Calabazas Con Queso

New Ideas For America’s Oldest Vegetable

(NAPSA) – Squash, that delicious, versatile vegetable, is not only rich in nutrients, but it’s also rich in history.

Some botanists believe that squash is the oldest cultivated vegetable in the Americas, as seeds found in Mexican caves have been carbon-dated to 9000 B.C. And two former presidents-George Washington and Thomas Jefferson-were enthusiastic squash growers.

There are many varieties of squash grown in Mexico and exported to the United States. In fact, the warmer climates south of the border allow North Americans to enjoy healthy and good-tasting summer squash year-round.

Summer squash varieties include yellow crookneck squash, yellow straight-neck squash, zucchini and Mexican grey squash. These are soft skinned and pale fleshed, and don’t require a lot of cooking. More than 95 percent water, the squash’s high water content means that they are very low in calories (about 19 calories per cup of raw sliced squash). Summer squash is a good source of minerals and vitamin A as well as moderate quantities of vitamins B and C.

Executive Chef Noah Aguilar of The Chef’s Table Restaurant in Tubac, Ariz., developed Calabazas Con Queso, the following succulent squash dish, for the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas.

More information about squash can be found at www.freshfrom mexico.com.

Developed by Chef Noah Aguilar

Calabazas Con Queso

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Makes4 Servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup yellow onion sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup Mexican grey squash sliced
• 1 cup summer squash sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds toasted
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup pepper-jack cheese shredded
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Instructions

• Saute onions in oil at a high temperature until they start to caramelize.
• Next, add squash and cook them until tender, then add garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
• Add remaining ingredients and let simmer, stirring constantly until cheese is fully melted.
• Season and serve.