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

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

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

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

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