What to do with Zucchini: Make Delicious Noodles!

One of my favorite recipes in my new book, The Reluctant Entertainer, is Zucchini Noodles. Inspired by a lot of zucchinis in our yard every year (doesn’t everyone who gardens have a ton of zucchinis?) and simply a great way to teach kids how to eat zucchini, we make this recipe in the Coughlin home year round.

Beautiful zucchini from the garden, you peel the zucchini until you get to the center. (Then compost the center part or put into a soup! Or feed to your chickens!)

So easy for the kids to take part in.

Make your garlicky white sauce. Add the parmesan cheese and season to taste.

In olive oil, barely cook the zucchini to tender in a hot pan. Do NOT overcook.

Mix the two together and ENJOY!

We like to add chicken and whole wheat pasta.

Makes a nice presentation and is tasty beyond belief. Especially with garden tomatoes and fresh basil. Mm-m-m ….

Zucchini Noodles with Parmesan Sauce
12 small zucchini
2 T. olive oil
salt and pepper

Sauce
10 garlic cloves, pressed
2 T. olive oil
2 cups whipping cream
1 cup fresh, grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper

With potato peeler create long, wide zucchini ribbons by starting at the top of each zucchini and peeling down the length of it.

Heat a large skillet and add the olive oil and ribbons. Saute for approx. 2-3 minutes; do not overcook. Salt and pepper to taste.

In a saucepan, saute the pressed garlic in olive oil. Add the whipping cream, turn the heat to high, and sir until it begins to boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for 10 minutes; Add the Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Pour over the noodles and serve.

What do you do with extra zucchini from your garden? Or do you have a favorite summertime zucchini recipe?

(This recipe is on page 55 in my new book, The Reluctant Entertainer! You can buy a copy from Amazon, here, or get a signed copy, here.)

Taco Meat & Bush’s Beans: Cooking for a Crowd!

I can feel it in my blood.

Busy is coming on.

Busy is right around the corner.

The school year, soccer season, and a busy schedule officially starts today for our family, which means that I, as the Mom, has to be very organized and creative with our meals.

A good old standby that feeds many, when extra soccer kids stop by for dinner, is a big pot of Taco meat/beans.

Taco Meat with Bush’s Beans

Cook 4-5 pounds of ground turkey or beef. Season to taste.

Cook 2 cups of brown rice.

Add 2 cans each of pinto beans, black beans and kidney beans. (I always use Bush’s Beans, I feel they have the best flavor.)

Add one container of Costco’s Mango Peach Salsa.

Mix together and SERVE.

We love this meat for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and taco salad. We have even made lettuce (Napa cabbage) wraps with it. YUM!

It’s also easy to freeze in Ziploc bags and handy to pull out for last-minute company!

What’s your secret taco meat and bean recipe?

(Bush’s Beans did not pay for me to write this post, even though I am in partnership with them. We just really love their beans and eat a ton of them in our home!)

Zesty Pesto Green Beans: Easy Appetizer or Snack!

When my sister brought us a bag of green beans, I knew exactly what I’d do with them.

We eat a lot of green beans in our home, and for summertime snacks and even an appetizer, you might want to try this easy recipe!

Zesty Pesto Green Beans

Cut the ends off the green beans and wash.

Place in a microwavable bowl, add a small amount of water, and microwave (steam) for 5-7 minutes.

Allow to cool.

Add sea salt and white pepper to taste.

Add 1/4-1/2 cup Costco’s Pesto (or make your own). Stir.

You can do so many things with these green beans. Here are a few of my ideas:

Serve cold as an appetizer.
Heat up and serve as a side dish.
Cup up and use in a salad.
Cut up for Pot Pie or Shepherd’s Pie.

But what I really love is that they make a perfect zesty summertime snack!

What’s your favorite way to cook with fresh green beans?

Tomorrow I will be sharing with you something CREATIVE, FUN, and HELPFUL … and it has to do with the entire month of October – yes, 31 Days! Come back so you won’t miss out!