Ok, after much discussion and a trip to the Farmers Market, I found out that what they had labeled as “merliton” at one point, was actually another mexican squash that looks like a pale fat zucchini, not a chayote squash.
I’d never seen the squashes that Russ used in his casserole, only tasted them, so when I went to the market I bought what was labeled “merliton” but was actually just a plain Mexican squash (it tasted very similar). Hence my confusion. When we went to the Farmers Market with Russ and everybody on Sunday, I showed Russ what I had been using and he said that was NOT mirlitons then Caroline piped up and said that mirlitons were bumpy – that’s why they called them “gator eggs”. So, today I did the search to find out what the Louisiana folks were talking about.
I’ve seen the bumpy squashes many times at the Market, but didn’t know what they were until I did the Google search today. So, you know I’m off to get some and make my recipe again to see if I can tell the difference! [NOTE: Chayote squash IS a “mirliton”. This post is not clear about that!]
The Wiki about chayote squash and a pic!
the second pic is what we always used. there may be a slight differnce in taste, there may be none. i think they’re all part of the squash family anyways.
andn i eagerly await the appearance of the grape leaves recipe.
clb
chayote = mirliton sez this website:
http://sidedish.allrecipes.com/az/MrintdrtichksndMirlitn.asp
it seems that technically they are a fruit… all i know is my grandmother grows them in the backyard, and they need heat to grow.
we’ll chat later
Yah, I read that, too. I’m just glad to have my confusion alleviated! I can’t wait to get some ACTUAL mirlitons to use in my very own mirliton casserole recipe. I plan to try it out on you guys soon!
xoxo
a
I just wanted to say hello. Hope you remember me. Great site.
Danny
Hi, Danny!
With no context, sadly, I do not remember you. I’m gonna send you and email and fix that.
Thanks for stopping by!
A
Hey, I emailed you back but got an automated reply. We graduated together. Danny Davis. Hope to talk to you soon. Again interesting and great web site.