garden goodness

 There’s nothing greater than coming home after a month long trip to an depressingly empty fridge, but a garden overflowing with fresh goodness.   You can have a nice salad without even going to the store. 

This year our garden has been delightful.  I think it probably has to do with the fact that there has been a lot of rain, it’s my third year and I know a little more what I’m doing and I have had some AWESOME help in the form of my good friend Kyle who has helped me prepare, plant, weed, water and harvest the garden all spring/summer.  Thank you Kyle!

This year we’ve grown a few onions, some carrots (Hazel’s crop….she’s waiting for her birthday to pull them up), beans (charlie’s crop….we waited too long to harvest them and they were really pretty tough), a few peppers, tons of strawberries, basil, parsley, sage, oregano, thyme, rosemary, cilantro (never lasts long, any tips?), cukes, tomatillos (totally taking over) and mounds and mounds of tomatoes and zucchini. (these plants redeem the asphalt a little?  Maybe that’s wishful thinking)

I’ve always heard of people being so bombarded with Zucchini from their garden that they don’t know what to do with it.  I’ve always dreamed of this happening to me, and this year it did.  I’m am delighted.  I love that delicious little versatile veggie.  I have even figured out how to make it “disappear” in a few dishes so that my kids (and my husband….sorry sorry Jeff….very deceptive, I know) will eat and enjoy. 

Here are a few of my favorite things to do with zucchini.  (Click on the recipe name to be redirected to the online recipe)

Zucchini, Corn, and Basil Fusilli with Baconthis is such an easy, quick and yummy summer meal (and great cold as well).  Thanks to my friend K for making this for me last summer, it’s one of our favorites.

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies – YUM!!!

Disappearing Zucchini Orzo – I also have added pesto and corn to this and it’s yummy.

Zucchini Brownies – ooh, so fudgy and gooey…topped with brown sugar and chocolate chips.  Thanks for this one too K.

Sautéed Zucchini – long time favorite

Zucannoes – very very tasty.  I use Trader Joes brown rice medley.  Even Hazel, who tries very hard to like Zucchini, but doesn’t, enjoys these. 

Enjoy!

And please post any fabulous ideas of what to do with zucchini.  I still have them coming out my ears.