Fried Cushaw Squash Recipes

PROCESSING CUSHAW SQUASH

Steps:

• Using an electric knife cut squash into large pieces to fit into baking pan. Scoop seeds out of squash.
• Add 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of a large roasting pan and pile squash into pan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 250-350°F for 3 hours.
• Allow to cool a little while once removed from the oven and cut away from skin. Process in a food processor or blender until puree consistency.
• Pour into individual freezer bags to freeze.

COUNTRY FRIED SQUASH

Steps:

• Combine egg and milk together in a small bowl, mix well.
• In a second bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper and garlic salt. Dip squash slices first in the egg mixture, then dredge the squash in the dry mixture.
• Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry squash until golden brown.

CROOKNECK SQUASH FRITTATA

Steps:

• Heat the oven to the high broil setting. Set a rack in the oven 3 to 4-inches from the broiler.
• In a medium bowl toss the sliced squash with the oil, rosemary, salt, nutmeg and pepper. Lay the squash in a single layer on a cooling rack set inside a foil lined half sheet pan. Broil until the squash is golden brown on 1 side, about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Whisk the eggs, ricotta, and Parmesan together in a medium mixing bowl. Put the squash in a 10-inch nonstick, oven-safe saute pan set over medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the pan and stir with a silicone spatula to make sure egg gets under the squash. Cook without stirring until the egg mixture has set on the bottom and begins to set on top, about 4 to 5 minutes. Put the pan under the broiler until lightly browned and puffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Loosen the frittata from the pan by moving a rubber spatula around the edges. Slide the frittata onto a plate or other serving dish, and cut into 6 servings. Serve warm or at room temperature.

OLD-FASHIONED CUSHAW PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add squash, cover, and steam until very tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Blend squash in a blender until smooth. Pour 6 cups squash puree into a large mixing bowl. Reserve any extra squash puree for a separate use.
• Stir cream, honey, eggs, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, 1 teaspoon salt, allspice, and nutmeg into 6 cups squash puree; whisk until smooth. Cover and set aside.
• Mix flour and 1 teaspoon salt together in a bowl. Cut butter into flour mixture; add water and mix well. Add more flour to dough if it is too wet. Cut dough in half and roll onto a floured work surface; form into two 10-inch circles. Press dough into 2 pie pans and pour squash filling into each.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Cool slightly before serving.