Recipe: Grilled Summer Squash Pizza with Goat Cheese

Persian bread pizza

Recently, I came across this post from a dear fellow Hannah with whom I went to college. It won me over instantly, as I love... pizza... and all forms of cheese... and squash. And, as I had just bought a ton of summer squashes, it seemed the perfect timing. 


So, my own variation, determined by my own tastes and available ingredients. I made 3 variations total, one grilled, and two in the oven since our grill was not large enough. Ingredients listed below should make between 2-3 pizzas. I used yogurt with the sauce as well as the cheese to reduce the caloric content, and to make it easier to spread on the bread. 


Grilled/Baked Citrus Summer Squash and Goat Cheese Pizza


-pizza dough, or in my variation; I used Persian bread and then 2 large pieces of Indian naann. 
-8oz of goat cheese
-2 cups of Greek yogurt, nonfat
-juice and zest of 1/2 lime, 1/2 lemon
-fresh basil leaves

-2-3 medium sized yellow squash and zuchini mix
-salt, pepper, ground coriander, paprika, lemon pepper
-olive oil




1- If you are using something that is already baked, like I did, then you will want to cook your squash ahead of time. I sliced the squash quickly using my food processor, and then roasted them in the oven using a non-stick cookie sheet for about 25 minutes at 450 degrees. I put them all in a single layer, drizzled olive oil on them, and then spiced them with salt, lemon pepper, coriander, thyme, and paprika. 


2- Pizza sauce: Again, using my food processor, I mixed the Greek yogurt and goat cheese together until nice and creamy, and easily spreadable. I added a bit of citrus juice and zest to taste. Add in a little lemon pepper and salt. 

My dear friend Angela

3- Heat your grill or oven- prepare it for the pizza! 


4-Spread the cheese/yogurt sauce on the pizza base, and then arrange the basil leaves intermittently. Place the squash circles on concentric, overlapping circles. I believe in doing multiple layers, since food processors get squash quite thin. 


5- Grill/bake until the edges of the squash look a bit crispy, and until it has heated. Enjoy!

I made other variations as well; one with fresh tomato, feta, and avocado. This seemed to be a hit, but in retrospect, put the tomato and avocado on after baking- the nice fresh flavor is diluted with the heat. 


What are some of your summer favorites? 

Wedding One

Today was the first wedding of the season, and it was not alone. I was well aware of multiple Hillsdale weddings occurring this joyous June 5. Truly, it was a great day for weddings.

This one was in Chicago. Friends we know, but even more exciting, friends that we will soon know better due to the close proximity they'll live. A few blocks down our street.

Regardless if you're already married, engaged, or single, people notice weddings. They notice what distinguishes them from other weddings, what things are kept in tradition, etc.
What did I notice, then?

I noticed the giant stained glass windows all in the auditorium where Hannah and Robert got married. IT was on Northwestern's campus. Gorgeous windows, and lighting, though the meanings in the glass were less than church appropriate, all very humanist.

I noticed the bride trying desperately trying not to cry.

She was so happy.
That is as large as Hannah's smile can be.






I noticed her father beaming with pride (as well he should).

As she walked down that aisle, she took her time. She took moments to look at every row, scanning each face; each one making her smile more- each one making her a bit closer to crying.

I noticed after I noticed her face; that her dress is exquisitely beautiful. It's perfect for her. Her veil is long and delicate.

I noticed her cute shoes.

They were here "something new."

Just barely visible, peeking out under her graceful dress.









I noticed that she was a thoughtful teacher and friend: she made the bouquet toss for those 21 and under.  She seemed as excited as those about to rush for it; possibly because as a bride I know that tossing the bouquet is a ton of fun, and also because she no longer needed to catch it.







She was patient, assembled all her students and friends and nieces...  and let it fly. It was immediately snatched. I also noticed how practical her gown is as well. Not once in the event did trip her, or keep her from hopping from table to table. It was beautiful, and like the mark of any well chosen dress; it was perfectly Hannah.

and finally...  There's nothing like watching a bride and groom during their wedding and reception.

You've never seen smiles until then, it seems.

Hannah and Robert are always smiling anyways, but tonight there was nothing in their way. No rehearsals to get to, no worries about jobs this week, or putting plans together. They were able to enjoy their wedding, their family, their friends.

I noticed they were fully part of every moment: following along and leading during the hymn, nodding along and heartily agreeing with the pastors sermon...

always smiling and looking at each other...

.... complete agreement.

Complementing each other.

I noticed that there were many moments that Hannah took in where she just looked at her new husband in what can only be described as a mix of respect, love and giddiness.

It was the kind of tender reflection that I remember well from my wedding... making sure to take time out of the day to remember the details.

But... more than anything that I noticed that their wedding was not centered around the happy new couple. They oriented their wedding to be a demonstration of the Glory of Almighty God. The Scripture they chose, the sermon, the hymns, and most importantly, how they honor each other; all of these things made it about Jesus Christ and not themselves.  What a fantastic testimony they are! Their joy is not from themselves, but stemming from their love for their Savior, who brought them together.

I wanted to shake their pastor's hand and tell him that I was so happy that instead of a mushy lovey-dovey sermon, or a sermon focused on the union of man and woman; he shared the Gospel. Hard core too... it was a direct question to those in the audience that today was an encounter with Jesus Christ.

Today everyone crossed paths with Jesus Christ.
Everyone there was told how Jesus Christ has pursued us.
The Pastor shared that now the choice is how to respond to the 'proposal' that Jesus has placed before us: ultimately to repent, believe and follow Jesus or to reject Him.
I hope all the rest of the weddings I see this summer do such an excellent job of pointing to the point of this temporal life: our Savior. We have no other purpose but to serve Him.

Presenting: Mr. and Mrs. Robert McConnell!

As I signed their guestbook:

"Your wedding demonstrated the Glory of God. I know that your marriage will do the same! Congratulations!" 

It's going to be a great summer.

The Weddings Begin

Summer at my age is always a season of weddings. There's always the trading of "How many weddings do you have this summer? How many can you go to?" and etc.

Tomorrow begins the wedding season for Jason and I, right here in our own city of Evanston, IL with this lovely couple: Hannah Dixon and Robert McConnell. They both live here in Evanston, and even though Hannah and I were never at Hillsdale at the same time, Jason and I have had the pleasure of getting to know them.

And it has been such a pleasure. Joyful, exuberant, thoughtful, inspiring  talented, godly- these are just a few of the wonderful ways to describe what I've found in these two people. Not to mention very, very funny and a love for Jonathan Edwards. (In a game once Robert named Edwards as his superhero).

It's obvious how well suited they are for each other, how they convict and urge each other towards Christ, how Robert leads and Hannah excitedly follows in their relationship. They are best friends. I am very excited to share in the witness of their Covenantal union tomorrow, and to have the blessing of living a few blocks away from them.

To Hannah and Robert: God bless you in all you do, put Him first always, and base everything in your marriage around the glory and love of Jesus Christ.