July 23, 2011

The Final Day In: The Life (& death) of a Giant Zucchini

Zucchini - Basil Pesto


Fresh...fresh...fresh!
This pesto turned out just wonderful!
I can't really give you a recipe...because much of my creating is not
an exact science!

I used my last 2 cups or so of shredded zucchini...added some basil from the garden, 
walnuts, plain non-fat yogurt, a little cottage cheese, olive oil and spices!
It is a yummy spread or dip!

 (By the way when I say "garden" all of my gardening is done in containers on a small patio!)
I will share photos of my garden soon...


Well there you have it...my zucchini is gone....
I hope you have enjoyed my recipes and perhaps it has inspired you to
get creative with your zucchini bounty too...
or maybe even a zucchini that may be dropped off on your door step!

Stay Cozy,
Carrie



July 21, 2011

Day 6: A day in the life (& death) of a Giant Zucchini

Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

 Wow...day six...one more day to go...
I cheated a little today...
I used a boxed brownie mix...but instead of the usual oil,
I substituted 1/2 cup non-fat plain yogurt and 1/2 cup finely shredded zucchini!
They come out so dense and wonderful...and a bit more healthy too.
I also added chocolate chips to the top prior to baking!




These wonderful bites of chocolatey goodness won't last long!
I have two *special little visitors in the house
that will help gobble them up!

*my grand-niece & nephew have moved here with their mom from California!

My Giant Zucchini is almost gone...one more recipe for tomorrow!
See you then :)

Stay Cozy, 
Carrie

July 18, 2011

Day 5: a day in the life (& death of a GIANT zucchini)

Spinach Zucchini Lemon Dill Salad

Because my zucchini is so large...
I cute about 5" off the end and quartered it before thinly slicing.

I added lemon zest and the juice from 2 lemons.

I also chopped some fresh dill from my garden...
and added some tomatoes.

Some olive oil and vinegar...and pepper too!
I found these wonderful "Kohn" cruets recently...they work so well...
...no drips at all...
They twist several times to change the size of the opening.
(T.J. Maxx $5.99 ea.)

Let this salad  marinate a bit before serving...
it is fresh & wonderful....

There is still more to come...that Giant Zucchini just won't die!
See you tomorrow! 

Stay Cozy, Carrie

July 17, 2011

Day 4: A day in the life (& death) of a Giant Zucchini!

Baked Zucchini Parmesan Rings


These are easy...just slice the zucchini, drizzle with olive oil,
sprinkle with parmesan cheese and season as desired.
I used a orange/lemon/pepper zest & seasoning salt.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 15-20 mins.
Voila! Yummy & Healthy!

Are you sick of zucchini yet...there is still more to come!
See you for Day 5!

Stay Cozy, Carrie

July 15, 2011

Day 3: A day in the Life (&death) of a Giant Zucchini

Zucchini Banana Muffins

I just had to make this zucchini staple...

(makes 12 large muffins + 12 mini muffins)
  • 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1 cup reg. flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2  tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • ½ cup canola oil
  • 1/2 cup non-fat plain yogurt
  • 1 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 eggs (or egg substitute)
  • 2 1/2 cups grated zucchini
  • 1 cup mashed banana (2 med bananas)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (Optional)
Preheat oven to 350°.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Beat with electric mixer: egg, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla. Stir in zucchini and banana.  Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Careful not to over mix.  Scoop batter into 12 lg. paper-lined muffin cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Then scoop remainder of batter into mini muffin cups (12) and bake for approx. 12-15 mins.


Come back and join us for Day #4!
I still have 1/2 of the zucchini left!
Hmmm...what will it be?

Stay Cozy, Carrie

July 13, 2011

The Life (&death) of a Giant Zucchini: Day 2

Zucchini Pancakes

Simple & Delicious!


Shred zucchini (skin & all) about 1 1/2 cups.
I used my food processor

Add these ingredients to the shredded zucchini.
1 rice cake or other low fat cracker (finely crumbled)
1 egg or 1/4 c. egg substitute
1 tbl. parmesan cheese (dried or fresh)
1/2 tea. lemon pepper
1 tbl. non-fat plain yogurt for topping.

 Mix the ingredients (except the yogurt)

Spoon into pan coated with canola or olive oil spray
...to form two large pancakes.
Saute on a med. heat for approx. 5 mins each side.
...resist the urge to flip prematurely or they may fall part.


Serve with some non-fat plain yogurt and enjoy!
They are really yummy...healthy and low in fat & calories!

See you tomorrow for Day 3!
...remember it's a "GIANT" zucchini!

Stay Cozy, Carrie

July 12, 2011

A day in the life (& death) of a "giant" zucchini?

Day One: 

Zucchini Burger Sandwich

Cut the large end of the zucchini for the amount of servings needed.

Create 1 inch slices and place in fry pan with olive oil.

Saute until tender...sprinkling with your favorite spices!

Serve on Toasted Whole Grain Bread
  ...adding condiments as desired...
(the zucchini is the "star"... the "meat")
 I like sliced tomatoes, fresh basil pesto,
lettuce & onions
You can forget the cheese and you will really cut the calories!

Come back for "Day 2" tomorrow!
After all...this is one GIANT zucchini!

I am linking up with "Night Owl Crafting" today for her "Hoo are You" #47!

Leslie has a list of different questions to answer...
so we can all get to know each other better!
The question that I am answering is:
3. What types of food do you tend to eat more of in the summer?

Can you guess?  More fruits and vegetables...like zucchini of course!
How about you?

Stay Cozy, Carrie

July 7, 2011

Guilt Free - Chocolate Day!

July 7th is Chocolate Day!
It's the perfect opportunity to eat you favorite chocolates...
...in ample portions of course. 
Do you really need another excuse to indulge with your favorite food treat?
 Try this...for a "guilt free" chocolate treat...

 At only 60 calories and 2.5 g of fat this is a great way to enjoy chocolate...
You just have to "doll it up" a bit...

 I took a knife around the edges...flipped it over on to a pretty plate...
...added a little whipped cream and some mini-chocolate chips!
Ahh...so indulgent...and maybe only 100 calories tops!

I don't need to tell you what to do to celebrate this day, do I?
Eat a little Chocolate! 

Stay Cozy,
Carrie

July 6, 2011

Heaven's Doors...

  God is the greatest artist
To whom no one can compare.

I took this picture from our balcony at the Oregon Coast.
It looked like the doors of heaven shining down ♥ 

stay cozy,
Carrie 

July 1, 2011

Street Fair Season...

Had a nice night at the Alberta Street Last Thursday Faire....
Here are some of the sights...













That's Portland for you...
After all... the new motto is...
"Keep Portland Weird"
 ♥
Carrie


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