Grilled Butternut Squash Pizza.

Our garden produced lots and lots of butternut squash this past growing season.  So many, in fact, that they killed off my pepper and pea plants, smoothered my cucumbers, and threatened the basil.  Fast forward to the actual harvest season...turns out there was even more squash that I could see previously.  That means way too much butternut squash.

And now I'm faced with using all that squash.  And, really, what better way to use some than on pizza!?  Not only did I get to take advantage of using a squash with this recipe, but I also grilled a pizza.  This is something that I've had on my "do to" list for way too long.

Grilled Butternut Squash Pizza.
(Recipe Adapted from The Kitchen Illiterate)
1 pizza crust (I made my own)
1/2 butternut squash (peeled and cut into small squares...I ended up with 3 cups)
1 tablespoon garlic infusion grape seed oil (or olive oil)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1 1/2 cup mozzarella (shredded)
1 lb onions (caramelized - following a recipe such as this)
4 slices bacon (prepared)

Toss squash with oil and seasonings.  Roast in a 550 degree oven for 20 minutes.  Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, and mash with a fork.  Evenly spread the squash oven pizza crust and then cover with 1 cup cheese.  Distribute onions and bacon evenly on top of that.  Finally sprinkle remaining cheese and cook on a charcoal grill.

Soooo...I'm not an expert nor do I really even know how to grill a pizza.  For best results you may want to google it and secure a gas grill.  We used charcoal and the crust burnt to a crisp.  So much so that I peeled the bottom of some of the pieces :)

In my case I had my husband grill both sides of the crust...just a couple minutes on each side and then I prepared the pizza and we returned it to the grill for about 7 minutes...the cheese did not melt as much as I would have liked...but it was still melty and delicious!  (This may not be an issue with a gas grill...remember my crust was black and crispy in less than 7 minutes!!)

And if you are not up for grilling a pizza, I recommend making this pizza in the oven!  And I know that it turned out good because my husband had seconds.  He only does this with things he really likes!

Bacon & Onion Quiche.

Today I need to tell you about the quiche I made last week.  That thing was amazing and is all thanks to Melissa over at Made by Melis.  I can't believe I had it bookmarked for so long without making it especially since it will be making it into my rotation of regular meals!

Bacon & Onion Quiche.
(Slightly Adapted from Made by Melis)
1 pie crust (mine was pre-made because you all know how I feel about pie crust)
10 ounces of applewood smoked bacon
1/2 large onion (cut into slices)
1/4 cup grated asiago cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1/2 milk
1/2 cup evaporated milk
3 eggs
salt & pepper to taste

Cut bacon into small pieces and cook on stove top; stir often to prevent burning and sticking.  When bacon is about half done add the onions.  Cook over medium heat until bacon is cooked and onions turn golden.  Place pie crust into pie plate.  Top crust with bacon/onion mixture then sprinkle with cheese.  In a separate bowl beat milks, eggs, salt & pepper.  Mix in parsley and pour over the top of the cheese.  Bake in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes.  Allow quiche to cool about 10 minutes before serving.

If you are looking for dinner ideas for the coming week, make this.  I promise you will not be disappointed.  This would also be a great dish for Easter Brunch.  Either way, do yourself a favor and make it sooner than later!

Apple Bean Bake

It seems as though whenever an exam or assignment is due I tend to shift my focus to baking and cooking instead. Therefore, with an exam this coming Monday, rather than studying I have spent the last hour sorting through and debating on which of the many recipes I want to post. (Holly - there are a few you may still want me to share!) After asking for my husbands input the conclusion was to share the infamous APPLE BEAN BAKE. This is a recipe from my Aunt Nina who has been one of many to help provide me with so many simple, quick and tasty recipes these last 2 years of nursing school in order to keep my husband and my tummy satisfied! I do apologize I have no picture to go with this, but am now craving it so if I bake it this week I will see if Holly can add a photo for me!!!

APPLE BEAN BAKE:

1 can Randall Beans (48oz) - DO NOT drain - can be found at Piggly Wiggly/Walmart

3 cups sliced Granny Smith apples

4 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup white sugar

1/2 cup ketchup

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon molasses

1 teaspoon salt

6 slices of bacon (or more if you LOVE bacon like I do!)

1. In skillet melt butter. Add apples and cook until tender

2. Add brown and white sugar, stirring until sugar is melted

3. Stir in cinnamon, salt, ketchup and molasses

4. Add beans and mix well, then set mixture aside

5. Cut bacon into small pieces and fry (or fry and then break into pieces - whichever you prefer)

6. Add bacon to apple mixture and pour into a 2 quart casserole dish - (If you'd like and the smell is too good to avoid, scoop a few teaspoonfuls out for tasting - but it may make you go crazy waiting for it to bake the next hour!)

7. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 1 hour - (I place a few pieces of foil under the dish incase the juices bubble over)

8. Scoop and enjoy! Tastes great the next day reheated or cold