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Sugar Pumpkin
Appetizer
INGREDIENTS
Sugar Pumpkins (1 per person)
Goat Cheese or Fresh Mozzarella
Fresh Basil
Red Onion
Pesto Sauce
Grape or Cherry Tomatoes
Sugar pumpkins are mini pumpkins
that almost look like squash. If you can get them, use the ones that
are about the size of a grapefruit or softball if its a starter or appetizer.
It is obviously a perfect starter for October through November because
it looks so festive. Getting the basil in late November might be a
problem, but if you have a garden, certainly you should have some fresh left
around Halloween time.
Carefully cut the tops off the sugar pumpkins and
scoop out the inside seeds and "guts". Set the tops aside but keep
in tact. Sautee or sweat the diced red onion in a pan of olive oil
for a minute or two. Mix with your cherry or grape tomatoes once you
have dut them in half and toss with shredded basil leaves. Spoon into
your sugar pumpkins and then put your goat cheese and mozzarella on top (you
can also just mix the goat cheese in with all the other ingredients if you
like). Put the tops of the sugar pumpkins have on so that it vents while
cooking
Be sure to brush the outside of the pumpkin, the
top and the inside of the top with olive oil. Put on an oiled baking
try or pan, cook at 400F for about 30-45 minutes, but certainly check it
after 20 minutes, it all depends on the size of your sugar pumpkins. Obviously
proceed with caution as contents will be very hot. Warn your over-anxious
guests too.
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- February 19,
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