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Enjoy Summer’s Bounty with Full-Flavored Recipes

Zucchini Lasagna Sans Noodles

One of my favorite weekend activities is going to my local farmers market. Every Saturday morning, you’ll find me walking down the aisles for the latest goodies.

Right now, zucchini is in season and it seems (from my farm stand) there’s an abundance of it. So, I grabbed my reusable bag, filled it with this sensational summer squash and headed home. Now I was on the hunt for zucchini recipes!

“With the bumper crop of zucchini this year I had to get creative,” says Deb Lund. “I have been making zucchini pancakes using various combinations for many years, but never have they brought the kind of praise from my son and his college friends as this one.” With Deb’s Creamy Zucchini Pancakes recipe in your apron pocket, there’s no such thing as too much zucchini. This was perfect topped with a bit of sour cream, but get creative!

Andy Anderson switched things up for his Zucchini Lasagna Sans Noodles and uses zucchini as the noodles. “The biggest problem I had in developing this recipe is reducing the amount of liquid produced when baked,” says Andy. “After a few attempts, I found that pre-baking the zucchini and draining out the excess liquid in the cottage cheese did the trick.”

The Quick Tomato Sauce Andy makes tops off this recipe nicely. Guests are going to love this lasagna when you have them over for dinner. The fabulous flavors will have your meat-loving friends asking for seconds!

“I asked my husband if there was anything he wanted me to post [on JustAPinch.com] and he said the zucchini dish I make mostly during the summer,” says Jamie Burris about sharing her recipe for My Husband’s Favorite Zucchini. What a neat way to reinvent a side dish! I think this cream sauce would be delicious on most any fresh vegetable.

Lori McClain’s Yellow Polka Dot Zucchini Side is a terrifically fresh salad to enjoy on a hot summer day! The zucchini ribbons – and the name – also make it downright adorable. “The Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini song is one of my favorites, so I always think of zucchini when I hear it…” says Lori. “…it gave me the inspiration for this light side dish salad.” Grill some chicken or shrimp for the perfect accompanying main course.

Zucchini works wonderfully in baked goods too. And, if you’re a dark chocolate lover, then Angie Walker’s Dark Chocolate Zucchini Muffins with White Chocolate Ganache is tailor-made for you! With a double dose of chocolate and a hint of healthy veggies, these sweet muffins are good for you on so many levels! Super moist and delightful.

“From the garden, this bread is so delicious and moist that you can eat it all day long,” says Kathy Hunter. “Passed down from my great grandma to my grandma, to my mom and to me.” Well, I’m thankful she decided to share her Zucchini Pineapple Walnut Bread recipe with us! The zucchini and pineapple in this scrummy bread make it super moist. Serve at breakfast or snack time… or as a lovely hostess gift.

I love to eat for the seasons and the farmers market allows me to do that. Get creative with your fresh fruits and veggies and enjoy the gifts of the season!