Thanksgiving Appetizers - Patty Pan Squash

As we were researching pattypan squash for another project, we found to our utter joy that many patty pan squash recipes could be easily modified to serve as interesting Thanksgiving appetizers as well.

Pattypan squash is easily identifiable by its small size, round and shallow shape and scalloped edges. The unique shape of patty pan squash gives a a wonderful, decorative appearance for creating some show-stopping Thanksgiving appetizers. Patty pan squash comes in three varieties - yellow, green or white - and is at it's most tender when immature (no more than two to three inches in diameter). Pattypan squash is a good source of magnesium, niacin, vitamin A and vitamin C, with one cup containing only 20 to 30 calories for the health conscious chef.

In gourmet patty pan squash recipes, the flesh of the squash is scooped out and mixed with flavorings then stuffed back into the shell for creative presentation, as is the case with this delicous pattypan squash recipe that we found, courtesy of AllRecipes. This one is truly a keeper!!

Stuffed Pattypan Squash

INGREDIENTS
6 pattypan squash, stem and blossom removed
6 slices bacon
1/2 cup diced onion
1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
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

Enjoy!

For more great Thanksgiving appetizers visit http://www.appetizersunlimited.com/
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit http://www.amateur-chef.net/