Crispy Squash Blossoms With Crab And Tarragon Food

STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the hot coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat. Heat about 4 inches of oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over direct heat until it reaches 350 degrees F.
• Combine the ricotta, parsley and lemon zest in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Place a tablespoon of the filling into each zucchini blossom, sealing them by bringing the petals up around the filling and giving them a little twist.
• Season the flour with salt and pepper, then dredge the blossoms first in the flour, then in the eggs and then again in the flour, being sure to shake off any excess flour.
• Working in batches if needed, carefully drop the blossoms into the oil. (Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.) Cook until golden brown and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Remove the blossoms to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and season lightly with sea salt. Serve immediately.
• (Alternatively, you can fry the blossoms over medium-high heat on a stovetop.)

CRISPY SQUASH BLOSSOMS FILLED WITH PULLED PORK AND RICOTTA

Steps:

• Place the ricotta in a strainer lined with cheesecloth over a bowl and let drain in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Discard liquid.
• Combine the strained ricotta and shredded pork in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
• Fill each squash blossom with the pork-cheese mixture and twist the top of the blossom to secure the filling while frying.
• Fill a large, heavy saucepan halfway with oil and heat on the stove until the temperature reaches 360 degrees F.
• Dredge each filled squash blossom in the rice batter to coat completely. Fry the squash blossoms in batches until lightly golden brown, turning once. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
• Drizzle some of the black pepper vinaigrette in the center of a serving plate and place 2 squash blossoms on top for each serving. Serve hot.
• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Place pork cubes in a medium roasting pan. Stir together the BBQ sauce, vinegar, and onion and then pour mixture over the pork and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pan with foil and cook in the oven for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until the meat is fork tender. Let cool in the braising liquid, then drain the liquid from the meat and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
• Whisk together water and flour until smooth and season with salt. Let sit 10 minutes before using.
• Combine vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and honey in a blender. With the machine running, slowly add the oil until emulsified.

STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS WITH CREAM CHEESE AND BACON

Steps:

• Put the cream cheese in a bowl to soften for a few minutes before you start.
• Combine basil, bacon, salt, pepper, onion, and cream cheese.
• Spoon about 1 tsp or a little more of the cream cheese mixture into the blossoms, depending on their size.
• Gently twist the ends of the petals together.
• Combine flour and cornmeal, with a little salt if you like.
• Whisk egg white into water thoroughly.
• Dip each blossom into the egg white mixture, keeping petals twisted, then roll it in the flour/cornmeal.
• Place filled blossoms in the fridge for 7-10 minutes.
• Heat 1-2" oil in a sturdy pot, to about 350 degrees F.
• Fry blossoms until golden brown, turning occasionally.
• Drain on paper towels and serve!

STUFFED BABY SQUASH WITH CREAMY MUSHROOMS & TARRAGON

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Using a serrated knife, cut a small disc off the bottom of each squash so they stand upright on a baking tray. Slice off the tops (these will be used as lids), and scoop out and discard the seeded centre. Rub 2 tbsp oil on the inside and outside of the squashes, then season.
• Tip the dried mushrooms into a heatproof bowl and cover with 100ml boiling water. Cover and leave to soak for 15 mins. Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a non-stick frying pan, and cook the shallots for 10 mins until softened and translucent. Drain the rehydrated mushrooms (reserving the soaking liquid) and roughly chop, then add to the pan along with the chestnut mushrooms. Fry for 10 mins more. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the stock, most of the reserved soaking liquid (leave the last few drops in the bottom of the bowl, as this may contain grit) and the grains, and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the crème fraîche, tarragon and cheese. Season.
• Divide the filling between the hollowed-out squashes. Put the 'lids' on top and bake for 1 hr-1 hr 10 mins, depending on the size of the squash. When ready, the squash skins should be blistered and the flesh soft and cooked through. Leave to rest for 10 mins before serving.