Supersize Squash, from Peru

Gretchen Noelle from the Peruvian food blog Canela y Comino has a passion for introducing the world to Peruvian food. In a recent post, she writes about the extra-large zapallo macre, (zuh-pie-o mack-ray), what looks from here to be a thick-skinned winter squash.

She writes: "Why is it that we seem fascinated by things that are miniature or jumbo? If something is 'normal' sized, it just does not receive as much attention. How many times have I bought something that was extra small or strangely enormous, just because it was that size? Oh how the market has grown for things like baby carrots, extra-large candy bars, mini M&Ms ... "

The zapallo macre is so large that chunks of it are sliced off in the market for selling. In a recipe that would be perfect for Thanksgiving side dish, Gretchen Noelle shares a recipe for Double Squash Gratin, zucchini, the zapallo macre (I'd recommend a winter squash such as butternut as substitute), mushrooms, quinoa (another great Peruvian ingredient, full of protein, look for it with the grains at Trader Joe's, some times in the bulk-grain bins at supermarkets) and topped with tortilla chips.

Other food bloggers are cooking squash for Thanksgiving, too.
My Feasts ~ tortino di zucca, a Marcella Hazan recipe with butternut squash
The Wednesday Chef ~ Delicata Squash & Celery Root Purée
Kalyn's Kitchen ~ Roasted Butternut Squash with Moroccan Spices

BlogHer food editor Alanna Kellogg collects recipes for Thanksgiving vegetables.