Gratin of Chayote and Acorn Squash

1 chayote squash
1 large acorn squash
5 ounces heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tablespoon dried red chiles, minced
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
3 eggs
1/4 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
4 green-onion tops, minced
1/8 red bell pepper, chopped

Boil whole squashes for 20 minutes. Peel, halve, seed, and chop cooked squash. One at a time, whisk cream, garlic, chiles, cayenne, nutmeg, and garlic salt into eggs. Layer buttered 9-by-12-inch baking dish with half the acorn squash, top with chayote squash, then add remaining acorn squash. Sprinkle jalapeño, onions, and bell peppers on each layer. Pour egg mixture over squash, and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until custard sets.

From “The Calypso Kitchen,” originally featured in Domain, Summer 1988