Zucchini (No) Crab Cakes

I got the inspiration to use Old Bay in Zucchini fritters a couple of years ago from my mother-in-law in North Carolina. Unfortunately, I forgot to save the recipe, so I looked up a similar version. It just wasn't as good this time. Then (after the fact), I looked up a few others and decided I'll try again. Posting the one I tried first, then the one I'll try next second. I think I will also add fresh chopped onions and fresh garlic also.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/13938/connies-zucchini-crab-cakes/

http://www.mykitchenaddiction.com/2012/07/zucchini-crab-cakes/

Italian Zucchini Bread

Oh wow--probably one of my new favorite savory breads, and no yeast! I didn't take into account the elevation and density of the bread. It actually took about 1.5 hours to bake, so it didn't get out in time for dinner. When the hubby tasted it, he said, "it needs marinara". Noted for next time. I actually think I'll put it in a 13x9 jelly roll pan or baking dish and make breadsticks or make muffins. It didn't seem like a traditional loaf pan was the right dish for this recipe. Since then I've found more recipes in this category with zucchini. Can't wait to try more. :)

http://thesouthernladycooks.com/2015/08/06/italian-zucchini-bread/

Sweet and Spicy Zucchini Refrigerator Pickles

Thanks to a friend of a friend who suggested zucchini pickles. Can't wait to deliver a jar to her! This was such an unusual recipe with tumeric and mustard that I was skeptical. I made them 2 days ago, but already the flavor is out of this world! This is like no pickle you've ever tasted---and if you had, can you please share with me? :)  Thank you Vera for the inspiration. Definitely going to make again next year. The bonus is that you don't have to get the canner out. Just spend a few dollars on wide mouth canning jars. :)

https://www.browneyedbaker.com/zucchini-refrigerator-pickles-recipe/

Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

I know it's still another 4 days until fall, but I have zucchini that's ready now. I decided it was time to break out the pumpkin recipes. I made this recipe twice (rather than doubling), but the second time, I forgot the baking powder and baking soda...it just turned out really dense but I guess it's all for me since I wouldn't share it with anyone else--too embarrassing. Oh darn lol. ;)

http://rachelschultz.com/2016/08/09/pumpkin-zucchini-muffins/?m

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Banana Bread

It's that time of year. Between the months of July-September, I post all the latest zucchini recipe finds that I can come up with. Even after all that, I still end up with a freezer full of shredded and chopped squash. We are blessed to have such a lush garden. This is a great twist on traditional banana bread and with the chocolate chips, you could probably get the kids to eat it.

http://www.spendwithpennies.com/chocolate-chip-zucchini-banana-bread/

Chicken Avocado Lime Soup

The hubby bought a bag of limes last week, so I've had to figure out what to do with them. Although margaritas come to mind, I decided to first (re-)make Salsa Verde (Green Chili), then made Green Chili Breakfast Burrito Casserole and tonight Chicken Avocado Lime Soup. I added black beans, corn, and green chili.  I served it with tortillas, sour cream and shredded cheese. Definitely a good one for a cold night. :)

https://www.cookingclassy.com/chicken-avocado-lime-soup/?utm_source=feedly&utm_reader=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chicken-avocado-lime-soup

Salsa Verde (Green Chili)

I used a couple of different recipes just for spice options, but this recipe is almost entirely mine. This is our first year growing a variety of peppers. One day, the hubby brought in hatch, serano, tomatillo and a couple more I can't remember. So I decided to just roast it all (for 20 minutes at 400 degrees) and throw it in the food processor. I added lime juice, a bit of salt, cumin and onions; next time I might add cilantro. The hubby said it was the BEST green chili he's EVER had. :) It was also nice and easy for me to not have to separate the peppers. I ended up using it for Green Chili Breakfast Burritos and Chicken Avocado Lime Soup.

Example: 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/salsa-verde-green-tomatillo-salsa-recipe-1939985

Green Chili Breakfast Burrito Casserole

The second round of peppers came in from the garden and the request was for breakfast burritos with green chili for dinner. I loosely used the recipe below for guidance. I used ham instead of sausage, and added tomatoes and mushrooms. Served with homemade salsa, guac, shredded cheese and sour cream. According to the hubby, I could make this over and over and he'd never get tired of it. I'd say it was a success :)

https://frugalhausfrau.com/2015/03/26/green-chili-breakfast-burritos/

Pichuberry and Blueberry Flaugnarde

Tonight was a 2-for-1 special on learning cool new foods and desserts.

1. The hubby bought "Golden Berries" (at Sprouts), also known as "Cape Gooseberries", also known as "Pichuberries"--grown in Columbia. Of course I looked at Pinterest and found a new french dessert that I couldn't pronounce.  Again, google helped me with that one--Flaugnarde. Not only is it fun to say, it's EASY and delicious! There is a strawberry version that I would try if he bought them again. Note when buying them from the store, get 2 containers (=2 cups). I used a deep dish pie plate, but now have a good excuse to shop for a (1 piece) tart pan. :)

http://www.theeggfarm.com/blog/2014/02/11/pichuberry-and-blueberry-flaugnarde/

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels

I don't like to waste food, and I had some extra tortillas to use up. We had a BBQ with friends so I decided to use them as my pinwheel guinea pigs. There are literally hundreds of pinwheel ideas on pinterest and I might end up making several more in the next couple of weeks, but this was a good starter, especially for a crowd. I actually had a hard time sharing because they were so delicious. I used the advice of the reviews and used 1/4 of a dry ranch packet instead of liquid ranch dressing. Also used larger shredded sharp cheddar cheese, but it didn't seem to affect the flavor (maybe even improved it). Hoping to try/blog more soon!

http://www.lemontreedwelling.com/2017/01/bacon-cheddar-ranch-pinwheels.html

Baked Potato Soup

The potatoes are starting to come in from the garden! I was craving baked potato soup, so I found this recipe on Pinterest. I used it loosely and probably didn't really need a recipe, but it was a nice reference point. I often review several recipes for the same dish to see what I want to incorporate into mine. I ended up adding peas (also from the garden), shredded cheeses (leftover Queso, Sharp Cheddar and Mexican blends), cream of mushroom, fresh mushrooms, salt and pepper, omitted the butter, flour and heavy cream, and doubled the sour cream. Of course the hubby had to add Franks ;) So delicious!

http://ashleemarie.com/loaded-baked-potato-soup-recipe/

Crockpot Taco Chili with ground Yak meat

A couple of weeks ago I hosted a get-together with a baked potato bar. I'm a big fan of chili on things--baked potato, hot dogs, fritos and even cinnamon rolls. :) Our neighbors at Deja Moo Farms raise and sell yak which is a deliciously lean alternative to beef. I decided to make taco chili which turned out to be a super duper idea. This was definitely a recipe that needed a slow, all day simmer in the crockpot to get all the flavors to meld together. I could make it every week, it was so yummy.

http://www.skinnytaste.com/crock-pot-chicken-taco-chili-4-pts/#_a5y_p=1174605

Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

It's the month of Zucchini and I always get excited to see what Pinterest has for me each year. I literally started with the first and have been working my way down. This is a different version than the one I did last year (which had sour cream), but by far, my favorite way to "sneak" zucchini into a recipe. I ended up adding walnuts for the PERFECT brownie. I could probably make this one every week--but it's a tough one to share and calories aren't my friend. :)

http://www.dinner-mom.com/zucchini-brownies/

Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread

It's the month of Zucchini and I always get excited to see what Pinterest has for me each year. I literally started with the first and have been working my way down. This was one of my favorites. I even forgot to put in baking powder and baking soda the first time, but still enjoyed the zingy, albeit dense, bread. If you ask me, there is nothing like the flavor of blueberries and lemon in a sweet bread. I'm planning to try it again this weekend, because, of course, I have much more zucchini to experiment with. [You know it's a good one when the neighbors make it too ;) ]

https://therecipecritic.com/2016/07/blueberry-zucchini-bread-lemon-glaze/

Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole

It's the month of Zucchini and I always get excited to see what Pinterest has for me each year. I literally started with the first and have been working my way down. Per the hubby's request, I added chicken as well as little bit of kale for more color/vitamins. This was definitely a keeper "comfort food". :)

https://natashaskitchen.com/2017/07/25/cheesy-zucchini-casserole/

Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread

It's the month of Zucchini and I always get excited to see what Pinterest has for me each year. I literally started with the first and have been working my way down. This was a fun one. I ended up using my mini loaf pan to serve as individual mini breads. It had a coffee-cake taste to it. I think next time I'll add walnuts. Another scrumptious recipe. So far no throw aways this year. :)

http://delightfulemade.com/2017/07/18/cinnamon-swirl-zucchini-bread/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes

Butterscotch Zucchini Brownies

It's the month of Zucchini and I always get excited to see what Pinterest has for me each year. I literally started with the first and have been working my way down. This one turned out more like a cake for me. It didn't take away from the sinfully delicious flavor though. The hubby gobbled it up and I was tempted to make more, but so many recipes, so little time. ;)

http://www.creationsbykara.com/2017/08/chewy-butterscotch-zucchini-blondies.html/