The Summer Squash Squad: Zucchini, Crookneck, and Patty Pan 101

We understand that you might feel a little overwhelmed when you walk through the local farmers' market here in the Pacific Northwest. Between the towers of kale and the baskets of berries, there is a whole world of summer squash waiting for you.

We know that sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between a dark green zucchini and a bright yellow crookneck. We’ve all been there! You see a funny-looking, flying-saucer-shaped vegetable and wonder, "What on earth do I do with that?"

At Anita & Joe's, we love to help you navigate the beautiful bounty of the season. We’re passionate about bringing authentic Southern flavors to our neighbors, and nothing says "Southern summer" quite like a kitchen counter overflowing with squash.

We’ve spent years perfecting our recipes, and we want to share that knowledge with you. Whether we are preparing a private dinner for your family or providing southern catering for your next big event, these three squash varieties are our absolute favorites to work with.

Meet the Summer Squash Squad

We’re happy to introduce you to the three most popular members of the summer squash family. While they might look very different on the outside, they are all harvested before their rinds harden. This means you can eat the whole thing: skin, seeds, and all!

1. Zucchini: The Versatile Workhorse

We're sure you've met this one before. Zucchini is the most common summer squash for a reason! It has a very mild, slightly sweet flavor that makes it a culinary chameleon. Because it has a high water content, it’s wonderful for dishes where you want the vegetable to almost melt into the other ingredients.

We love to use zucchini in everything from savory fritters to sweet breads. It’s a great way to sneak some nutrition into a meal without changing the flavor too much. When we're planning a menu for pacific northwest catering, we often reach for zucchini because it pairs so well with local herbs and seafood.

2. Yellow Crookneck: The Southern Belle

If you grew up in the South, you know the yellow crookneck is the true queen of the garden. You can recognize her by the bright yellow skin and that distinctive, elegant curve at the neck.

We find that crookneck squash has a slightly more buttery flavor than zucchini. It also has a bit more of a "crunch" when it’s young. As it cooks, it becomes incredibly tender and creamy. This is why it’s our go-to choice for classic Southern staples.

We’re happy to tell you that there is nothing quite like a crookneck squash that has been smothered in a skillet with sweet onions and a little bit of butter. It's the taste of home for us!

3. Patty Pan: The Nutty Newcomer

Now, let’s talk about the patty pan. These squashes look like tiny, scalloped flying saucers. They come in white, yellow, and green, and they are as delicious as they are adorable.

We love to use patty pan squash because it has a firmer, meatier texture than its cousins. It’s also a bit nuttier in flavor, especially when you roast or grill it. Because it holds its shape so well, we love to stuff small patty pans with savory fillings or slice them into thick "steaks" for a vegetarian catering option.

Why the Texture Matters

We believe in being transparent about why we choose certain ingredients for certain dishes. It’s not just about what looks good: it’s about how it feels on the fork and how it tastes on the tongue.

We understand that nobody wants a soggy casserole or a watery side dish. That’s why we use our expertise to match the right squash to the right cooking method.

• For Frying: We often choose zucchini or crookneck. Their high moisture content allows them to stay juicy inside while the cornmeal crust gets perfectly crisp.

• For Roasting: We reach for the patty pan. Its density means it can stand up to high heat without turning into mush.

• For Casseroles: We love the way crookneck squash breaks down and marries with cheese and cream. It creates that "spoonable" comfort food texture we all crave!

Bringing Southern Soul to the PNW

We know that finding authentic Southern food in the Pacific Northwest can be a bit of a challenge. That’s exactly why we started Anita & Joe's. We wanted to honor the memory of Anita and Joseph Malone by sharing the recipes and the love they poured into their cooking.

Our chef, Billy, has over 15 years of culinary experience. He knows that the secret to great food isn't just about a recipe: it’s about the care you put into every step. We’re not just a service provider; we’re your partners in creating a memorable meal.

We work with you to understand your vision, whether you're hosting an intimate dinner or a large celebration. We understand that planning an event can be stressful, especially when it comes to the menu. We’re here to take that weight off your shoulders!

Dealing with Planning Stress

We’ve heard from many customers that they worry about hidden charges or the guesswork involved in catering. We want to reduce that anxiety right from the start. We’re happy to offer clear, upfront pricing and we’ll walk you through every detail of our catering services.

We love to meet you where you are at. If you have a specific family recipe you want to recreate, or if you need help designing a menu from scratch, we are here to help. We believe that food should bring joy, not stress!

Our Favorite Ways to Serve the Squad

We’re happy to share a few of the ways we incorporate the "Summer Squash Squad" into our catering menus:

• The Classic Squash Casserole: We use tender yellow crookneck squash, plenty of sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser every single time!

• Grilled Patty Pan Skewers: We toss sliced patty pan with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs before grilling them to perfection. It’s a light and flavorful side for a summer BBQ.

• Fried Zucchini Rounds: We use a traditional cornmeal breading to give our zucchini a satisfying crunch. We love to serve these with a tangy dipping sauce.

• Stuffed Summer Squash: We take small patty pans and stuff them with a savory mixture of sausage, peppers, and onions. It’s an elegant addition to any dinner plate!

Let's Plan Your Dream Event!

We are so excited to help you create the event of your dreams. Whether you're craving the comfort of a home-cooked Southern meal or looking for a professional catering experience that feels personal, we’ve got you covered.

We understand that every event is unique, and we love to tailor our services to fit your needs perfectly. Let’s work together to bring some Southern sunshine to your next gathering!

We’re happy to chat about your ideas and answer any questions you might have. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Are you ready to experience the best southern catering in the Pacific Northwest?

Contact us today to start planning your culinary experience!