"What does this look like to you?"

In line at the farm to collect my CSA 1/2 share harvest, the older gentleman in front of me held up a squash, similar to the one pictured here and asked, "What does this look like to you?" While I was certain there was no inappropriate innuendo in the question, I couldn't think of what could resemble the likeness of this crookneck squash. Lamely I answered, "I don't know."

"A duck!"

Sure enough, I could picture the duck's body in the plump half of the squash and it's neck curving up with an imaginary beak. That is what you thought of too, right?

Curious about this and other varieties of squash, I did a little searching. Like the tomato, squash is another fruit commonly referred to as a vegetable. According to http://www.whatscookingamerica.net/ every part of the squash plant, winter or summer, can be eaten! The site provided basic descriptions, but I don't agree the summer and winter affiliations were "deceptive and confusing". After all, our Garden State is host to many farms that produce both types exclusively in their affiliated season. It's an important term if you're considering planting your own garden or choose to source your produce locally. And if you considered this option, how many varieties would you have at your fingertips? At least 34 according to http://www.sporcle.com/games/squashtypes.php. I tried naming them all and got only 13...9 of which I came up with on my own! How many did you come up with?

Better tips and recommendations on squash were on http://www.thenibble.com/. Each type of squash has characteristics that lend well to specific recipes. Considering it's 90+ degrees outside, thin skinned summer squash abound! They are delicious on the grill or in my mom's cousin Antonietta's fritelle recipe: grate 2-3 zucchini and squeeze some water out. Mix with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, an egg, salt and pepper until you manage a slightly thickened mixture. Fry in hot vegetable oil. It's a delicious appetizer! Throw thinly sliced squash in your salad or saute with onions and garlic for a quick pasta topping. Zucchini bread is another crowd pleaser.

The game of squash has no relation to the food--it simply refers to the squashable nature of the ball in play.