maleficent

It's my favorite time of year, when the farm stands are all open chock full of summer fresh veggies.. I long for the day where I can actually have a garden, but my window box is good for basil and cilantro only.

Picked up some fresh zucchini yesterday and made a yummy zucchini pie.

Zucchini Pie
4 cups shredded zucchini (with skins)
1 medium onion, chopped (sweet onions are best)
1 cup grated provolone cheese (I used the aged provolone, I think it'd be better with the regular)
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour (1 cup of all purpose is ok, rather than wheat)
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup canola oil
5 tbs grated parmesean cheese (I wouldn't ever use anyyhing but fresh, but it's up to you)
4 tsp chopped fresh basil
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp fresh ground white pepper (black is fine as well, I was going for the color asthetic in using white)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
COmbine all ingredients in large bowl reserving the parmesean cheese.
Spoon mixture into a 10 inch round pie plate (I used glass -but I'm not sure it matters)
Sprinke with 1/2 the parmesean cheese.
Bake 45 - 50 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining parmesean cheese
Cool 10-15 minutes before slicing.

(also really good served cold)

Zucchini Spaghetti with Pesto
salt
12 small Zucchini, Julienned (I have one of those mandoline thingies that makes this easier --when slicing the zucchini, you will probably end up discarding the middle seeded part)

Pesto Sauce
2 Cups Fresh Basil, Chopped
1/2 Cup Olive Oil, extra virgin
3 Tbls Pignole nuts (Pine Nuts)
2 Cloves Garlic, chopped
1/2 Cup Parmesan, Grated

Place the zucchini in a colander.
Lightly salt.
Let drain for about 30 minutes.

Puree the next 5 ingredients in a blender or food processor.
Transfer to a medium bowl.

Put some olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute the zucchini until heated through. Add the sauce. Toss well. Serve hot.

This is really easy, and really tasty... You can also add things to it for color, like some sliced grape tomatos, or mushrooms.

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Got a great recipe that uses summer veggies? Share please

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