Papa Mike's FAMOUS Squash Patties

Growing up, I was always a very picky eater. Always plain, no veggies, nothing tuching, very BORING! It wasn't until I was pregnant with my twins that my taste buds started to change. I tried fried okra for the first time and I LOVED it. My dad (Papa Mike to the grandkids) called it Arkansas popcorn. Then, I went on to sweet potatoes, cucumbers, all kinds of beans, soy beans (edemame), and of course... squash.

My dad made these squash patties one night and they didn't even make it to the dinner plates. Everyone was walking by and grabbing one as he was cooking them. This recipe is very simple to make and the patties are good hot, cold, and even the next day.

Need:
2-3 med/large Squash
1 small onion
salt
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 egg

Use a cheese grader with the largest holes. Cut the tip off of the squash and grade over a large bowl. Peel and grade the onion as well. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for about 10 minutes. Use a spatula or large spoon to press the squash in the bowl and pour the excess water out. Do this every few minutes until you have removed quite a bit of water. Some moisture left is ok.
Next, add the sugar, flour, and egg, and mix well.

                                 *my camera is not taking the best pictures at the moment.


 Heat enough oil to cover the bottom of a skillet over medium to medium/high heat. Drop a spoonfull of the mixture in the hot oil and lightly press to form a patty. I don't like them too thin.

Cook until you see the sides start to brown, then flip. It takes about 2-3 minutes to brown on each side.

Let dry on paper towels and enjoy! They are so YUMMY! I sometimes make them to snack on around the house. The onions and the little bit of sugar really spruce up the flavor.

WPS!

A friend of mine saw this on Pinterest and asked if I could re-create it for her brother as a Christmas present. So I did and it turned out FANTASTIC! Now I have a few people asking for replicas. So, thank you Pinterest person for providing this idea and the business. And..... Woooo Pig Sooie!

Back To School!! This Indian is about to be a Red Wolf!

I graduated high school in 2004, imediately went to college at lovely ASU (Arkansas State), joined a sorority, partied, played rugby, studied a little, partied, met a guy, and then inevitably dropped out after December 2006. The only real good thing I got from that blur of about 2.5 years, aside from the obvious life experience, was great friendships and an amazing(ly handsome) husband!!

Then came REAL WORLD!! A husband and a beautiful set of twin boys in the same year (2007) when I was just 21 and he was 20 brought on a LOT of responsibilities. With neither of us having a degree or any real job experience, we had to start like so many others.. at the bottom. He worked while I took care of the babies. Talk about stressful but definately relationship building. I started working when the boys were two and Sam (that's my hubby, BTW) continued to work and went back to school. We made an agreement that he would attend school full-time and work when he could until he finished his associates in criminal justice. After that, it would be my turn to finish my degree.

Now, after feeling like that has been taking forever, that time has come!! He will be done at the end of December!! I'm so excited for him and hope that he really loves his career in law enforcement. He works hard for our family and deserves the very best.

 Now it's MY TURN!!

I have re-enrolled at ASU to finish a degree in Middle School Education. When I attended ASU the first time I was an Indian, now I will be returning as a Red Wolf. The school has changed it's mascot since. Actually, I won't necissarily be "attending" ASU. Most of it will be done online and through our local community college. This will save on traveling and I also have to keep my job. Also, I have about a semester's worth of classes that will roll over from my previous years. YAYYY!!

So, here's to 2nd chances. It will be difficult at times but I see what the finish line looks like. I can invision my future, something I couldn't do before- through a set of beer goggles.