Beth Surdut ● Art for the Mind and Body ● The Art of Paying Attention ● Succulent Squash Match

I met the amazing artist and essayist Beth Surdut (BethSurdut.com,) Art for the Mind and Body, at a print shop in Windward Oʻahu, in Hawai`i where I first saw of her exquisite images from nature. At the time she presented tropical flora and fauna painted on silk in a delightful beach-side studio in Punaluʻu that was filled with wondrous art, the sounds of Island musicians, and a cat or two. Inspired by nature wherever she goes, her journeys have introduced her to many locales and cultures in the world.

Now in Tucson, she is focused on her work as a wildlife illustrator, and essayist , Occasionally she warms the hearts of clients by taking on commissions in more than one medium. She also presents the stories of ravens and other creatures whom she has met or is told about by residents and visitors to Southwest. To listen to her illustrated Radio Series on NPR please visit The Art of Paying Attention. You can learn more about her ​prolific work at BethSurdut.com. At this time she has a delightful relationship with a wild and engaging roadrunner named Roadie. To learn more about Beth’s work and the visitations of Roadie, please visit her Facebook page.

Natalie Seachrist and her friends enjoy many of the foods and beverages for which the Hawaiian Islands are known. This rich recipe for dessert, or as a side dish, comes from environmental artist and author Beth Surdut, one of my favorite presenters of images from across the globe. It may be especially enjoyable for those of you who follow vegetarian and vegan diets. Inspired by her travels in Indonesia, Beth’s offering is, “more exotic, more multi-sensory than pumpkin pie.” Her recipe serves four and features the Kabocha or Japanese pumpkin squash. Its sweet flesh and adaptability to the climate of Hawai`i makes it popular with diners and Island gardeners alike. It can be served warm or cold. As other recipes, season and sweeten to taste! The silk painting next to her picture is from the series, Art from the Kitchen-Painted and Served.

PREPARING THE SQUASH

Use 1 Kabocha Squash [or similar-sized pumpkin; or 2 smaller pumpkins] Halve squash. Remove pulp and seeds [unless you’d like to try growing them…]
Cut circle around squash stem to create a decorative lid and set aside.

​CUSTARD INGREDIENTS
5 Eggs 1 C. Coconut Milk [for silken custard, do not use lite coconut milk]
1/3 to 1/2 C. Coconut palm or White Sugar [a high amount yields sweet rather than savory custard; sugar substitute or large-grained sugar will alter texture]
1 Pinch salt
1 Pinch Cinnamon, ground [more if desired]
1 Pinch Cardamom, ground [more if desired]
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

​PREPARING THE CUSTARD
Beat eggs with fork until well blended
Mix in coconut milk and sugar
Stir in salt, spices, and vanilla, adjusting to taste
Beat mixture until smooth
Pour custard mixture into prepared squash shell

COOKING & SERVING THE SQUASH CUSTARD
​Place squash shells in a steamer, with decorative stem lids at the side of, but not atop the shells
Pour in water to just below the tops of the shells
Place the cover on the steamer and steam for 45 minutes
Add boiling water if the water in the steamer runs low

Test custard with a fork. If it is runny, replace cover on the steamer and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or longer, until the custard is fully set. The custard may be served warm or cold. Slice a large squash as you would a pie, or serve individual squash shells to each guest.