Is your garden overflowing with zucchini? Did you notice an unusual flying saucer shaped squash in the market? Or did your beloved bring home a basket of beautiful yellow crookneck squash? Each of these types of summer squash can be prepared quickly and easily. This guide to how to cook summer squash will show you how.

Summer squash differs from winter squash in that it is harvested before the fruit is fully mature. The skin has not yet hardened and the seeds are still small and tender.http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/veggies/ssquash1.html This guide to how to cook summer squash will introduce you to several techniques you can use to successfully enjoy this versatile vegetable.

While there are a number of different types of summer squash, the three most popular varieties are yellow squash, zucchini and patty pan.http://home.howstuffworks.com/summer-squash2.htm http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/cookingschool/foodbasics/seasonalproduce/summersquash

• Yellow squash varies in shade from pale yellow to deep gold. Although it is traditionally boiled or steamed, serving as a perfect foil for butter, it also benefits from more creative preparation techniques.http://www.recipezaar.com/154827

• Many people think of zucchini in connection with Italian cooking.http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/jun/18/using-up-all-that-summer-squash-with-all-the-ways-/?living http://www.recipezaar.com/238294 However, you can do a lot more with it! In addition to being steamed, sauteed, grilled or roasted, it works well in casseroles, mixed with pasta or grated and used in a cake or meatloaf.

• Sometimes called scallop squash, patty pan's round shape makes it particularly well suited to stuffing.http://www.healthy-recipes-for-kids.com/scallop-squash-recipes.html http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Stuffed-Pattypan-Squash/Detail.aspx Patty pan squash can be green or yellow.

• Because of the thin peel and immature seeds, the entire squash is edible.http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/filelibrary/1808/9461.pdf Summer squash shouldn't be washed until immediately before preparing, to make sure the skin stays intact.http://www.cambridgeculinary.com/squash.aspx#How%20to%20Prepare

Salting

• Summer squash has a high water content.http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/cookingschool/foodbasics/seasonalproduce/summersquash If you're using it in a recipe where excess water would be a problem, such as a casserole, you'll want to salt it first.http://www.greengiantfresh.com/summersquash.asp In addition to the squash and salt, you'll need a colander and paper towels.

1. Slice the squash.
2. Sprinkle the slices lightly with salt on both sides.
3. Place the colander in the sink, or in a larger bowl, to catch the water.
4. After an hour, wipe the squash dry with paper towels, and proceed with the recipe.
5. If you're on a salt restricted diet, you may want to rinse the salt off, instead of just wiping it.

• Steamed squash is a simple way to enjoy this vegetable. If you don't have a steamer basket, see our guide on how to steam vegetables page for alternate methods.

• Summer squash, one cup per person

• Butter, melted, two-to-three teaspoons per personhttp://www.recipezaar.com/154827

• Salt and pepper, as desired

• Pot with lid and steamer insert, large enough to fit squash and water comfortably

• Chef's knife and cutting board

• Serving dish

1. Place steamer insert in pot.

2. Fill pot with water, stopping at the base of the insert.

3. Set pot aside.

4. Wash squash thoroughly.

5. Trim off both the stem and blossom ends of the squash.

6. Chop squash into bite sized chunks or slices.

7. Place squash in steamer basket.

8. Bring the water to a boil.

9. Turn heat down to a simmer.

10. Steam until squash is tender when pierced with a fork, about 5-10 minutes.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/ZUCCHINI-WITH-LEMON-BASIL-DRESSING-105834 http://www.recipezaar.com/154827

11. Transfer squash to serving bowl, and season with butter, salt and pepper as desired.

• Simple and delicious sauteed summer squash can be enjoyed on its own or served with pasta for a quick dinner.

• 2 tablespoons olive oilhttp://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_16047,00.html

• 2 teaspoons garlic, choppedhttp://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_10802,00.html?rsrc=like

• 2 lbs. summer squashhttp://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/000054moms_summer_squash.php/ref>

• Herbs, such as basil, thyme, oregano or marjoram if desired

• Salt and pepper

• Frying pan

• Chef's knife and cutting board

• Mixing spoon

1. Wash and thinly slice squash, discarding the ends.

2. Pour olive oil into frying pan.

3. Saute garlic just until color starts to change to a light gold.

4. Add the squash to the pan.

5. Saute until tender.

6. Add herbs, mix well, and continue to cook for another minute.

7. Add salt and pepper to taste.

• Roasted summer squash is a delicious side dish to plan when the oven is already in use for another part of the meal. It also mixes well with pasta for a savory main dish.http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_33524,00.html

• 4 medium summer squashhttp://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_33524,00.html

• 1/4 cup olive oilhttp://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_33524,00.html

• 1/4 cup fresh herbs, if desiredhttp://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/2007/08/easy-south-beach-recipes-roasted-baby.html

• Salt and pepper

• 1-2 cups other vegetables such as peppers, onions and/or mushrooms if desired

• Cooking spray

• Chef's knife and cutting board

• Mixing spoon

• Roasting pan

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.http://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/2007/08/easy-south-beach-recipes-roasted-baby.html

2. Lightly grease a 9-inch by 13-inch roasting pan with olive oil or cooking spray.

3. Slice the squash and additional vegetables.

4. Place sliced vegetables in prepared roasting pan.

5. Toss vegetables with olive oil, herbs and salt and pepper.

6. Place pan in preheated oven.

7. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until tender.http://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/2007/08/easy-south-beach-recipes-roasted-baby.html

Grilling squash is a popular option during warm months as the squash can be cooked alongside meats on a gas or charcoal grill. Options include cooking the squash whole or slicing the squash to cook in a grill basket or on skewers.

• 4 medium summer squash

• 1/4 cup olive oilhttp://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Grilled-Yellow-Squash/Detail.aspx

• 1/4 cup fresh herbs, if desired

• 1-2 tablespoons minced garlic, if desired

• Salt and pepper

• Chef's knife and cutting board

• Mixing spoon

• Gas or charcoal grill

• Spatula

1. Slice squash about 1/4-inch thick.http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_28067,00.html

2. Season olive oil with garlic, herbs or salt and pepper to taste.

3. Preheat grill according to manufacturer's instructions.

4. Brush squash on both sides with oil.

5. Grill until tender, turning often, about eight minutes.http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_28067,00.html