Squash Blossoms on Summer Squash Pancakes

You wouldn't think it was possible, but the number of squash blossoms I had was actually larger than the number of fried stuffed squash blossoms I could eat.  So I had leftovers.  

Coincidentally, I was flipping through The L.L. Bean Book of New New England Cookery by Judith and Evan Jones, when I stumbled on these little tasties: Squash Blossoms on Summer Squash Pancakes.  Just like the stuffed squash blossoms, this dish is described as "unusual" by the authors, and is meant for those yankees who find themselves inexplicably faced with a garden of blooming zucchini or summer squash.  Lucky for us space-starved New Yorkers, we have the farmer's market, so that just like those with little personal gardens (one can dream!), we can have a surplus of something we have no idea what to do with.  But Judith and Evan Jones do have an idea, lucky for us!

Squash Blossoms on Summer Squash Pancakes

2 medium summer squash (about 1 pound)

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 egg, beaten

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander or parsley

Chili powder to taste 

Oil for frying

1 tablespoon butter

About 12 squash blossoms

2 tablespoons grated aged cheddar or Parmesan

Grate the unpeeled squash then toss with the salt and allow to drain over a colander for 20 minutes.  In little balls, squeeze the squash in your hands to remove most of the liquid (you could save it for soup!), and place the squash in a bowl Sift the flour and baking powder over the top then mix well.  Mix in the egg, herbs and chili powder.  In the meantime, heat some oil in a large pan until it shimmers.  Scoop the squash mixture by spoonfuls into the pan, and flatten.  Fry on both sides until brown. You should come away with eight.  Drain the pancakes on paper towels once they're cooked and heat the butter in another small pan.  Fry the squash blossoms in the butter briefly on each side and place one blossom on each pancake.  Top with grated cheese.

I'm sending these pancakes to Suzana at Home Gourmets for the 22nd round of Hey Hey It's Donna Day! Let's hope she likes them!