Growing up we didn’t have a lot. My mama made this regularly. It’s simple but tasty. Also taught me a thing or two about appreciation!

Absolutely. Here’s an article-style write-up that preserves the heartfelt tone of your memory while presenting the recipe in a warm and relatable way. It’s perfect for a personal blog, cookbook introduction, or a post on social media with a nostalgic touch.

—

# Mama’s Simple Squash Gratin: A Recipe with Roots

Growing up, we didn’t have a lot. We stretched what we had, made meals from scratch, and sat around the table with full hearts even if the fridge wasn’t. One dish that showed up regularly on our table was Mama’s squash gratin—simple, humble, and deeply satisfying.

It wasn’t fancy. No exotic ingredients, no long list of spices. Just yellow squash, zucchini when we had it, a bit of cheese, and a lot of love. But it taught me something: that good food doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. And that appreciation isn’t about what’s on the plate—it’s about who you share it with.

This recipe is a nod to those early lessons and the comfort of a meal made with care.

## Mama’s Simple Squash Gratin

### Ingredients

* 2–3 yellow squash, thinly sliced
* 1–2 zucchinis (optional), thinly sliced
* 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional – but Mama always added it when she could)
* 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, American, or whatever was in the fridge)
* ½ cup milk or evaporated milk
* 1 egg (helps bind it, but it’s okay to skip if you don’t have one)
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* A little butter or oil for the pan
* Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for topping (optional, but a nice crunch)

Continued on the next page