It's Pumpkin Time!
Skillet Squash Blossom
I love pumpkins. I love squash. I love the Cucurbitaceae; it’s all in the family ya’ll! Every fall I find myself at the grocery store falling in love with cucurbits - you know what I mean - squash, pumpkin, zucchini . . . So many gourds, so little time!
The Skillet Squash Blossom dish is a showstopper and so delish. Here’s the skinny:
Skillet Squash Blossom
Ingredients
1 (1 1/2-lb.) butternut squash, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
3 center-cut bacon slices
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.
Of course you can always skip the bacon and go vegetarian. Add a few more herbs and a couple splashes of Chipotle tabasco instead; it’s all in the family. 😉
Pumpkin carving with talented pumpkin carving friends
A pumpkin is a pumpkin is a pumpkin, eh? It’s decorative, wonderful and oh, so tasty! Pumpkin carving is an art and so much fun. Let your pumpkin imagination run wild but save the “guts” and seeds for pumpkin pies, soups and snacks.
Pumpkin Cheesecake à la Kafé Zolo
Want the recipe? - I know you do - PM me!
Happy Pumpkin Time!