Dinner Ideas

My husband started a garden this year and planted all sorts of stuff. We have three varieties of tomatoes, squash, potatoes, cucumbers, honey dew melons, bell peppers and an assortment of herbs. Let's just say our squash is out of control!!! We have so much we don't know what to do with it. We have been trying to give it away to friends and family, but we still have so much! The other day I was looking for some recipes and this one caught my eye. Mainly because the main ingredient is squash. It calls for butternut, but I think I might change it up a bit and replace butternut with summer squash. This dish sounds perfect for having guests over and eating outside on a cool evening! Looks like I'm gonna have to have some company over! Hope you enjoy....

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Ingredients

1 or 2  Large Butternut squash – Peeled, cored and sliced thin 1/4  inch
10 to 14  Pasta Sheets – Cooked
1 handful  Spinach
6 cloves  Garlic
1 bunch  Italian Parsley
1 stick Butter (114g)
¼ Cup  Flour
3 ½ Cups Whole Milk
3 Cups  Shredded Mozzarella
½ Cup  Parmesan
10 each  Sage Leaves – Sliced Thin
1 each Lemon – Zest
Salt and Pepper and Olive Oil 

Make the Lasagna

Pre-heat oven to 375F

You will need a 13×9x2 baking dish (a regular glass one or any type of casserole will do)

Drizzle the sheet tray with olive oil and place the slices of butternut squash on it, season with salt and pepper, repeat another layer until all the butternut is layered.  Cover with foil and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes until the squash is cooked yet still firm enough to break apart.

While that is working start on your roux:  ½ stick of butter in the pot and melt until almost browned, whisk in the flour and continue to cook for about 30 seconds, slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a boil, Add the garlic and continue to cook at a medium heat until mixture thickens.   Transfer the mixture to the blender and blend in the Spinach/parsley.  Season with salt and Pepper.

Rub the Baking dish with a little butter and begin the layers:  Cream Sauce, pasta, Mozza, Parma, butternut – Repeat.  Make sure the top layer has cheese on top.  Cover with Foil and Bake for 40 minutes, remove foil and bake for another 15 or until the top is crispy golden brown.  Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve with Sage/Lemon Brown Butter:  In small sauté pan bring the remaining butter to a light brown color – Very hot and bubbling add Sage, Zest, salt and Pepper.   Spoon over a little on each piece.

xoxo