Take Advantage of Abundance

 Hello and good day to all on this Tuesday!  Hoping you are all well and safe.

It is 75 this morning and not too bad feeling.  I plan to do a little yard work after writing and before the heat of the day.  We have shower chances at some point too.  I think there are shower chances just about every day.

It seems that after the garden - we spend a lot of time in our kitchens this time of the year - with preserving and canning and cooking the great abundance we get from those gardens.

We are in the time of the year when there is abundance everywhere!  Isn't that grand?  Gardens and patio gardens are thriving or starting to, and farm markets are plentiful.  Folks are cleaning out freezers of last year's surplus, to have room for fresh.  We are truly blessed.

Now while we have it - we sure need to use it and enjoy it.  Last week I told you I was picking zucchini like crazy - this week is a slower week.  I gifted some and have been using them.  So many ways to prepare and save for later.

Abundance of zucchini or summer squash - here are some ideas.

Fried zucchini - one of my favorites.  You can fry them in rounds or 'fries'.

Zucchini skillet is a family favorite that mom used to fix.  Zucchini, rice, sausage (or ground beef) and sauce all cooked together - top with cheese and sliced tomatoes and simmer.  YUM!  It is a very good flavor combination.

Dehydrate zucchini slices for use in soups later in the year.  They are also good as simply 'chips'.

Grill zucchini steaks - these are so flavorful.  Slice a little thicker than for frying and grill with seasoning.

Stuffed zucchini is also a favorite for me.  Scoop out seeds in center after halving - then add chili, meat and rice, beans, cheese mixes w/jalapenos - whatever you have or like - top with cheese and bake.  Such a nutritious meal.

Fritters are always good and a great side or a fun meal for breakfast or lunch

Zucchini meatballs a great dish for vegetarians.  Could also make into burgers.

Think about slicing thinly (lengthwise), attempt to remove moisture and use as noodles in lasagna.  Make into soup - I really enjoy cream of zucchini soup - I always freeze some chunks of zucchini to make this in the winter.  It is very comforting.

You of course can shred and use in zucchini bread, muffins or pancakes/waffles.  There is absolutely no end to the ways to use this summer abundance!  You don't have to get bored with it - just too many uses.

Another fun favorite for me - is fresh and sliced or chunked in a salad.  I cut up with tomatoes and onion (instead of cukes) and add dressings and have a very refreshing salad.

The nice thing about summer squash is it really doesn't have a lot of flavor on its own - it takes on the flavor of what you are cooking it with!!!

I have even finely shredded and added to hot pepper jellies to make them more jam like!

You can turn them into pickles and relish as well!  Super good.

Lori mentioned she has an abundance of basil, and she is making and freezing pesto.  Jackie and others have talked about clearing out freezers of tomatoes and fruit from last summer and making into sauces and jellies and jams.  Herbs are growing nicely this time of the year - you can dehydrate for winter use.

Cherries and strawberries have been plentiful, and many are making wonderful pie fillings and jams.

Tomatoes will be plentiful here in a while.  I look at the small ones out there and the hundreds of blooms and it all comes together - oh my!  There will be a plethora of goodies to be made and to share.

Tomatoes are kind of like squash - just a ton of uses.  I will do another post in a week or so about toms!

So, whatever your abundance is - get creative and use it!!!  You may even have an abundance of some canned or dry goods - use it.  It saves us money, and all the freshness is so very good for us.  We have a limited time to get all the fresh goodies - I sure hope you all take advantage.

Whether, carrots, beets, squash, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, peas, fruit - whatever - use it, preserve it if possible and just ENJOY it!!!!!  Find and create new recipes and ideas.

ABUNDANCE - what a blessing and what a pleasure and gift!!!

Have a fantastic day.