YELLOW SQUASH CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Butter a medium baking dish.
• Slice the squash lengthwise into quarters, then cut into 1/2 inch thick wedges.
• Place the squash and carrots in a saucepan, barely cover with water and salt well.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cover.
• Cook about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are very soft.
• Meanwhile, warm 3 tablespoons of the butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat.
• Stir in the onion and cook slowly until very soft and translucent, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook an additional minute.
• Scrape the mixture into a mixing bowl.
• Wipe out the skillet, return to medium-low heat, and add to it the remaining tablespoon butter.
• Stir in 1/2 cup of the cracker crumbs and cook briefly until the crumbs are golden. Scrape them onto a small plate and reserve them.
• Drain the squash mixture, mashing the vegetables just a bit. Spoon it into the mixing bowl.
• Stir in the remaining 3/4 cup of cracker crumbs, cheese and a good splash or two of the pepper sauce.
• Salt and pepper generously to taste.
• Stir in the eggs and spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Scatter the toasted cracker crumbs over the top.
• Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, until golden brown and lightly firm in the center.
• Serve hot.