Sherried Baby Squash Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a pot, blanch the squash until slightly tender, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
• In an ovenproof saute pan, melt the butter and heat until it becomes a caramel color (be careful not to burn it). Toss the squash with the browned butter and season.
• Place pan in oven and let the squash finish cooking, approximately 15 minutes.
• **Chef notes: If you don't want to keep the dish in the oven, then keep cook the squash in the water, during the blanching process, and serve immediately after sauteing.
• The recipes for this program, which were provided by contributors and guests who may not be professional chefs, have not been tested in the Food Network's kitchens. Therefore, the Food Network cannot attest to the accuracy of any of the recipes.

Steps:

• Wash and slice the squash into 1/2 inch pieces.
• In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the onion and saute for 4-5 minutes, or until it is beginning to caramalize and stick to the bottom of the pan.
• Deglaze the pan with the sherry, scraping up the brown bits. When the sherry has cooked down to a thick liquid, add the squash, thyme and some garlic salt. Toss to coat with butter and onions. Spread squash out over the bottom of the pan so that they can brown, about 1-2 minutes.
• When one side is lightly browned, flip squash over to brown on other side. When browned, add pepper and toss. Serve hot.

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add butternut squash and sauté until beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and Sherry. Boil until almost all liquid evaporates, about 30 seconds. Stir in 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until squash it very tender, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.
• Puree soup in blender in batches until smooth. Return soup to same saucepan. Stir in milk and chopped thyme. Bring to simmer. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Bring soup to simmer before serving, thinning with more broth, if desired.)
• Ladle soup into bowls. Top with dollop of yogurt. Garnish with thyme sprigs.

Steps:

• Fry the onion in the oil for 5 mins until softened. Add the sherry and squash and sizzle for 1-2 mins. Pour in the stock, then cover and simmer for 20 mins until the squash is tender when pierced with a knife.
• Whizz in a food processor until smooth. Will keep in the fridge for 2 days, or freeze for 6 weeks. When ready to eat, reheat until bubbling and serve in small portions topped with seed-bread croûtons (see above right) and a parsley sprig.

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Using a serrated knife, cut a small disc off the bottom of each squash so they stand upright on a baking tray. Slice off the tops (these will be used as lids), and scoop out and discard the seeded centre. Rub 2 tbsp oil on the inside and outside of the squashes, then season.
• Tip the dried mushrooms into a heatproof bowl and cover with 100ml boiling water. Cover and leave to soak for 15 mins. Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a non-stick frying pan, and cook the shallots for 10 mins until softened and translucent. Drain the rehydrated mushrooms (reserving the soaking liquid) and roughly chop, then add to the pan along with the chestnut mushrooms. Fry for 10 mins more. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the stock, most of the reserved soaking liquid (leave the last few drops in the bottom of the bowl, as this may contain grit) and the grains, and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the crème fraîche, tarragon and cheese. Season.
• Divide the filling between the hollowed-out squashes. Put the 'lids' on top and bake for 1 hr-1 hr 10 mins, depending on the size of the squash. When ready, the squash skins should be blistered and the flesh soft and cooked through. Leave to rest for 10 mins before serving.