She Calls It Squish Squash

Sauteed Squash & Tomatoes

I've dipped into the preschool trick-or-treat bag a couple of times in the last two days. I'm lucky it wasn't more than that. So I feel compelled to share a vegetable recipe from my week here at Mommy's to get my mind off the Twix and Snicker Fun Bars and Tootsie Rolls. Last night Mommy made a turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes and this squash medley. It was different from any I've eaten. Different in a very good way.

I didn't come down here for the costume parade, but the appointments that required my babysitting expertise fell on either side of the parade day. Of course I was going! What is cuter than two year olds in costumes? Not much. They all trick-or-treated down the hallways after their parade. That's where the candy stash came from. It's probably just as well that I will head home before the actual Halloween trick-or-treating (with MORE candy) takes place.

And I'm taking this squash recipe with me. Baby Girl calls it "squish squash." That is a pretty accurate description of summer squash texture. I think that is why Daddy-O is not a fan. He doesn't like the "squish" factor. But I like squash. In this recipe, it's dressed up enough for a company table. The hint of vinegar was a good combination with the squash. If you try it, let me know what you think.

SAUTEED SQUASH & TOMATOES

3 slices bacon
1 cup chopped sweet onion
1-1/2 teaspoons minced jarred garlic (or 3 cloves, minced)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a hardy shake)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (again, shake some in)
1 whole bay leaf (she left it whole and removed it later)
2 large zucchini, sliced
2 yellow squash, sliced (not the tiny ones)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
salt & pepper, to taste

Saute bacon in large skillet until crisp. Remove bacon and drain. Leave 2 tablespoons dripping in pan. Saute onion, garlic, thyme, oregano and bay leaf until onion is tender.

Add zucchini and squash and cook about 10 minutes, stirring often. Stir in tomatoes and cook another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat. Remove bay leaf and stir in butter and vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste. Crumble bacon over top. Serve.