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tons of squash and a (heart)broken owl stool
August 9, 2007

Oh, what to do with all that effing zucchini.

This year I planted my summer squashes from starts that I bought so I wouldn’t be misled into planting just one more tiny, innocent seed in the dirt. When I start from seed, I always convince myself that one more can’t hurt and then I have veggies growing to the size of small children in my garden. How do they conceal themselves so well? They are like covert operatives getting amped on vitamin D.

I bought one itty bitty pot of zucchini and another of yellow summer squash. Each pot had two starts and I couldn’t just pitch one because that is murder. So I have four plants that could feed most of western Montana.

I found a recipe for pickled squash and I made it. And it would have been easy except I got everything boiling and realized I was missing three spices and apple cider vinegar. I phoned my neighbor to no avail and had to make a 9:30pm dash to the grocery.

To reach high items in the kitchen, I always stand on this children’s stool that is at least a quarter of a century old. My mom and Andy take turns telling me how unsafe it is and I practice my ignoring skills. It is a tiny stool with three owls painted on the surface. My grandma made it for me. I love it.

The beloved stool buckled under my weight while I was looking for the spices and vinegar. I didn’t come crashing to the floor or anything, but the owls couldn’t take the 15 pounds I have put on. tragic. Yesterday, I did go crashing to the floor during a 50% off shoe sale at one my my favorite stores, Betty’s Divine. I mean I fell. hard. It was humiliating and people make a gigantic deal out of a pregnant woman going down. But I was merely put in a state of crazed frenzy by the cute red wooden platforms and frustrated that I couldn’t reach over my belly to hook the ankle buckles so I decided to walk anyway assuming that if they looked fab then Andy could buckle them for me. But I fell and I put the shoes back and bought some practical (sigh) flat soled shoes.

I would love ideas for what to do with summer squash and zucchini. Please post comments. Last night I was at a BBQ at Sam and Eva’s house and a guest suggested making an “apple” crisp with zucchini saying you cannot taste the diff. I also heard of people making “raspberry” jelly with zucs by adding a packet of flavored jello. Is zucchini really that spineless that it can’t even hold its own flavor? I am not sure how I feel about that.

Squash Pickles:
2 lbs summer squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2″ cubes
1 1/3 C sliced onions
1 1/4 C sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp ginger
2 C water
1 C vinegar

Combine squash and onions, set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in a large pot and boil. Do no inhale over the pot of you will think you are being fumigated. Add squash and boil for 10 minutes. Pack hot veggies & liquid in hot jars (1/4″ head space), remove air bubbles, add lids and rings and process in boiling water canner for 10 minutes.

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8 Comments


Anonymous
August 9, 2007 at 2:58 PM

I am in tears over this entry. Damnit Nici if you aren’t a laugh a minute. As for zuchini recipes, there is one in Moosewood for a zuchini pizza crust. Neysa made it once and she thought it was great. Your canned squash are gorgeous. Kiss my boy, XOXO J



lera
August 9, 2007 at 4:36 PM

You remind me of me when I was pregnant with #5. I canned everything that didn’t walk. Oh, it was fun. And the last time I’ve had time to do that.

My favorite zuchinni/squash recipe is to sautee it with onions until soft. Add tomatoes until they are cooked through, and cover with shredded cheese (until melted). Cheddar and/or mozarella are what I usually have on hand. I could literally eat that stuff until it comes out my ears.

I wish our garden was plentiful this year, but it was a big flop.



Wendy
August 10, 2007 at 4:13 AM

Cooks Illustrated has a zucchini fritatta recipe that’s pretty good. I think you grate it, then squeeze it out in a kitchen towel before you sautee it. That keeps it from getting slimy.

And also, I actually tripped and fell at my own baby shower. In front of everyone. And, yes, everyone freaked out even though I was fine. Hopefully, you just tripped in front of strangers.



Mama
August 12, 2007 at 3:41 AM

Betty and I are so sad over the owl stool – it was a favorite of hers every time we visited. I have a great goat cheese and zuc. bread recipe from the Naked Chef. I’ll post later.



Michelle
August 12, 2007 at 1:45 PM

Love, love love your blog! I’ve got a recipe for Mole de Ole kettle stew on my blog as well as some very delicious chocolate zucchini sheet cake. http://mygrandpasgarden.com/?p=88 If you were a little further along I would say that you could make frozen baby food out of it for your little bug. Perhaps home-canned babyfood?



Sassy Gardener
August 19, 2007 at 11:45 PM

I had that same little stool when I was little. I about did a doubletake when I saw the photo.

I have kept in my recipe binder a recipe that my mom sent me as a joke. It’s zucchini mock apple pie. You let me know if you want it and I’ll e mail it to you. It could be an “experience” you know.



FinnyKnits
July 7, 2008 at 11:50 PM

So, tell me, how were these squash pickles? Not that I have a ton of squash *or anything* but just curious 😉

Thanks, doll.



dig this chick
July 8, 2008 at 12:54 AM

Finny, It is funny because I thought you were suggesting that these aren’t pickles like, how are those squash pickles!? instead of how are those squash pickles?! So I was all looking up the definition of pickles to prove to you that pickles are anything preserved in a brine or vinegar when I realized you were just asking if it is a good use of time and squash. Yes. Our (handy andy and me. heh.) favorite is these squash pickles with extra sharp cheddar or aged gouda on crusty bread. Delish.



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    I’m Nici (pronounced like Nikki) and I live in western Montana where I raise kids, vegetables and the roof.

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