Christophine Recipes

CREAMED CHRISTOPHENE (CARIBBEAN SQUASH)

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with water and add a little salt. Bring the water to a boil, then add the cubed squash and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the cooked squash and set aside in a large, well-greased baking dish.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Slowly whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture is creamy and thick. Slowly stir in the milk and mix until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the 1/2 cup of grated cheese and stir until melted and well-mixed, about 1 minute. Add the onion, garlic, salt, celery, mustard and sugar to the sauce and mix well. Remove the sauce from heat and pour over the christophene in the baking dish. Stir everything together, then top with the remainig 1 cup grated cheese.
• Place the mixture in the oven and bake until golden brown, about 20 to 30 minutes. Serve warm.

CHRISTOPHINE

Steps:

• Cut the christophine in half lengthwise. Cut side down, steam it over boiling water for 40 minutes, or until the flesh is easily pierced with the tip of a sharp knife. Discard the soft white heart.
• If making a gratin, scoop out the flesh from the skin, leaving a shell one-quarter-inch thick. If making acras, use all of the flesh.
• Mash the flesh with a fork. Drain, then squeeze dry between doubled paper towels.