So, have your neighbors brought over some zucchini or have you grown some of your own and you don't know what to do with it all? I think we all get in this situation at this time of year.
My husband recently came home with three giants. Its the equivalent of flowers for me. I was so happy. Here is what I used them to make...
Zucchini Cakes
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup bread crumbs (you can use any type but I prefer Panko bread crumbs)
1/4 cup mozzarella or some kind of combination of cheeses (Parmesan is also good.)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 egg
salt and pepper to taste
Squeeze water out of shredded zucchini by placing it in between layers of paper towel and squeezing. The dryer the better!
Mix the zucchini, bread crumbs, cheese, garlic powder, egg, and salt and pepper.
Shape into thin patties while you heat up some oil in a frying pan. Olive or canola oil work great.
Cook on medium heat for about two minutes per side. Be careful to heat them all the way through. I like them almost burnt. I have a problem with them being raw in the center.
Serve with any type of dressing- ranch, marinara sauce, or just eat them plain. That's how I like em'.
Zucchini Bread
3 eggs
1 c. oil
2 c. sugar
2 c. peeled and grated Zucchini
1 c. nuts (optional)
3 tsp. Vanilla
3 tsp. Cinnamon
¼ tsp. Baking powder
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Soda
3 cups flour
Beat eggs till foamy. Add oil, sugar, squash, and vanilla. Mix lightly but well. Add dry ingredients. Mix well and add nuts. Place in 2 well-greased loaf pans. Bake 1 hour at 350.
Chocolate Zucchini Cake
½ c. margarine or butter melted
½ c. oil
1 ¾ c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 ½ c. flour
½ c. sour milk
4 Tbl. Cocoa
½ tsp. Cinnamon
½ tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Soda
1 tsp. Baking powder
2 c. grated zucchini
Combine margarine or butter, oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Alternate liquid, dry. Add zucchini. Put in cake pan. Sprinkle with choc. chips, brown sugar, and nuts (3/4 c.). Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.
If you have some little bitty zucchinis they are great too! I love to just slice them thin and saute' in olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper.
Here is my new favorite though... my kids even ate them and my son said, "They just like chicken nuggets!" I don't think you can get a better compliment about food than that from a five year old.
Fried, Breaded Zucchini
1 cup grated Parmesan (fresh is better)
1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. parsley
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup flour
2 large eggs
2 small zucchini or yellow squash sliced into thin circles
Heat your favorite oil in a frying pan.
Stir Parmesan cheese, salt, and parsley into the Panko.
Beat the eggs in another bowl.
Then put the flour in yet another bowl with a little salt and pepper mixed in.
I like to make a little assembly line with all the bowls and my squash.
First dip the zucchini slice in the flour, then the egg, and then the panko.
Place in the heated oil. They only take about a minute on each side. Watch carefully.
Serve immediately. They are so good warm! My husband ate his with Marinara.
