Sexy Squash Casserole

Yum! I love squash - if you know me, you know this is aboslutely true! I eat squash no less than 4 times a week, and have a deep adoration for all kinds of squash. Haha, anyway, before you start to invision me as some sort of creep in pumpkin patch, just try this casserole and I think you'll begin to understand my obsession...

Sexy Squash

- 1 small spaghetti squash

- 1 cup cornmeal

- 2 cups water

- 1 cup sliced mushrooms

- 1/2 cup diced onion

- 1 tsp minced garlic

- 1 can tomatoes, any way you like em

- 1 fresh tomato

- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

- 1 tsp each basil, oregano

- salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1) Prepare squash. How? let me count the ways:

a) microwave to soften. cut down center lengthwise. Remove seeds (save for toasting as a snack). Then bake in oven at 350 for 40 minutes, or until soft. Using a fork, scrape the squash out of its skin and place into a seperate bowl. Discard skin.

b) After softening and prepping, you can simply place in a microwavable safe bowl with a tiny bit of water, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until soft. Follow directions above.

c) Wrap in tinfoil and throw prepared squash into firepit. Only for the hardcores.

2) Polenta

i. Add water and cornmeal to a pot. Cook for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into a greased pan so that it is approximately 1/2 a cm in height. Place in freezer to cool for 10 minutes. Meanwhile prepare sauce.

3) Prepare sauce.
i. Heat pan or sauce pan to medium. Add a tiny bit of oil, then add onions and mushrooms. Cook until slightly golden, then add garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
ii. Add tomatoes, reduce heat, and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Assembly:

In a casserole dish of your choice:

1) 1/2 of squash, salt and pepper

2) 1/3 of sauce

3) layer of polenta (all of it. If there is extra, cut into fries, fry up, and enjoy with marinara sauce. YUM)
3) 1/3 of sauce

4) Rest of squash, salt and pepper

5) Rest of sauce

6) Thin slices of that fresh tomato

7) sprinkle with seasonings, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar

Finally! Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes until bubbly, fragrant, and impossible to wait any longer!