Zucchini

Yes it is that time of year. If your garden is anything like mine it is producing an abundance of zucchini. Last year I planted 3 plants and had enough zuchini to feed the entire town. This year I only planted one and I still have tons. I don't know why of all the vegetables in my garden zuchini is the only one I never have a problem growing.

Breaded Zucchini Roast
Thinly Slice enough zucchini for your family
Toss with 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/4c olive oil, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp herbs de provence or Italian seasoning
Spread evenly in a baking dish (I used a 9x13 glass dish)
In a seperate bowl mix 2tbsp melted butter with 1 cup bread crumbs and 1tbsp herbs de provence or italian seasoning. Sprinkle over zucchini.
Place in a 375F oven for approx. 30 mins.

NOTE: you may need to alter the amount of ingredients depending on your famliies tastes and the amount of zucchini you use. Just remember it is better to add too little than too much. You can always add more, you can never take away.

Parmesean Zucchini Sticks
Cut Zucchini into strips (about finger length and width)
Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp garlic seasoning and 1/4c parmsean cheese. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350F for about 40 mins.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Loaf
1/2c butter
2 eggs
1c brown sugar
1/4c milk
2c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 mashed ripe banana
1 1/2c grated zucchini
Chocolate chips

Blend butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and milk. Mix in banana, zucchini and chocolate chips. Bake at 350F for about 50 mins. I didn't give a measurement for the chocolate chips because you can add as much or as little as you like.

I am going to try to come up with a chocolate zucchini cake topped with a sour cream glaze this weekend. I have an idea of how the recipe should go but I won't post it until I try it myself. So come back on Monday and see if it worked.

Another great way to use zucchini is to grate it into your tomato sauce. Either your homemade version or it make a store bought one even healthier and if you puree it they'll never know it's in there.