Comfort Food

Skillet Squash Blossom

It's January. We're all fat, broke and depressed. The holiday season is over. So - why not whip up some comfort food? I love anything and everything "squash"! It just makes me happy! Here's an easy recipe (and it's a gorgeous centerpiece): 

Skillet Squash Blossom

Ingredients

• 1 (1 1/2-lb.) butternut squash, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
• 3 center-cut bacon slices (skip the bacon if you're not into pork)
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil1 tablespoon chopped 
• fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 teaspoons pure maple syrup, divided

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place squash, cut side down, in an 8-inch square baking dish; fill with 1 inch of water. Cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on HIGH 5 minutes. Thinly slice squash, and place in a large bowl.

Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium. Cook bacon 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, and cook until golden brown. Remove bacon, reserving drippings in skillet. Crumble bacon, and set aside. Reduce heat to medium; add onion to skillet, and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in oil, thyme, salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of the maple syrup. Add mixture to squash slices; toss to combine.

Starting at the outer edge of the same skillet, arrange squash slices in slightly overlapping concentric circles to form a flower shape. Bake in preheated oven until squash is tender and edges begin to crisp, about 40 minutes. Drizzle with remaining 2 teaspoons maple syrup. Top with bacon. (Again, if you're not a bacon lover, add some chopped pistachios instead)

Enjoy! Be comforted!