Thanksgiving Acorn Squash Cheese Dip

This is a recipe that I got from an old boss about 5 years ago. I have to say that because I would not come up with a food presentation this pretty by myself.  I have been making this recipe every Thanksgiving since she gave it to me and it is always a hit.

1 small acorn squash or pumpkin

1 egg

1 package of cream cheese

1/4 cup cream

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese or Italian blend

1/4 cup Blue cheese or Gorgonzola

1 tbsp. each of fresh thyme, dried oregano, fresh basil and fresh sage

1. Get a small pumpkin or acorn squash. (I am partial to acorn squash because I like the flvor nd the deep green color it adds to the table.) Hollow out the interior of the squash and level the bottom so it sits flat . I also find it helpful to create a little circle of foil to reinforce the bottom and prevent any leakage while in the oven.

2. Mix all cheeses, herbs and dairy in a bowl and stuff inside cleaned out pumpkin. Put any extra into a bakeware dish to cook alongside in the oven.

3. Place filled squash and any extra in oven at 350 for 1 hour. Sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers, veggies or pita chips.

Easy Zucchini Ziti

Here is the easiest ziti ever. It is freezable and tastes great reheated. It takes to additions nicely, i.e you can sneak in additional vegetables and no one would be the wiser! I usually have some variation of these ingredients in the house, so it is a great way to use them up.

1 lb Italian turkey sausage, crumbled (Can also used ground beef or turkey, whatever you have on hand)

1-2 tsp Italian seasoning.

1/2 a large or 1 small zucchini, chopped

1 jar tomato sauce of your choice

1 box pasta

8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Cook turkey sausage in a skillet until browned sprinkle with 1 tsp Italian seasoning
2. Add in chopped zucchini, cook for an addition 3-5 minutes.
3. Add sauce and cook another 3-5 minutes
4. Cook pasta according to package directions
5. In drained pasta pot, mix sauce with pasta and about 6 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese
6. Put mixture in 9×13 dish.
7. Top with remaining shredded mozzarella, (Sometimes I will add grated parmesan, and sliced provolone if I have it on hand)
8. Top with additional seasoning.
9. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes