It's Zucchini Time!!!!!!!!

 I was going to say hammer time - but zucchini it is!  It is that time of the year that we all have great produce starting to come forth from the gardens.  It is so amazing to me what a simple seed can provide!!!!!  A seed - unlimited zucchini.  A seed - a plant full of tomatoes.  A seed - a tree of apples..... it goes on and on.  It is all amazing to me.

I know many of us are at that point that we have an abundance of zucchini - so today is a few ideas.  I do this every summer, and it seems to get good comments.  Zucchini is such a versatile veggie - it pretty much takes on the taste of whatever you are cooking it with - and you get great nutrition.

One day last week I did this!  Pretty much vegetarian except the cheese. I drained a can of hominy and place in a skillet, 1/2 zucchini chopped, a little onion, and bell peppers.  Sauteed it all together and topped with cheese.  My goodness that was tasty!

Click on pic to enlarge.  I love grilled zucchini steaks.  They are so delish.  They take no time to make.  I plan on doing some this week on the G. Foreman grill.  Makes for a great side dish.  Top with a little parmesan cheese and oh my!!!!!!

Click on pic to enlarge.  Here is another one for the veggie lovers.  A very healthy version of 'meat'balls.  No meat involved.  These are very good.

Here is another one I did last week.  I browned and broke up one patty of ground sausage.  Added two eggs and started to scramble.  About halfway through, I add 1/2 of chopped zucchini.  When almost done - I topped with some chopped tomato and cheese - put the lid on it and let it melt.  My goodness that was good.

Click on pic to enlarge for easy reading.  This is so easy, and surprisingly delicious.  I have made this many times.  Homemade pineapple from zucchini - YEP.  I usually cut mine in chunks and can it, but you can shred and make crushed pineapple.

Click on pic to enlarge.  Don't forget dehydrating.  I do this each year as well.  Dehydrated zucchini is great for soups and skillet dinners in the winter months.  Takes up so little space.  Also, when thoroughly dried it can also be ground into a flour - which can be used in place of some of the flour in your dishes!

This should get everyone started.  There will be more next week!!!!  I love walking out to the garden and picking my 'grow'ceries!!!!!!!  It is phenomenal to have such a versatile veggie growing out there.

There are just hundreds of uses for this vegetable!!!!!!  Not only is it good for you - but this is a great way of stretching the food budget and the pantry!!!!!

ENJOY!