Sicilian Cuccuzza "Snake Squash" Pizza

They are odd looking things that often grow upwards of four feet long, and every summer you can count on finding cucuzza in a Sicilian’s kitchen - their pale green forms flopped comically on the counter. In the garden they sprawl across anything they can grab onto, suffocating everything in their path. They are subject of a Sicilian proverb; Falla come vuoi, sempre cucuzza è which translates to “However you cook it, it’s still just a squash.” But when prepared simply with fresh ingredients, their mild flavor can be elevated. They usually find their way into pastas and light summer soups - but why not pizza?

This growing season, life got in the way, and the cuccuzza crop was not very good. But I was able to harvest two petite squash from some pots on our partially shaded deck. I look forward to restarting our efforts next season and having a crop that we can all be proud of.