Showing posts with label zucchini. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zucchini. Show all posts

Thursday, July 23, 2009

What to do with Zucchini?

Last week at the Dartmouth Farmers Market I couldn't resist these adorable fat, round zucchini. Ben and Anna called them Coca, but google search as I may, I couldn't find any reference.

My dilemma was how to use these cute treasures. I had seen a fantastic looking recipe for Zucchini Pancakes with Tzatziki from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA)

They really look like my zucchini latkes, but with a twist, naturally. And I can't wait to try them.
But then I bought a copy of this month's Food & Wine for a recipe that just called out for my chubby little zucchini. The pancakes will definitely have to wait.


Shrimp & Feta Stuffed Zucchini "Boats"

Seriously...not only are they cute, they are the amazing...the sweetness of the fire roasted tomatoes and red bell peppers, the saltiness of the feta, the heat of the chili pepper flakes...Heaven on a plate. Oh, and it's a good thing I had extra filling, since I just discovered that my Honey (after 19 years) doesn't like zucchini (at least not ones he can identify - wink, wink). I stuffed some yellow and orange bell pepper halves as well.

And check out this morning's omelet...

I just beat one egg with a touch of olive oil and some fresh chives and in my hot non-stick pan, I poured the mixture, tipped the pan until the egg formed a pancake and the middle was dry. (about 1 minute) and removed the pan from the heat. I zapped some zucchini boat filling in the microwave, placed it on half the pancake, crumbled a little feta on top and covered this with the other half of the pancake.

Best part of this tasty breakfast and dinner, of course...it's perfect for The South Beach Diet , Phase II.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Who Inspires You in the Kitchen

If you visit here often, you know I'm addicted to cookbooks and magazines. And one person who inspires me every time I flip through one of her cook books or magazines is Donna Hay. The photographs are always stunning and the dishes so easy to prepare... and so easy to change things up.

Like tonight's dinner...but, let me back up a bit. The latest edition - Donna Hay Magazine, Autumn 2008 has just about every page dog-eared. I couldn't resist the cover - easy chicken, leek & mushroom pie - even though that will have to wait for cooler weather.

But on to the recipe...


Donna's version calls for spaghetti and fresh oregano, but I was really in the mood for the shrimp noodles I had on hand. They're subtle and, truth be told, I really never taste any shrimp, but they're easy to whip up even on a hot summer day. And I just bought a big bunch of basil two days ago that is already looking sad and starting to wilt. I was tempted to use some of the Mint & Cilantro Pesto , I had left over from yesterday's delicious dinner Grilled Shrimp & Spinach Fettuccine, but I'm glad I resisted the urge. It was perfect as is.

That said, even while we were eating this plate of pure heaven, I was already thinking about what herbs I'd use to go with the Black Pepper Fettuccine I'll be using next time. And should I add some thinly julienned red peppers to give it more color?...hmmm.

This week Presto Pasta Night is being graciously hosted by Michelle at Greedy Gourmet and I know her roundup will be wonderful. Please send all your entries to her directly...michelle AT greedygourmet DOT com

And so, my question to you...who inspires you to be creative in the kitchen?