Z is for...

Z is for Zucchini!
Who: Zucchini.
What: Zucchini is a vegetable from the squash family. The color of the skin can range from white to light green to dark green. As gardeners know, zucchinis can grow to mammoth sizes, 2 feet long or more.
When: Zucchinis were first recorded in North America in the 1920's. It is believed it was brought from Italy to California by immigrants.
Where: Zukes are easy to grow in any climate. Smaller zukes are younger and therefore more tender.
Why: Low in calories, zucchini are good sources of Vitamin A, C, Potassium and Folate.

Always wash your zucchini (and all fruits and vegetables!) but don't peel them - most of the good stuff is in the skin.

WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have made and discovered a lot of recipes and ideas while doing the ABC's of Food, and these two recipes for Z are for sure in the top 10. Enjoy!


Bacon, Mozza and Zucchini Waffles
adapted from a recipe by Dorie Greenspan


1 1/4 cups low fat milk
2 eggs
2 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
6 oz grated zucchini
4 oz grated mozzarella cheese
3 strips bacon, cooked and chopped

Preheat waffle iron.

In a large mixing bowl stir together the milk, eggs, oil and garlic. Set aside.
In a second bowl add the flour and whisk in the baking powder and baking soda, salt and pepper. Toss in the zucchini, cheese and bacon.
Pour the milk mixture over the flour mixture and stir gently until combined.

When the waffle iron is ready, pour amount of batter as directed by your machine on to the plates (I used around 1/3 cup per waffle. Close lid and cook until brown. Remove, keep warm and make the rest of the waffles.

These waffles don't need anything but a knife and a fork. They are good. They are, in fact, gooooooooooooooooooood. You should try them. Now.

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Zucchini and Blue Cheese Cakes

Don't be scared, these are very good. And that's coming from me, a former blue cheese hater.

1 packed cup of grated zucchini
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1/4 cup flour (I used whole wheat)
1/4 cup shredded or crumbled blue cheese
2 green onions, finely chopped

oil for frying

Place the zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle with the salt. In another bowl mix together the rest of the ingredients. Squeeze out the moisture from the zucchini with your hands and add to the bowl. Mix well. If the batter seems to thick you can add a bit of water, but the zucchini should soften things up a bit.


Heat 4 or 5 tb of oil in a large pan over medium high heat. When the oil is hot drop the batter by small tablespoonfuls into the oil and flatten lightly into a small cake. Cook, turning once, until brown and crisp. Drain briefly on a towel before serving. Serve plain, or with a bit of sour cream.

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So here we are, at the end of the alphabet. I started with A way back in October. 26 letters, 8 months, and 71 dishes later we. are. done. Thanks to all of you for reading every Friday, and thanks to all of you who emailed me with suggestions for letters and recipes. Gee, I feel kind of empty and without purpose right now...

Previous Alphabet Posts:
A is for Artichoke
B is for Beet
C is for Carrot
D is for Dogs
E is for Egg
F is for Fondue
G is for Garlic
H is for Hamburger
I is for Indian Food
J is for Jamie Oliver
K is for Kaffir Lime Leaves
L is for Lobster
M is for Mushroom
N is for Noodle
O is for Onion
P is for Pub Food
Q is for Quinoa
R is for Rice
S is for Sushi
T is for Taco
U is for Upside Down Desserts
V is for Vietnamese Food
W is for Watermelon
X is for Xtreme
Y is for Yogurt