Oh, honey, you ever heard of that Pennsylvania Dutch Crookneck Squash? It’s a big ol’ thing, kinda funny lookin’, but I tell ya, it’s good eatin’. Got that long neck, all bent over like it’s shy or somethin’. Pennsylvania Dutch Crookneck Squash, that’s the keyword, remember that. Some folks call it a winter squash, but I use it all year round, if I can get my hands on it.
Now, this here squash, it ain’t like them little ones you see in the store all the time. This fella, he’s a giant! Weighs a ton, I swear. You gotta wrestle it around just to cut it up. But don’t you worry, it’s worth the trouble. I got me some recipes for that Pennsylvania Dutch Crookneck Squash, passed down from my mama, and her mama before her. Good, hearty food, that’s what it is. Keeps ya goin’ in the cold weather, or anytime, really. You can make lots of things with this squash. Soups, pies, you name it.
First thing you gotta do is get that squash cut up. Now, I ain’t as young as I used to be, so sometimes I get my son, to help me out with that part. He’s a good boy. But you just gotta saw away at it until you get it in pieces. Don’t need to peel it, that skin is good for ya. Just scoop out them seeds, like you do with a pumpkin.
Then you gotta cook it. You can bake it, boil it, fry it up in a pan. I like to roast them big chunks in the oven. Just get a big pan. Toss in some oil and stuff. Salt, pepper, whatever you like. Then you put it in the oven and let it get all soft and sweet. Takes a while, but like I said, it’s worth it. And oh boy, that smell! Fills up the whole house. Reminds me of when I was a little girl, back on the farm.
- Cut that squash up.
- Scoop out the seeds.
- Cook it how ya like.
Now, one of my favorite things to make with that Pennsylvania Dutch Crookneck Squash is soup. Oh, that soup is somethin’ else. It’s creamy and thick, and it just warms you right up from the inside out. I like to add a little bit of cream, milk, and butter, you know, make it extra special. Sometimes I throw in some onions, carrots, whatever I got layin’ around. It’s all good. Just simmer it all together in a big ol’ pot. A Dutch oven works great, you know. That’s what my mama always used. She was a great cook, my mama.
And pie! Don’t even get me started on the pie. You ever had squash pie? It’s like pumpkin pie, but different. Some folks say it’s even better. I don’t know about that, but it sure is tasty. You just gotta cook that squash down until it’s real soft, then mix it up with some eggs, sugar, spices, all that good stuff. Pour it in a pie crust and bake it. Oh, it’s heaven, I tell ya. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ll be in a good mood all day long. That’s a promise. This Crookneck Squash recipe is a keeper.
I remember one time, I made a big batch of that squash soup, and I took it over to the church potluck. Well, let me tell you, it was a hit! Everyone was askin’ for the recipe. They couldn’t believe it was made with squash. They thought it was some fancy soup from a restaurant or somethin’. I just chuckled and told ’em it was my mama’s recipe, made with that good ol’ Pennsylvania Dutch Crookneck Squash. They went right through that pot of soup!
Another good thing about this squash is you can keep it for a long time. Just store it in a cool, dry place, and it’ll last for months. That’s how we used to do it back in the day, before we had all these fancy refrigerators and freezers. We’d just put ’em down in the cellar, and they’d be good all winter long. It’s a real good keeper, this squash. That’s why it’s a good Crookneck Squash recipe to know.
You can also freeze it if you want to. Just cook it first, then mash it up and put it in freezer bags. Then you got it ready to go whenever you need it. You can use it for all kinds of things. You can put it in stews, casseroles, even bread. It adds a nice sweetness and a pretty color to whatever you’re making. It’s a really good thing to have on hand, especially if you like to cook.
So, if you ever see one of them Pennsylvania Dutch Crookneck Squashes at the market, don’t be shy. Pick one up and give it a try. It might look a little funny, but I guarantee you, it’s delicious. And it’s good for you, too. Full of vitamins and all that healthy stuff. It’s a real taste of the farm, that’s what it is. And who knows, maybe you’ll even come up with your own Crookneck Squash recipe. That’s the fun of cookin’, ain’t it? Tryin’ new things and seein’ what happens. Sometimes you mess up, but sometimes you make somethin’ real special.
I hope you enjoyed these ramblin’s of mine. Just remember that Pennsylvania Dutch Crookneck Squash, and you’ll be eatin’ good, just like me. It’s a real treat, that squash. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m gonna go see if I got another one of them squashes layin’ around. I’m feelin’ a pie comin’ on… or maybe some soup. Or maybe both!
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