Overstuffed Pattypan Squash Recipes

Steps:

• Clean the squash and place them in the top of a steamer set oven gently simmering water. Partially cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until tender. Remove from the heat and, when cool enough to handle, scoop out the top 1/3, scooping deep into the center to make a nice cup to hold the filling. Chop the scooped-out squash into 1/4-inch dice and set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and lightly oil a large oval or rectangular baking dish. In a large heavy skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until the aroma of the garlic is released. Add the zucchini and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Add the reserved patty-pan flesh, almonds, cream, salt, and pepper ad stir for a few minutes, until the mixture is thickened and clumpy. Remove from the heat and stir in all the cheese except for 2 tablespoons, which will be reserved for garnish. Mound some of the mixture on top of each squash and place them in he baking dish. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle with the reserved cheese then bake for 5 minutes more to melt the cheese. Serve the patty pans accompanied by a small sprig of marjoram.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Bring one inch of water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add squash, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, or until a fork can pierce the stem with little resistance. Drain, and slice off the top stem of the squash. Use a melon baller to carefully scoop out the centers of the squash. Reserve all of the bits of squash.
• Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Remove bacon to paper towels, and set aside. Saute onion in bacon drippings. Chop the reserved squash pieces, and saute them with the onion for one minute.
• Remove the skillet from heat, and stir in the breadcrumbs. Crumble the bacon, and stir into the stuffing along with the Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stuff each squash to overflowing with the mixture, and place them in a baking dish. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until squash are heated through.