The Hunter and The Gatherer: Summer Recipes

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Squash Souffle and Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Onions in Vinegar; healthy, fresh, and delicious!

Fresh summer vegetables are the perfect thing to gather for any dinner. And, both of the following recipes make great leftovers if you happen to have leftovers.

Squash Souffle is time heavy. It's not necessarily difficult, but you must follow the steps and wait for the vegetables to cook, for the vegetables to cool, and must take the time to whisk certain ingredients to make it the best it can be. If you don't have time to make the souffle, a great alternative is boiled squash and onions. Just add salt and pepper and the nature flavors make this a delicious side to any summer meal.

One of my all time favorite summer meals is tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion salad. From the picture to the left you may be able to tell that I peeled the tomatoes. Personally, I love tomatoes peeled in almost every recipe I use them in. All you have to do is boil water, add the tomatoes for approximately 20 seconds, run them immediately under cold water, and peel. The tomato skin will peel off without a knife, although you most likely need the knife to get the skin moving.

Rarely are there any leftovers to these recipes, but with both dishes, the leftovers are even better!

Squash Souffle

Ingredients:

8 Squash (more or less depending on size)
1 Vidalia Onion
3 tablespoons Flour
2 tablespoons Butter
2 cups milk
2 Eggs
8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese (which is usually one package), grated

Preparation

Pre-heat oven to 350 Degrees.
Chop Squash and Chop Onion, boil until soft.
Drain vegetables and mash with a mashed potato utensil and let cool.
Heat saucepan and add the butter.
Once butter begins to melt add flour.
While whisking begin to add milk in intervals to keep the flour from clumping. Continue to whisk until everything is added together.
Add squash and onion to baking dish.
Once the vegetables are cool, add two beaten eggs to them.
Then add shredded cheese.
Add butter, flour, and milk mixture - this should be thick and smooth.
Mix completely together and place in oven for 1 hour.

This is a huge crowd pleaser. Here is a visual of the steps and what it should look like:

Mashed Squash and Onion

Whisking

Finished whisk and preferred consistency

Everything mixed in and ready for oven!

You will know it's ready because it will begin to brown on top. It takes a full hour, so be patient!

Summer Vegetable Salad

This may be the simplest, healthiest, and easiest summer salad of them all. All you need are fresh ingredients and all are easy to find during the summer months. One of the many reasons summer is my favorite time of year, is because my favorite foods are in season.

Ingredients: