Squash Pastillas

Squash is loaded with vitamins, minerals and nutrients. It contains protein, carbohydrates, potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, B, and C. Squash contains high potassium, which reduces urinary calcium excretion; people who eat high amounts of dietary potassium appear to be at low risk of forming kidney stones.


The nutrients found in squash are useful for the prevention of other conditions as well. High intakes of fiber-rich foods help to keep cancer-causing toxins away from cells in the colon, while the folate, vitamin C, and beta-carotene help to protect these cells from the chemicals that can lead to colon cancer.

The squash’s antioxidants vitamin C and beta-carotene also have anti-inflammatory properties that make them helpful for conditions like asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, where inflammation plays a big role.

In addition to the fruit, other parts of the plant are edible. Squash seeds can be eaten directly, ground into paste, meal, “nut” butter, or even a fine flour. The flowers, leaves, and tendrils can be eaten as vegetables. Unknown to many Filipinos, squash flowers are found to contain lutein, a plant phytochemical that prevents cataracts.

SQUASH PASTILLAS

1 kilo squash
3 cups sugar
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp lemon rind

Procedure:
Cut squash into cubes and cook in boiling water until tender enough to mash into puree. Drain off water and cool. Scrape pulp from peel and press through sieve. Measure the squash pulp and add 1/2 cup sugar per cup of puree. Mix thoroughly. Cook over medium heat. Add butter. Stir constantly until thickened. Add lemon rind and continue stirring. Cooking is done if it forms a firm ball in cold water. Turn into a smooth board greased with butter. Level to 1/2 cm. thick. Allow to cool and into desired size. Roll in sugar and wrap with cellophane paper.

Meat loaf

Meat loaf is synonymous to embutido and hardinera in terms of ingredients and process. But there's a twist in this recipe. Try it and find out.

Ingredients:
1/2 kilo ground pork
1 can sliced pineapple
1 onion, chopped
1 small carrot, chopped
1 small singkamas (sweet yam), chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp powdered milk
4 slices loaf bread
1 egg, slightly beaten
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Combine all ingredients except sliced pineapple. At the bottom of a 9"x5" pan, arrange pineapple slices. Pour meat mixture. Cover with wax paper or aluminum foil. Steam for 1 hour, then cool before serving with your favorite ketchup.

Mango jam

Wash ripe mangoes. Cut and scoop out pulp. To every cup of the pulp, add 1/4 cup sugar. Cook until thick enough to spread. Pack in dry sterile glass jar. Remove air bubbles and half seal container.

Sterilize for 25 minutes in boiling water. Seal completely.