As I gazed into my stuffed-to-the-gills refrigerator,
a plan was developing in my feeble brain.
I found bits and pieces of things -
leftover onions, portabella mushrooms,
squash, and zucchini.
What to do? What to do?
I'm leaning towards a squash and zucchini casserole.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkotmmjcPUrpuFOTVuSbls57oTNpiuVJM6cbKSd8qTSD8KCfFDpebiMw6gt70pmVQ0fI2pbJh8DGICYx_hsUBz_kwq3fQ966vjnOWoA8sssfYidXrjn-93GWmRIhyUksnn9-caPSpFlXWb/s400/DSCN3750.JPG)
My mise en place:
1 squash
1 zucchini
handful of portabella slices
1/2 red onion
1/2 yellow onion
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
Queso fresco
cheddar cheese
Gruyere cheese
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyd1Ihgq_VnDgjjlJ0juPes9EIwNZ2GaHNocwrIcihIVr2VwhqSlIX5iSu3ZRximIpFDv6Qx6SbJTgZQ4dOyXaC75xNOOt8AmavkX6-lNNxlnDSlLrRURY7j_0o5r9aOeO7ED2p_jTnY_g/s400/DSCN3752.JPG)
I chopped the squash, the zucchini, the onions, and the portabellos
and only used 1/2 of the mixture.
(I forget there are only two of us now.),
saving the other half for a stir fry.
And I decided this would need another egg.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYKY-xW9Cx1q7oKKUDwMTDPsLQBKwMx7fskztsMnHJUKR8SeqRGwyBhUmtEQKNK5EurQHkKQB3V7jfMiE2WK7Nv9biz32WujKGjaHP8IsIHn_WMKv82Yhx5XcQZ3LDuwyyw29bZgEX7Bl/s400/DSCN3757.JPG)
I melted butter and added a little oil
over medium high heat and tossed in the shrooms.
Sauteed for maybe two minutes before adding in ...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0ZeFbYn-JBNWoWqboIeaxfsCfjzkXWI1JFzSUvqhEC2tHLn7Hw2Q8Stib53ctl6WZrIbGLthimM93JmOLJQhZdoRsV0LY1DXPYnWXSzC73r6e7-9fSohFBpDXlaRswSX8ANojFCl4Nt5/s400/DSCN3758.JPG)
... the squash and zucchini ...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1R2tP5EhvI4Rjr9SUxnYWcqeDkTjtOZQlqg8CvgoG1GFhky4uNQNFuTLgEiJhjxi5CD4H3DwEw0K9vPltLyZ4FSOdK81lfgOvjRiw5D6tXKIt7NVF5s2T2__1Xxx9NV5B-lK50J-BbyW/s400/DSCN3760.JPG)
... and the onions.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8Rs2eO96qvqYQ5GSTfEp2yWROxD_K1kXHDhdTHQYzrUqwEwF-wStTgsADJDdvyNV0CxFOxik4WuDpJIO4jjqdBW-sZWajYQjvletych7JT4532PNHFCcjuMmW-UbGOzPAlqx62cehFfp/s400/DSCN3762.JPG)
This is such a pretty dish.
Maybe one minute for the veggies.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ-rTc27o8lrgnzI_5c4UpnHDtRz7Gy5QSbWgFchTxYFoFQRJzLp6nT0w4YGJcChVWYYzQTpWgCqvaHnfHNTJbHbpA_t0WE5egnfx1uvp3rnp-ZAQP6YhzJJ4DZ0Pzy5o8Ns7Nb3CYuo8/s400/DSCN3765.JPG)
At this point, I added a tablespoon of sugar,
and seasoned the melange with salt and pepper.
The sugar enhances the natural sugars in the vegetables
and gives you a nice caramelization.
And never add salt before sauteeing.
The salt draws out moisture and you end up steaming,
not sauteeing.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1a1eH4vIr8DNsgkFgsrsppMHik0EhfOQQGinjFewYFK4CjZeN7tibWPCv5JopQ3Jc8zoqBWPR-ezXixPTqfZh_iI9y0GYcPtBrll3l08tRry4nCK4D5nPPCNrCOYeZPPBu9rgZMAJKqy/s400/DSCN3766.JPG)
I tasted and this would be lovely just as is.
But Rosie has her heart set on a casserole today.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rmmyPchhA5BWtXHnEwmF-dqVTo8nP8vAHXOD4j9PAU-WZrLmK5tiVS1jW8GoLNnJt5wOU_AgUNmDsBnT0E1kCMzSMGkyB86ofJU_nKeZ0gJs3Is2Umu184relugkti4h5TjTcs3h6KUa/s400/DSCN3773.JPG)
I beat three eggs ...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0o5eMH5-7hk0G10OdsLJBdihqi2x26RO3wjzMH72MRWekCOAddvzi6XVyaI8sbgVF26o3hnXSWoIRdhARF2To9Guxavb-hLfK0VeOoiwo0ha5Q4qgHyxbpnHPlz7Vh0UjN6FBzgyQnrIe/s400/DSCN3777.JPG)
... then whisked in 3/4 cup milk and 3/4 cup heavy cream.
Season with freshly ground salt and pepper.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6PkjE9mvVNsfKeK4PI4is46oY5E8-Mh2xzOIfptH3oSv706-ceTXSo5c0BlV1t4OSvD4NH2l32NRA3uEW0LBruU1UwGKVvQt4jVO7loLheGa5DoYVKLHAamlgQ_GSPMEfgalRSDytf7t/s400/DSCN3786.JPG)
I added my veggies to an eight-inch casserole dish ...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaVyD9K_pujrcQ8xc1P6KVGeYBSA5bDup_Y9YwubVQfaspZCPiSbQcy4zp42ByHpMR4zzLVsUZzwW8PFWHzdVKlr2ni55Ae0DREnxNZlIp8MTGQ-b3ERHJkJfUSrVcvnTWWoZMIJT6ULX/s400/DSCN3788.JPG)
... and topped with some Queso Fresco.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrIc4MQFaYmv3lSgevL5_XhGcKXjo_gATNbVDnJ5Xj35SJkd9FlZXZjUyKRIMMfNF2qfY7iS1wQDWAnGNPvpwJRTQVM-bAJotXtSeILmAQkRxjhMmmHyjo7azTkSJz3elDY7xk5eLGvIt/s400/DSCN3796.JPG)
Next I grated some cheddar and Gruyere.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JwJHVO3IW8YA8ti9Ejl2-5CMEI6958HBjffBVHYtjHe-IQ5sMe7E_vt5NY9mUDPi-qBrAiFezg_Cb72zLLV4zr1wf58TczcObp1UfS35Cj-DdBvxAdm1j5nQqRBILz_RBTikgR89yxzC/s400/DSCN3799.JPG)
Pour the milk and egg mixture in ...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xvSOCzM8r2atXpu7Ivz4kpAJx9ypf1o7Upyj3LEV-ofIVR9A4qd9As0DPJ17HwECwYXJbM3tGalT8LuX-SzbzhfoZnI2ZRP0-seH2Kk4ZJf6t6r5HPhdL2R9dOfztQprN-DEBD2bRhOr/s400/DSCN3802.JPG)
... and top with the cheeses.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtfqDJ7NcL3iDQ0re0G0kcdzL5rpA1dtt4t3e5t7eo60IdYf8pe-dshkWZZcCSzBVLoVzv1X4rRTgdLgViztoLZhY-gVGOX7XX5gBN9LG9RVjrwD300JfnF1pP6PjXmSrL-1XpZjnsNBp/s400/DSCN3808.JPG)
I crumbled some saltines and club crackers on top.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GJquusHWtkkT1LwqvHZl1tQDqYwzvQki7Bih-OteOIKYxygPQ74EqQynJjjjl0AYpA90mfJOB5FhoYjfthBLCAc4rHfogg4VEXKq8YeIimE-2Eoir25B0FLqZZIOzQ-c33VwSBZ4g9V0/s400/DSCN3837.JPG)
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Let sit for a bit before slicing.
While my casserole was resting,
Mr. Hawthorne commenced on the rest of the meal -
fried scallops and mahi mahi fish sticks.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_CkDB346xk9M9IK4w9aD6O3vjVQH7rPQmXZkVQ5sj1OO8D-iKRCRDMFonMJWimswBaGEKn5atNq28objHFQw47wXdjWAFK2Mqv5TEAaeZJTicJVYdjYKQpfICaO6TqLG89o24juQmew3/s400/DSCN3811.JPG)
For the batter:
1 cup flour
1/4 cup corn starch
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwF6jNyFUeUDxuaWqv_rhxeMop1kfjLCd4kFljEMekKsKPy-kjfZwUhylXWla6zgMWfnLkRlJYJnJUmro2D7KgePLMdS8tpkuUcOnoL6VN_5myJbXsLrBneTINQ9rMCUmIDA1Assdq2RLY/s400/DSCN3820.JPG)
Mix dry ingredients.
Flour and baking powder ...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG48s6IT_8d7IroWz45UztpysCf3-G9lOwv7ykuCNsFx2HSXCEwKr7l11IAtDSUjLDC9gLo8MIWqdn1qkY0KBv9iGwAkGLcqU8NOA_WXe7ZgdZa5NpCQViMKKdxAFFCJqcSIciy5p1_0m/s400/DSCN3825.JPG)
... the the corn starch ...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCG2TsevUyLoODPN3P4Y5NOSGDWu2zbxJYRbhoJqhtYTfzr0MOBJogPHjea-QxCFcnXm8uqYofprI1l7Y9R2JIM7dWz6uFkR0hqeDGch5Lv_bn2GYQFidQXZO16lWUjq9cm8arhg2XMnl0/s400/DSCN3827.JPG)
... and the Old Bay.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmN6SBcutU0Ji4GV4t6ZEGLxSe07k3bORmC2UEP32BNcQX3f4jbWBHYJ25-7UFG3JTFJpy-Ru-qaaHyBVhpUaP4nzU_vioy8uE2KuG9Yx3HQnIHfxRx1BqNImWd00NQC1sh-WOavN2qhN/s400/DSCN3830.JPG)
Add in beer ...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1XfUB8L_Fhd-ZaiD1TmIvDL4hQBfCWsBhOQzfy76McraNcEApSNhnOj7In8VpG2lXPBmF3oX85tTnFKRNdhZgj42VKNUVCt_JLco-HWW7olRm6jW0QY5JKOS233YGzy7KePlzxoHn5tP/s400/DSCN3836.JPG)
... whisking, until you get a pancake-like batter.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UZOqCaWUjIJ_N4c4s78SaSIVwqFs0_SKQqax1x4O8WAGwBfrNZu0nsK6toon_OYwtmQAn-ARc3iIMjpqJ3MbzdvpqUM0bEdRRdrRJ-_1-IZ-a0seVgJV5fcrDfhmPudUfHmIr2GSXwfv/s400/DSCN3848.JPG)
Here's a mahi mahi filet.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwysL6WENJoUqtXVmUQX-hDQppvE-WrfRO5VsMdP5WgNnZAGBINqP3fnkYKjGqiLoY7BBS_8Jeycnp7B3PsKu4Hx3Dt8fxk3O0YS7xqUQOM5J9mhrWjigjmMQ5r2xwkKPR4j5rb9UF5SBp/s400/DSCN3858.JPG)
You need to cut out the blood line.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkus3nXE3nbmIc3qhzuQceXZ8eryYmKrp77g_97-U_PCX0SYrdigbADBJczYCx0upl7w5T6KuHdwoIXJfYz0PPA0lD7x60VuemnvdhHKA1Z97XEo8wDm3UittyFXyY9KgnPsxFWCieWt2i/s400/DSCN3863.JPG)
Like so.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialYNOTs9mR5iA4soCNUAyyEsK-aE1jXrEq0aV6R4xhwi2HSKHRgt-KiovfVwtSgRWUMApxlAgNS2re5tdwYtcvND1Z1Wqip2WtXUnd6ckaK0TmXcD4s0i21uXUqc9XUEI-i48f-24lrrQ/s400/DSCN3864.JPG)
The blood line is a strong-tasting,
oily, unpleasant part of the fish.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoc3WC0zUvlqsHjgsQM6WUWzICTkaIB99VwISV2Dtsgx4TjQPZmJ4B68HmAGj5SJDGdx5m998kP6P2HtCXi9yusNnehR_-XZw1yjAXnEiScad-Qc5Q9bjh4SlQE-SGtdmLfY4YmOjCOWBF/s400/DSCN3865.JPG)
And it needs to be removed.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u-AOph3VNeKPEa1-3Ub4G-nJboZnnRuMvOocn6CGAsux0Nu7qTlQkE_gS7QjraI5aZ_kpUdTnmN6i95JIYsYKhECE6X6-T5SWiW7BDpvy8S3qCtQYZdoqItW6fIcjOI3ORlX_6dSMfIm/s400/DSCN3866.JPG)
Like so.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePa7RMTIA5HKqAdGMaJHcE2aTcJJSrxa8IV5qiH8ajYxC4ArJpSin8jNZ3fViw4EzGYjgXhrtLMEGzgVvzWgycueXcyFKDUQuppddH3whjTve0mKkH5fcuXB_mL3icfmsTMhtyL0DheB5/s400/DSCN3879.JPG)
Next, Mr. Hawthorne, sliced the filet into fish sticks.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL27GKWlxAmpNmsfazO5br7cx9SWiKc_x5gYAYNAidiyMtPuTIA2-y6n5c5ePZLq2eQhi9SEL2fyEzLnEPGlysx192oQnuCcosMpwuxgMXPbCSAVm_owd36yBFO_WyiG5TXGfRAUNvRdb-/s400/DSCN3882.JPG)
Be sure you dry the scallops and the fish off
so the batter will adhere.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAi8-Da_M2IUQomlaInWhc7fwohUXWPxKRZJGjqZJ_nKDzxEosbgZI6SZerbXLjXcVPhdQPv7__-YFWBS0LY74FZH7KL3yzRuuUwJZaiw9WmLtL_pOTFiGW5Wp3oUOQlyvmWMN-Iz3Uxz/s400/DSCN3896.JPG)
Scallops and mahi mahi into the batter.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9DVvNvweq6i_FAKzuxfb-eQutawkXQB08sLlY0b-Shn7oG68fg_tw0HT7RVCxzRjT8vVpI2TcX5RKLdZjwGW7106cb3Hn7M2B6sEposj6vs6cy2fSqkfAcy5jkXm9_T4bag9dg8Bo5Lk/s400/DSCN3901.JPG)
Then into the hot oil.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyKUjQgLCAbS2tpscv3L4CV_A7XtbPxFFWqvsOlr-qk2WOBTJ1hC3mtrAcqYL7CkJsVCjEfENGnEO_Lcgk_EMH1xGgnn9zFePslAzVwIoZP6bLBPYn8jQMiVWsZQQdXE4A0Ewgxw7sxGe/s400/DSCN3903.JPG)
Quickly brown.
Should only take a minute or less.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduPTuLYzzdqfEJUy5Xe57ZSvwgVIhYzNcmiZ9Q0mqvQoYRKEVW3r5r-5aM17HTJNYQc5KKiu3edF_kPd4oiMQDSe4vVkHLKfUNVUfrN98VWeHvEOqzQahi04JauDsk3R8Wngi1l4FJHRM/s400/DSCN3913.JPG)
Drain on paper towels.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmt5PCfQoga0yctMgfcwiffNHqMuZIq9z1dLPPCvSMnLxS7a-FecaaH9tUyEHugkg7TAK9-c4RD5nzdWZeTW6311bsGaQj8uA_cobAh06Gyj8EGHHMFu0t0FR6uGZGk6MUl9goqsAXFIq/s400/DSCN3921.JPG)
Rosie has to have her lemon juice.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4VGKRPXlv4a9mW94zf6c0MgErcezOBDYoJmBZCp6m-ODKzCqKqcPOgSDDJt39VftqIuYlx_Ow5Tg0s0sVDbLSMwFdEPASYJWQLc3PFHaOPCy0P0-lYf2jXtl3xVeN_qDCpDGhmWQpk-m/s400/DSCN3954.JPG)
Excellent batter, Mr. Hawthorne.
Light and delicate to let the seafood shine.
Make your own tartar sauce -
mayo, some minced dill pickles and some sweet relish.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFMuYvAUwqSl0uFrDlBNjIZyfSvWSbOI3DrU4So-hgyGeW0d7EAe94Au4Y8ciG__XKnefvbzLzvxqMXmuDaTjaA7l0ch7yl81LiA3R4q_4f5YtLV5TJL0SQCE7KZu6yyoIryapfQCNtvY/s400/DSCN3955.JPG)
And the casserole.
Oh my.
The casserole.
I loved the veggies.
Loved the flavors.
Loved the cheese.
Loved the texture.
This was perfect.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFU3lZKFZhLH5ZdzBZ10fABUT_B8XgJDX62yPU0sw_CSDpAKbpcdB_9z2PWVeQyUsAkT33gf04DC1N7TW5twQX52nckHL83I9cWqBdBT-GDlXB9IrjJ-cSuWEea3dUZxCYzbk7i2yBJZc/s400/DSCN3956.JPG)
Mr. Hawthorne had one serving of the casserole.
I ate the rest.
Every bit.
All by myself.
I feel a little naughty.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2cN2r7sYJ2NwkznkEm8-ULr7s3K0PYemWq4wFSMGYv7iExD8lrHVv2VVk_uhAAWdKcv_TL2sdTUgQX18dod6EQKZhDlnT96OO9cJ92cl7kBaw3NYhzUOvS4c1BzQOhJFU1Jq8-TC4BQ0/s400/DSCN3957.JPG)
Bon appetit.
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