 Summer is coming to an end but try telling that to the garden. The tomatoes just keep coming, along with eggplants, squash and peppers. This inventive pizza crust is a great way to utilize a few of those yummy veggies. Not only is it easy, quick and healthy, it simply tastes GREAT, you won't even miss the traditional crust. Thank you to Marianne, my new landlady and neighbor who brought me over a taste of her version last week and inspired me to share the recipe with you. Originally included in the Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen. Forgotten but not lost. Zucchini Crusted Pizza 2 cups grated zucchini (about two 7-8" zucchini) 2 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup flour, plus a bit more for flouring the pan 1/2 cup grated mozzarella 1/2 cup grated parmesan 1/2 tsp Herbs de Provence (or other dried herbs like thyme, rosemary and basil) 2 T olive oil plus a bit more for oiling the pan pinch of sea salt and a few turns of freshly ground pepper Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Oil and lightly flour a half sheet pan, pie pan or pizza pan. Combine all of the above in a bowl, mix well. Spread into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Halfway through the baking process, brush with olive oil (optional). Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes. Top with your favorite pizza toppings and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheeses are melted and the pizza is heated through. Serves 6. *Suggested Toppings one garden tomato, sliced thinly 1 onion, sliced thinly and caramelized in olive oil 3 cloves garlic, sliced and added to the onions at the last minute 6 - 8 shiitake or porcini mushrooms, sliced and sautéed in a bit of olive oil 1 small Japanese eggplant, sliced and sautéed in a bit of olive oil extra mozzarella, sliced or grated parmesan for the top fresh basil leaves, for the top *Feel free to start with a traditional tomato sauce, homemade or good store bought, then pile whatever you like on top. Sautéd, thinly sliced bell peppers are nice too!  It's finally time to post my fresh corn, green chile flan bake. Corn is now at its peak and the Anaheim chile bush in the garden was falling over this morning with so many peppers. I decided to bake the flan in one big dish this time, leaving the peppers whole with the stem end intact. I think this gives it a more rustic look and is less fussy than individual ramekins. This flan makes a great accompaniment to anything from the grill or as an easy breakfast main dish with some sausages and tortillas on the side. Enjoy! Fresh Corn, Green Chile & Goat Cheese Flan 6 eggs 2 cups cream 2 ears fresh corn, kernels stripped off and half of the kernels puréed 5 large, fresh Anaheim green chiles, blackened, skin removed & seeded, stem end on 1 5 oz chub of goat cheese 1 cup jack cheese, grated pinch Mexican oregano 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper spray oil for the casserole Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a six cup casserole dish with non-stick spray. Lay the peppers in the bottom of the dish. Beat eggs with salt pepper and oregano then mix in the cream. Add the whole kernel and puréed corn and grated jack cheese, stir. Pour over the peppers and then crumble the goat cheese over the top. Bake for 45 minutes until puffy and slightly browned. Serve warm. Serves 6 - 8 as a side.  Ahh, the ubiquitous summer squash. It seems like everyone plants this easy to grow, versatile and colorful veggie (actually, botanically it's a fruit) in their summer gardens. Whatever type you choose, zucchini, patty pan, yellow crook neck or the cute two-toned Zephyr, they are all delicious. This flavorful fritter recipe came from the Alchemy Market & Wine Bar archives (think way back!). We served them at lunchtime as a special with a salad of local baby greens, everyone always loved them! I served them casually to my bocce teammates last night (they are frequently my guinea pigs) and they were gone in minutes. They would make a great side to a grilled kebob of lamb or chicken or even as an hors d'oeuvre made in a smaller size. So, when you get tired of the usual sautéing, grilling, spiralizing into noodles, or making bread, try these fritters for a taste of something different and exotic. Curried Summer Squash Fritters 20 oz of summer squash, or just all zucchini, grated, (about 4 medium squash) 1 large carrot, grated 1/2 c mayonaise 1/2 c raw or toasted cashews 1/2 c golden raisens 1/2 c natural coconut 1/2 c cilantro, chopped 1 egg, beaten 3 green onions, finely chopped 1 T curry powder 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper 2 c bread crumbs, separated, more as needed vegetable oil for frying Mix everything but the breadcrumbs (and the oil) together in a large bowl. Add one cup of the crumbs to the mix. Using a 1/3 cup scoop to measure, roll into balls and then roll in breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a large flat skillet. Add fritters one at a time, flattening them with a spatula after a minute or so. Cook about 5 minutes per side until browned. Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with sour cream or plain yogurt and a bit of mango chutney. Garnish with a cilantro leaf. Makes about 12 large fritters. |
Cheers!As a caterer for over 30 years, I have established a reputation for consistently creating original menus inspired by the occasion and the season, presenting them with an ease and elegance uniquely my own. Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients are the basis of my creative “from scratch” menus, which range from the classically elegant to rustic and whimsical. Categories
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"Love your recipes! Pat made your avocado toast a few weeks ago, delish! I'm taking them to a party in a few weeks, although the mushroom crostata looks pretty darn good!"
—Thanks, Melody Archives
September 2020
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