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Friday, August 6, 2010

Zuchinni's on Door Steps and Operation Beautiful

I've somehow lost the blogging spark .

Somewhere between writing my last exams, graduating , registering for licensing exams and beginning the job search , I just didn't feel like it.

So in attempt to get back in the swing of things, here are some things that caught my eye amongst the blogosphere.

- Operation Beautiful

The lovely Caitlin was on the Today Show the other day and I'm sure if you read any blogs at all you know that her baby, Operation Beautiful the book launched. The virtual book tour is also something to check out ;)

-Zucchinni !

The people at Vitamix are psychic . How did they know that this is my new favorite vegetable?
The lovely PR people over there sent my readers some Zuc recipes in lieu of National Leave A Zuchinni On Your Neighbor's Door Step Day .
Yup , that is really a day . Here are my favorites of the bunch Vitamix provided. If these don't suit your tastebuds , check out some of the other recipes on Vitamix's website

Zucchini Pesto Yield: 1 1/2-2 cups (360-480 ml)

1 1/2 pounds zucchini cut in 1” pieces

1-2 garlic cloves

1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup cashews

2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1/2 cup (50 g) freshly shredded Parmesan

cheese

1/4 lemon peeled and seeded

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper, salt

NOTE: Turn this pesto into a hummus by

adding 1 14 ounce can (drained) cannellini

or garbanzo beans during blending.

Developed in collaboration with

Chef”s Garden.





1. Place cut zucchini into Vitamix container & secure lid.

2. Select Variable 5 and turn machine on. Coarsely chop

the zucchini using the tamper to press zucchini into

blades if necessary for 10-15 seconds. Stop machine

and scrape down the sides of the container and

fold larger pieces into the bottom of the container.

Continue for another 10 seconds.

3. Place the chopped zucchini into a strainer and mix in

2 teaspoons salt. Place strainer over a bowl and let

zucchini drain for 5-10 minutes. Stir and press zucchini

with the back of a large spoon to release as much

liquid as possible.

4. Add the drained zucchini and the rest of the

ingredients to the Vitamix container in order listed.

Secure lid.

5. Select Variable speed 1.

6. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to

Variable 10 and then to High. Use tamper to press all

ingredients into the blades for 30-45 seconds.

7. Adjust seasonings to taste.


Zucchini Pancakes Yield: 3 1/4 cups (780 ml)

1/3 cup (80 ml) 1% milk

2 cups (250 g) chopped zucchini

3/4 cup (180 ml) egg substitute or 3 eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

1/4 cup sugar or other sweetener, to taste

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1 1/2 cups (180 g) whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1. Place milk, zucchini, egg, salt, sweetener, cinnamon

and allspice into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to

Variable 4 or 5.

4. Blend for 10 seconds. Remove the lid plug. Add flour

and baking powder through the lid plug opening.

Replace lid plug.

5. Blend for 5-10 seconds or until mixed.

1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons (105 ml) olive oil

2 pounds (908 g) zucchini, sliced thin

1/2 cup (80 g) yellow onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, peeled

2 teaspoons herbs de province

1/2 teaspoon salt

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable broth

1. Sauté zucchini, onion, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper in

3 tablespoons olive oil, for 5 minutes. Add vegetable

broth, cover and simmer for 7 minutes.

2. Place mixture into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to

Variable 3 or 4. If necessary, use the tamper to press

any ingredients into the blades while processing.

Remove the lid plug.

5. Blend for 1 minute while drizzling in remaining olive oil

through the lid plug opening. Return to sauté pan to

finish heating, if necessary.


Thats all I've got for now. Hopefully the spark will refuel .

-A




1 comment:

  1. Leave a zucchini on my doorstop and you'll also receive a gift on yours-from my doggie LOL

    ReplyDelete

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