during the summer, and my husband has always loved it fried. I am continually looking for better and healthier ways to prepare our food, and I know deep frying is something we need to avoid. I wanted to try this recipe and see how he would like a baked version of fried squash. We taste tested this dish with our dinner, and the vote was split. His comment was, "I like fried better." But I gave it a "thumbs up" because I don't miss the grease at all. The breading was crispy, and it was easy and not messy to prepare. Give this Baked "Fried" Squash a try and judge it for yourself.




Recipe adapted from Living with ZenLizzie

Baked "Fried" Squash

Yellow squash, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Panko
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs
Olive oil spray

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and spray with olive oil. In a shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs, flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Dip several slices of squash in the beaten eggs, then place slices in the bread crumb mixture, turning to coat on both sides. Place squash in a single layer on prepared pan. Repeat until all squash slices have been dipped and coated. Spray coated slices lightly with olive oil. Place in preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, then flip slices to the other side and continue baking for 10 - 15 more minutes, or until squash is golden brown on both sides.



Prepare the squash with egg for dipping and a bread crumb mixture for the coating.



Spread the slices in a single layer on a sheet pan that has been sprayed with olive oil.




reade more... Résuméabuiyad