Saturday, November 3, 2007

I have a date with my squash partner

I actually do have some idea about how nerdy this is, and yes, I will probably regret posting this later...but I'm doing it anyway! Ok, so I am borderline obsessed with squash. It is one of my absolute favorite foods and one of the reasons I was excited for fall this year. Unfortunately, there are not many (including Marty) who share my...passion for this food. So you can imagine how excited, no - ECSTATIC I was when I discovered how much Brynn loves squash. I can put just about type of food, even sweet foods, on her high chair and she will eat the squash before anything else. So, everyday for the last couple of weeks Brynn and I have been eating squash for lunch and it has been SO fun! As Brynn has been growing and learning how to play games she has really become my little buddy keeping me company during the day. So now I just have a couple of questions. 1. Does anyone out there have any good squash recipes? I have a really good acorn squash recipe, but pretty much all other squashes I just bake. 2. Why is it so hard to find banana squash around here? And 3. Did I lose any friends with this post? :)


12 comments:

Velika said...

Yea! More squash lovers!! Yes, banana squash is hard to find around here, I call around to the local Sprouts to find it (last week I found some at the one on Higley and Southern) My mom has a really good recipe for banana squash and potatoes called banana boats, ask me about it the next time you see me, it is really easy.

Jana said...

Emily....this is hard to say, but to question number three...well, come on. Squash? Really? How can I just ignore that? You hurt me, Em. Hurt me real deep. Goodbye, maybe forever. Or at least until you bring Brynn over at 7 tomorrow morning. Although we can no longer be friends, I will still consider naming my photography business TOTALLY PREC, in your honor. LYLAS! 2 cute 2 b 4gotten!

Unknown said...

Well, I don't think I have ever had squash, but it looks like you two had so much fun eating it. It's so fun to share something you enjoy with your kids.

Unknown said...

Oh I was also going to tell you that I also have a food fettish for pickles. I love dill pickles, no one know's why. And tyson joins me with every momment it's pickle time. So you are not the only one with a food fetish.

Helen said...

Em-Loved your message. We were up on the North Slope and Arctic Ocean this weekend so we didn't answer the phone. For real! I can't believe you're asking for squash recipes. Asking me for recipes is like asking me to hassle you everyday with new ideas. So watch out. We love squash too and eat it constantly because its cheap and available in AK. We like to try new ones that we haven't had before. Last week it was blue and delicious. Your brother always puts olive oil, brown sugar, curry and cinnamon on his and I do olive oil, curry and cinnamon. Lots of curry. Here are a couple of ideas. Sorry its so many posts but I have no idea if you still use the email address that I have for you.

Helen said...

Squash or Pumpkin Soup
1 T olive oil
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 t fresh or ground sage (any herb works well)
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/2 t curry powder
1/4 t chili powder
1/4 t cumin
3 c veggie or chicken broth
1 1/2 lb squash (peeled,cubed)
parmesan cheese to garnish

Sautee garlic and onion in oil about 4 minutes. Add sage, salt, pepper, curry, cumin, chili, broth, squash. Cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until squash is tender. Puree. Return to pan. Add more broth or milk if needed. Reheat gently. Serve with parmesan for garnish.
*Play with the spices. We like it with a kick.

Helen said...

Squash Lasagna
1 large onion thinly sliced
2 T oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 c honey
1/4 c butter
2 lb squash, peeled and cut into chunks
2 ricotta or cottage cheese
1 egg
1 t nutmeg, basil and oregano
2 c mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 lb lasagna noodles, cooked
2 c spaghetti sauce

Preheat oven to 350. Steam, nuke or bake squash until very tender. Melt honey into butter. Mash squash and honey/butter together. In a skillet heat the oil and sautee garlic and onions about 5 minutes. In separate bowl combine egg, ricotta and nutmeg and herbs. Spread 1/3 cup of sauce in bottom of 9x13 pan. Layer noodles with squash mixture, onions, cheese mixture and mozzarella. Finish top layer with a bit of sauce and mozzarella. Bake uncovered about 45 minutes.
*If it seems too runny, use less sauce.
*Add mushrooms, spinach etc...
*Use more herbs if you want.

Unknown said...

That is so funny! I love summer squash- hahaah get it- no but i really do. That is the only kind I have had though (I think). Maybe I will have to broaden my horizon :-)

Marty and Emily said...

HELEN! I LOVE YOU FOREVER!!! :)

Helen said...

Em, I'm trying to email you and my message keeps getting returned. Write me at fnhai@uaf.edu when you get a chance so I can make sure everything is correct. Thanks!

Koi said...

Jarred, Simon and I share your love for squash! Sadly Oliver does not feel the same. I have a great yellow squash recipe I'll trade you for your acorn squash recipe. Talk to me on Sunday.

AmbertheGreat said...

I NEED A NEW UPDATE!!!!!