Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Zucchini Time #2

 Good day on this Tuesday to all.  If you are anything like me, you are now at the point to where you are hunting down takers for zucchini!!!!!  They are very prolific again this year - and by no means look to be stopping anytime soon.
So, more ideas are in order.  I hope these posts give someone a new idea to use or try this very versatile veggie!

Click on pic to enlarge for better reading pleasure.
Ideas - so many ideas.  I absolutely love zucchini boats (as pictured above).  You can make these with the traditional ingredients that you would use in stuffed peppers - or you can come up with any type of filling you want.
Today I am making zucchini boats with a filling of cream cheese, parm, cheddar shaved, a little sour cream and chopped jalapenos!!!!  These are just wonderful.  I am going to make them in the air fryer today for the first time, so as not to heat up the oven.
I usually cut my zucchini in half and deseed - and then I steam them for a few minutes in the microwave.  This lessens the cooking/baking time.  Such a yummy and easy dish.

MOCK APPLE PIE
1 C sugar (I use a little less)
1/4 C brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
pinch of salt
2 Tbsp. corn starch (or whatever you use to thicken)
4 C peeled, deseeded and slice zucchini (slice similar to apple slices)
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
I slice the zucchini in wedge shapes and place in a pan - then pour scalding water over the pieces.  Let it stand for about 5 minutes.  Drain and pat dry.  Mix all the ingredients together and place in the pie shell.  I use 2 crust method.
Bake at 400 for about 10 minutes - then 350 for 20-30 minutes, until crust is golden.
I have made this several times and it is really good.


Everyone makes sweet breads with zucchini - above is a recipe for a hearty bread that can be served with meals.  A new spin on zucchini bread.
Click on recipe to enlarge picture.

I have used zucchini in place of pasta in lasagna many times.  That is very good.  This is a little different version of lasagna 'type' meal.  Try ZUCCHINI ROLLS
Slice your zucchini thin (I use a mandolin) - let it drain on a towel to absorb some natural liquid from it.  Make your filling of whatever you wish - mixtures of cheese, or meat, jalapeno, or rice and combo of other things, etc.  Spread the mixture over the thin slices and roll up.  Place the slices in a pan that has had spaghetti sauce layered on the bottom.   Top with more sauce and additional shredded cheese.  Bake at 400 for 20-30 minutes.
*If your zucchini seems too stiff to roll - place the slices in a pan with scalding water for a couple minutes to soften them.  Drain and pat dry and continue on.

Zucchini is great roasted, fried, sauteed, added to things - just so many uses.
Always make sure you shred some and freeze for later in the winter to make those breads, muffins, or biscuits with.  I slice (a little thicker than normal) and lay on a pan to flash freeze - then bag and I have zucchini I can fry in the winter. ** Hint - bread and start process of frying without thawing!  They don't get mushy!  I put bags of chunks in the freezer for adding to soups as well.

Have fun with this veggie - so many things can be done with it.  It pretty much takes on the flavor of whatever you are cooking it with.
ENJOY the fruits (veggies) of your labors!!!!!!!!!!!!

43 comments:

  1. Excellent ideas for using the bumper crop of zucchini! Last night I talked to my daughter who lives in Texas and she said her husband likes zucchini. She puts sliced cucumbers in her drinking water. Too bad they don't live closer. I'd load them up with things from the garden and with eggs.

    We have been getting enough rain...for right now. The garden is going great guns and the green beans are loaded with blooms. My ribs should be healed well enough to can beans when they are ready to be harvested.

    Can't tell if the overcast skies have anything to do with the smoke coming from Canada. That is rough on folks with lung problems.

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    1. They are saying it is fog this morning - little smoke after the rain last night. It sure was a doozy - came through fast and strong.
      I like cucumber water too. When e had the birthday get together the gal had a big container of cold cuke water - it was so refreshing.
      Things are sure growing well. Don't over do it kiddo!

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  2. Cheryl, I welcomed your recipe for fake pineapple in a previous post. I use crushed pineapple in my favorite carrot pineapple muffins. I'm hoping for a bounty of zucchini from the blooms.

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    1. Good. I hope it helps. It is really tasting, and in baking you would surely never know the difference.
      Here's hoping for you!!!!!

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  3. Good morning, Cheryl. I've made both the stuffed zucchini and roll ups, but never the mock apple pie. Our sons always loved summer zucchini and I made it many ways throughout the season. When we grew corn, I'd make a side dish of zucchini (cut into small cubes) and corn with butter, lime juice and cilantro. I threw it into chunky spaghetti sauces (gravy for some of you). Slices dipped in beaten egg and then seasoned corn meal and fried was a favorite, too. For quick summer dinners I'd boil up a pot of bowtie or shell pasta, add frozen shrimp at the very end, drain and add fresh zucchini, tomatoes, spring onion and Italian herbs with a little EVO, reheating just long enough for the veggies to get slightly tender.

    Of course, when the heat is at its summer peak, halved and grilled zucchini with whatever meat is quick and easy. Grill some pineapple slices, too, or fresh peaches (halved and pitted), add a little crusty bread and you're good to go! If you're grilling fish, add shredded zucchini in place of lettuce with fresh tomatoes and cheese in corn tortillas for fish tacos.

    More later. --Elise

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    1. I have done all those ways - I really love zucchini. So versatile. Thanks for mentioning the grill - peaches on the grill are the bomb. People who have never tried that should!!!!! Oh my goodness.
      You got it going on girl!!!!!!

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  4. I've no zucchini in my container garden, and I think my brother learned his lesson so I don't expect I'll see any here. If I do, my favorite recipe is chocolate zucchini loaf. Yum!

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    1. YUM!!!!!!! Heavenly sounding. Well, maybe a neighbor might share - or you could always get one at the farm market!

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  5. I dice, toss w/EVOO, spread single layer on rimmed baking sheet, sprinkle garlic salt and pepper and roast 425 for 20 minutes. Let cool, drain off liquid and freeze in 2cup containers (I then vacuum seal). All through the winter, thaw a brick, drain off liquid (into a soup pot? or don't drain) drop into chili, pasta sauce, lasagna, any casserole-ish, soup-ish dish. I honestly rarely give away zucchini.

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    1. YUM. That sounds like a real smart way to preserve. I have given 3 away so far. One neighbor is vegetarian and the other gave me cherry tomato plants - and just requested zucchini for bread! I love to make pickles and relish with them as well.

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  6. Debby in Kansas USAJuly 18, 2023 at 10:11 AM

    I have a hard time dealing with the slime factor of zucchini. One of my church friends brings bags of it. I keep telling hubs that I'll try a chocolate zucchini loaf. Someone at his work brought some and he loves it. He's a veggie avoider so it's also good to get some in him!

    We got the best watermelon from Sam's. So sweet and juicy! Perfect for this weather. We're under heat advisories. Excessive heat and humidity. Ugh. I did my work early this morning and plan to so some crafting this afternoon...on the NE side of the house lol. Chef salad and watermelon for dinner. I'm making a blueberry smoothie for lunch.

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    1. I have never really experienced a 'slime' factor. Use them fresh cut up in salad or pasta - it is like cukes. Choc. zucchini bread is to die for - yum!
      Your dinner sounds tasty!

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    2. Debby, my husband says the same thing, which is why he doesn't like it. Ditto mushrooms. And he won't touch Okra with a 10 ft. pole. There are things *he* likes that *I* don't: sushi, fried bologna, and cucumber salad to name a few. --Elise

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    3. Mmmmm fried okra is wonderful - no slime at all with that! Don't blame you on sushi! Nope, nadda, no way!!!

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    4. Elise, I'm cracking up. Marinated or cooked mushrooms remind me of eyeballs. Raw taste like dirt. Ugh. Okra? :::shudders in revulsion::: I've always had texture issues with certain foods. I love love love pumpkin, but I can't get past the texture of pumpkin pie. It's slimy. I felt normal after a friend told me she hated watermelon because it was fuzzy lol.

      Oops, it's Debby

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    5. Now I'm laughing, Debby. When I was a teen and went on a parish youth ski trip, a big pot of oatmeal with cinnamon and raisins was breakfast one morning. One kid said the raisins reminded him of cooked flies. As one then popped as I chewed it, I gagged. Haven't been able to eat cooked raisins since. NO rice pudding with raisins for me... flies and maggots. :-D
      --Elise

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  7. We are waiting on our zucchini but I pulled a package of last summer's from the freezer and have zucchini bread baking right now and it smells sooooo good!

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    1. I bet it smells wonderful! fresh baked goods just smell so great. Hope you get some soon!

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  8. I love the zucchini roll ups. SO delicious. Zucchini is just a great veggie in so many ways.

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  9. Thank you for the zucchini roll up recipe which I will definitely try. At the moment, no visitors leave our house with a zucchini or two, ha ha.

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    1. LOL - that is funny. It is a very tasty recipe for sure. Again, the options are all yours!

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  10. Great ideas/recipe suggestions. I used to make something similar to those zucchini boats but had forgotten all about them. I do not have anyone sharing veggies with me but I will pick some up at the farmer's market this weekend and give those a try!

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    1. Hope you get some great finds at the farm market. Such a great resource to have around. I want to go to the farm stand close by - just a few things they have that no one around me has.
      The boats are so good!

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  11. Thanks for all the recipes, Cheryl, especially the mock apple pie one. I think it could work well with my cobbler recipe. I have to admit that I'm a self proclaimed zucchini hoarder. I very rarely give any away as I find so many delicioius things to make with them. Tonight I'm taking rice, two leftover chicken thighs, and a bunch of veggies along with two zucchinis, mixing it all together with no'mato sauce after it's sauteed and topping with mozzarella cheese that needs to be used. There will be enough for two casseroles; one for dinner and one for the freezer.
    Just as an aside, we were at the dollar store today and it's only the middle of July and all of the Halloween and Thanksgiving things were out. Talk about rushing the seasons. Yikes!! Cookie

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    1. You are very welcome! That makes 2 of you who keep your zucchini!!!!
      There are really a lot of ways to fix it - that is why I am such a fan.
      Your meal sound very delish.
      Good golly, they sure get in a hurry to set up the holidays!

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  12. I make a zucchini and leftover pork casserole that is awesome. Since so many people give away zucchini I no longer grow any. I must try that mock apple pie recipe.

    God bless.

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    1. That sounds like it would be yummy! Hey, aren't you the smart one!!!!!! LOL
      ENJOY

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  13. Oh Cheryl, these recipes sound wonderful! Thank you!

    I'm fascinated by the Mock Apple Pie! That is neat and I must try it! The boats look so good too as well as other suggestions here. I think I did zucchini boats when we first married and they were good!

    We're having a cucuzza "squash" casserole type thing tonight, leftover from last night. I need to go boil some more pasta, hubs isn't a fan of the chickpea pasta and honestly I'm not too crazy about it this time...Usually I'm okay with it. Oh well, it's getting so late I might just use that chickpea pasta...LOL I may have to measure out some sheep's milk parmesan cheese for mine and keep it in confines to my sodium count for the day but it will be worth it! Why not finish the day out with my 500 grams for supper right?

    So nice to read your blog today! (((hugs!)))
    ~Amelia

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    1. The boats are delish as is the pie. I always got good reviews when serving!
      I am sure the dinner will be just wonderful. Hey, if you got the room for your salt - go for it. I would anyway!!!
      You are always so kind.

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    2. Amelia, I'll have to ask my sis what GF pasta she uses. It's really good. And for what it's worth, your husband is a saint. Mine would never, ever even try chickpea pasta. LOL! And he's got to have his meat. Whenever I've done meatless meals he's complained. I mean seriously complained. --Elise
      P.S. He's a sweety, though. After all these years I think I'll keep him as long as I can.

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    3. Thank you Cheryl, I ended up adding some bell peppers and boiling up some more pasta! LOL It was pretty good! And yes...I still added the parmesan cheese too! Win-win! : )

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    4. LOL Elise! Oh my! Hubs is very good at eating veggies. Neither of our families were meat and potato families, his father had heart disease so he knows it's a good thing for him and actually appreciates it. So I am very blessed on that. ....He does like a hot supper though, nothing cold. ; ) One of his daily questions is "What's for supper?" lol It's a big deal to him, he's so funny.

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  14. I wish I knew someone who wanted to give away zucchini! I love it. I really hate large zucchinis, but maybe I need to deseed.

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    1. Especially for the large ones, it's best to deseed. At least that's what I've found. --Elise

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    2. Practical parsimony, I can’t ever post comments to your site..it says sign in to Google, I do, and still I can’t. Anyway, on your blog today, yes, I have been to Death Valley many times. It is a fantastic place. I don’t go in the summer, usually spring. Still can get hot but not 130 ;). It is one of my favorite places. Hilogene in Az

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    3. Yep - just deseed the larger ones. They still taste just as good!

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  15. I'll probably repeat this tomorrow, but maybe not. The solar company is finally coming to finish the job. We can expect them as early as 6:30 am!!!

    Arizona shoppers might want to download a few Safeway digital offers tomorrow morning and get to your local store early. The digital coupons are for boneless, skinless chicken breast (full service meat counter) at $1.47 lb., limit of 10 lbs., and Lucerne 18 count large eggs for $2.47, limit of 2.

    There's a list of items for 50 cents each if you buy 10, limit of 20 total items:
    American Beauty pasta (all varieties) and Kraft Mac-n-cheese
    Bumblebee chunk light tuna (5 oz. cans)
    McCormick Taco Seasoning packets
    Open Nature Yogurt and Dannon Greek Yogurt
    Budding Deli Thin lunchmeat
    Tina's (frozen) Burritos
    Signature Select snack pies
    Hunt's Pasta Sauce (24 oz. cans, all flavors)
    Signature Select canned beans, tomatoes and vegetables (11 - 15.25 oz.)
    Value Corner paper towels, single rolls
    Signature Select 2 liter sodas and sparkling water
    Rockstar energy drinks (cans)
    Mars candy bars (I still remember when those were 10 cents each!)

    There are other sale prices, but those are the best advertised deals. NO zucchini on sale this week, but corn is 2/$1 (ears), onions 69 cents each, iceberg lettuce, mangos, and all bell peppers 97 cents each. --Elise

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    1. What deals!!!!!! Oh my gosh, the tuna and the Buddig would be must buys for me. What a great price. Too bad I don't live closer!!!!!

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  16. Thank you Elise. I'll download the digital coupons in the morning.
    Those 50¢ paper towel rolls are small, however I like them for the camper as they fit in the space I have. So, I'll be picking up a couple of those.
    We did get some rain yesterday, but the heat has been record breaking. Argh! I've been staying home. Might venture out in the evening to pick up the deals, if they are good enough to tempt me.
    Ellie
    Central Az

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    1. Stay cool. You gals out west have really been hit hard with the heat. Staying in sounds safer!!!!!

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  17. I love zucchini too! I don't give them away either. And if anyone offers me some I take them.
    Too many zucchini is not a concept I know!

    Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes.
    ~margaret

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    1. I am getting ready to make a plan for my extra zucchini and cukes! Suddenly I have soooooo many. What a problem to have - huh? Too much of natures bounty - a wonderful gift.

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