The sudden plunge to minus 20oC weather and snow flurries in the recent week in Alberta has pushed many of us to finding cold weather gear, boots, mitts, long johns; outdoor snow shovels, garage door openers and extension cords for plug-ins. Of course, as well, slippery roads, black ice and people forgetting how to drive, Love that learning curve every season!

Alternatively, one can spend more time inside with books or FOOD!

Done abit of experimenting this past week that ended in a lovely shared meal with grand daughter and grad student boarder. Apple and cherry pie always a favorite with Makayla and Jeffrey fills the kitchen with spicy smells of his late night food prep made tasty garlic toast. Add salad and chicken and good conversation….well!

The following is one of my recent experiments with a pumpkin squash from the market just after Halloween.

The basic recipe came from http://www.ireallylikefood.com/735398420/recipe--amazing-yellow-squash-casserole.

Additional comments are my own.

Squash Casserole

Ingredients:

Several crookneck yellow squashes ( or cut up squash )

Grated or minced onion (to taste )

Minced garlic (to taste)

Salt and pepper (to taste, above mixed and placed in placed in the crook of squash)

1 egg

3 tbsp (or more) breadcrumbs, plus extra for topping

Handful of grated cheddar and/or mozzarella cheese (I use more - much more!)

4 tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Slice crookneck yellow squash and steam in saucepan ( in oven for 20-30 minutes until soft, otherwise bits of uncooked squash turn up later ) with onion, garlic, salt and pepper. ) Use a smalll knife to remove from skins) Mash with fork (or potato masher in separate bowl ) Transfer to 8 x 8 casserole.   Mixture should be about 1 inch deep. ( Let dog help on clean up of bowls ) Mix together egg, 3 tbsp or more breadcrumbs ( rolled in plastic bag after crisping in oven is convenient ) and cheese.  Weave into squash mash and top with remaining breadcrumbs.  Dot with butter.  Cook 20-30 minutes.  Serves 4-6 with left overs.