How to make beached whale pie

These monster zucchini are usually available toward the end of the growing season. They can be found camouflaged by the large leaves in the same place where you saw a small one 3 days earlier.

Sometimes they can be found on your doorstep, left by an anonymous neighbor. They also show up at churches tucked away behind boxes of homegrown tomatoes and peppers.

With this recipe in your arsenal you'll be ready to deal with those unwanted giants and surprise and please your friends and family with this delicious Beached Whale Pie.

Wash and peel the zucchini.

Make sure to get the green veining off even if you need to go over it again.

Cut the ends off.

Cut in half.

Slice down the middle.

Scoop out the seeds and pith.

Once scooped, slice each piece in half lengthwise.

Stack the halves and slice into half inch thick pieces. They resemble peeled and cored apple slices, don't they?

Measure six cups into a large pot.

Add enough water to just cover them. (It's OK if they float).

Bring them to a boil and then turn down the heat to simmer for 10 or 15 minutes.

While the whale blubber is rendering you can put together the spices and sugar.

Drain the boiled slices, let cool, and then put them in a kitchen cloth or paper towels to squeeze or press out at least half of the retained water.

Combine the spice mix with the rendered blubber in a mixing bowl.

Mix well without mashing the slices.

Place a sheet of pie crust in an 8 inch pan. Pour the spiced slices in and spread them out evenly. Dot with butter.

Put on the top crust and trim the excess.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cut slits in top crust.

Use a fork to seal the edges.

Put the pie on a cookie sheet or pizza pan to catch any bubble-over. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour. It's done when the crust is browned to your liking.

You all know what to do with a pie!

For freezing, don't poke holes in the top until you're ready to bake it. We vacuum seal ours and they last for months in the freezer. You can mass produce and have Beached Whale Pie for any occasion.

My daughter HATES zucchini but she loves this pie!!! Try it, you'll like it!