I used to think most squash, other than Zucchini, was used for fall and winter decorations. Then we went to the farmers market and discovered Butternut, Acorn, Patti Pan, and Spaghetti. Surprisingly, ALL of these varieties are so good and easy to make.
Squash is not just Zucchini anymore!
Plus, no bowls are required!!!! The squash itself is the best dish to use for holding the deliciousness of mixtures like turkey, chard, and cheese. Not only is the "Squash" bowl fun to cook in, it's edible and delicious. SCORE - fewer dishes to clean!!
Great for those cold fall and winter nights
We love to have "squash day" on those nights when we are really, really hungry. It's so much fun-just create the stuffing and then head back to snuggle up on the sofa and watch your favorite TV show, while the dish roasts. Also, the aroma in the kitchen is so comforting, I always get so excited and have a hard time waiting to dive in.
We have found that eating this is completely an individual experience. For example, I dig right into the stuffing! After eating some of the stuffing, I scrape the squash from the sides and mix it into the filling. Amy likes to have some of the squash first, then her second bite is more of a mixture with the filling. Then she likes to start eating the "bowl" mixed with the stuffing. What we do have in common is that we both LOVE to have squash with every bite. I always find I am so full and satisfied after eating this dish.
Diet Friendly food
Stuffed squash is so simple to make and takes very little time to prepare. We love to use ground turkey, chicken, and veggies for the stuffing. They fill you up and are very low in calories. Check out some of our fun squash recipes:
- Stuffed Acorn squash with Spinach and Ground Turkey: Acorn squash stuffed with Chicken, creamy cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and Spinach/Kale. Easy, fun to make, and everyone gets their own squash bowl!!!!
- Roasted Acorn Squash with Cilantro and Goat Cheese: Amazing Spice Roasted Sweet Acorn Squash is topped with Cilantro and Creamy Cheese.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash with Spinach, Cheese, and Mushrooms: A Meatless Monday Hit! The spices coat the squash, and then it's stuffed with creamy cheesy spinach.
- Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole: Brighten up your mealtime with a colorful Summer Squash Casserole made with Patty Pan and Globe Zucchini!
- Garlic and Herb Squash Casserole: Garlic and Herb Squash Casserole is a mouthwatering one-pan dish filled with tender squash, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and cheese.
- Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Squash: Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is an easy, low-fat alternative to an Italian restaurant classic you can make and enjoy at home.
- Cheesy Turkey Stuffed Patty Pan: This is a simple and satisfying recipe for Cheesy Turkey Stuffed Pattypan. It's a perfect light meal for summer that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
- Garlic Herb Asparagus and Summer Squash: Garlic Herb Roasted Asparagus Summer Squash is a savory, buttery dish topped with tangy goat cheese that will make your taste buds dance!!!
- Roasted Herb Garlic Patty Pan: Try oven-roasted herb garlic patty pan with fresh oregano and garlic, topped with juicy tomatoes and cheese for extra flavor.
Hard to cut
OK, Not everything is so great about squash. Some of them, like Acorn and Butternut, are so darn hard to cut. Every time we have an Acorn squash, I think of the silly comments made by people on the cooking shows when they say, "Oh, just have the butcher cut the meat a certain way." I don't know about you, but I don't have a butcher who will cut meat in thin slices or pound out the meat a certain way!!!
In fact, I think the butcher at the grocery store would look at me like I had a few too many glasses of wine if I asked for some of the cuts they call for on TV. Anyway, I would like to find someone at the grocery store to cut my squash! But since that isn't going to happen, I have found if you start cutting just below the stem, it makes it much easier to cut.
Use a big knife and MAKE SURE to keep your fingers protected. Whatever you do, don't give up! At one point, I was afraid the knife was actually stuck! Luckily, after some strategic analysis (force), I was able to get the knife to cut through.
Dinner Parties
We have found stuffed squash to be a great dish to serve at dinner parties. The stuffing can be made the night before (And you can make stuffing for non-vegetarians and vegetarians). Then, on the night of the party, bake the un-stuffed squash. The time to cook varies on the type, but it usually takes about an hour. Next, add the stuffing that you already prepared and put it back in the oven for another 20 minutes. After that, you're ready to serve your guest. This is a great dish to make when you want to be able to spend time with your guest (not cooking all day), and clean up is super easy!!!
New Year, New Squash
For Christmas, Santa brought Amy a plant-growing stand to start plants inside for our garden. He also brought her several seeds for Acorn, Butternut, Zucchini, Patti Pan, Spaghetti, Delicata (heirloom), and many more. So, we are going to have fun trying these new varieties and sharing recipes with you. And we will share our garden adventures, too!
Let us know your favorite Squash recipes!
How often do you make them? What are some of your favorite stuffings and seasonings? How do you cut them?
Please let us know what you think