squash pizza

On the off chance anyone has been wondering what I've been up to during my blog absence, I will confess that I've been consumed with all things domestic.  In fact, I am starting to think I'd like to become a maven in that department.  There are so many different aspects to keeping a well run household that I'm afraid I'm not always diligent about keeping up with them all.  I tend to work on things in bursts.  Painting a little, cooking a little, gardening a bit more, etc., etc.  But last week, I was painting and cooking at the same time.   Wonders never cease.  Thank goodness for Paula Deen too.  I found the most delicious squash pizza recipe compliments of her July/Aug 2009 "Cooking with Paula Deen" magazine that I can't possibly hoard it to myself.  It's screaming to be shared.  If you are a fan of yellow squash and zucchini, this one's for you:
It's totally from scratch, nothing pre-made, so roll up your sleeves and don't let the ingredient list intimidate you.  It's really very easy to create and once you've taken a bite, all the work will melt away and you'll be supremely happy you took the time.

Cornmeal Crust:  1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup cornmeal, 1 tsp dried dill, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 cup butter cut into small pieces, 2 egg yolks & 3 to 4 Tbsps water. 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine all dry ingredients, add butter, mix till crumbly then put in yolks and water (1 Tbsp at a time).  Either roll out to form a circular crust or press into a tart pan.  Bake crust for 15 minutes prior to adding squash topping. 

Note:  My family enjoyed the pizza so much, we made it both ways.   Even tho the tart pan is a prettier presentation, I think the round traditional pizza form with thinner layers of squash was tastier.  At least that was our verdict, for what it's worth.  

Squash Filling:  1/4 cup butter, 4 cups thinly sliced zucchini, 4 cups thinly sliced yellow squash, 1 cup chopped onion, 5 oz Swiss cheese (we substituted mozzarella), 5 oz shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp dried dill and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper.  Melt butter in a large skillet then cook zucchini, squash and onion until tender.  Remove from heat, stir in remaining ingredients, spoon onto cornmeal crust and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned.  

Note #2:  We cut the recipe in half both times and it turned out fine so remember that as an option if you are cooking for one, two or are light eaters. 

Tomorrow I'll be back to gardening if I can overcome the distractions my new neighbors are creating for me.  They are cutting down every tree on the property (which is a considerable number), much to my dismay just because they want to be able to see their house from the street.  Apparently a new landscape plan is to follow but I'm struggling with what seems to me as complete (and unnecessary) destruction.  It's out of my control, I know, but that doesn't mean I can't stew about it.

Comments

[Nancy Bond]

It's out of my control, I know, but that doesn't mean I can't stew about it.

Oh, I know what you mean, Kathleen. My parents, bless their hearts, were bemoaning the fact that they were going to have to get 'professional arborists' in to trim the indescribably beautiful 60' cedar that towers just off their front deck. A few of its feathery tips are encroaching upon a couple of cable and telephone wires that run from the house. Noooooooo! I just know that they'll hack at it until it's finely sculpted and looses its wonderful, natural shape. :-( Charlie and I volunteered to do the job, but there were dubious looks, even though Dad owns a lopping saw. Sigh. It's their tree, of course, but it provides privacy from the neighbours, a home for myriad birds and small animals, and the most artistic backdrop when it's weighted down with snow. Waaaah. Then they spoke about the elder bush and at that point, I suggested that they just chop it down altogether. Honestly, I can't stand to see a healthy, thriving tree bothered...for no good reason. It's bad enough when one dies or you lose it to a storm. Ah well, that's my rant on that one.

Your pizza looks heavenly! I personally love both squash and zucchini, but the hubby isn't a fan. :-p Then again, I could make minis for myself and freeze them! Thx for the recipe!

[Marnie]

I love veggie pizza and this sounds really good.

Too bad about the neighbors. Many people would give anything for mature trees and these guys can't get rid of them fast enough. Go figure,huh?
Marnie

[Shady Gardener]

Hi Kathleen, This squash pizza looks delicious! I wonder if Mr. Shady would eat it? I will need to run to the store for yellow squash to find out! ;-)

I'm sorry about your neighbors. I understand completely. I have a neighbor that threatens to cut more of their woodland yard trees out... it would be very sad, as the trees are part of this whole stand of beautiful oaks. But it IS their yard.

See you later! :-)

[tina]

It's always nice to try new things in the kitchen. This pizza looks great.

[Joy]

Kathleen girl ! Will you come over to my house and cook please ? I hate doing that .. well OK .. I do a mean turkey and roast beef dinner .. but cooking consistantly .. naahhhh ! LOL
I will switch neighbors even though taking down trees is a BAD thing inmy book .. two houses away these neighbors keep the most god awful squawking parrot from hell .. well I can't even begin to explain what that constant noise is like to handle here. I'm going to call the by-law office soon and find out what can be done aarrhhgggg !

[Gail]

The pizza looks divine and sounds delicious. I wish I could get excited about cooking...I am hoping the spark comes back this winter!

You know Kathleen, we'll never understand the kind of behavior that makes folks cut down all their trees or do any number of strange things in the name of landscaping that make little ecological or aesthetic sense! Sigh~

gail

[Catherine/gardenerprogress]

That sounds and looks so good! I could live on pizza, so this is definitely something I will be trying. Your picture of it makes it look delicious!

[Victoria]

The pizza sounds delish. I hate it when neighbors pull out trees. Good luck. Hope they compensate with something nice.

[Racquel]

wow that looks tasty, thanks for sharing the recipe. ;)

[Frances]

Hi Kathleen, no wonder you are staying inside! Hopefully the terror will be over soon and a wonderful new landscape will take its place. I have bookmarked this post, as a true blue lover of squash in all forms. This sounds so yummy, all that butter and cheese, it can't miss! :-)
Frances