Zucchini Tots

You may have noticed that this is my second week in a row trying out a zucchini recipe. I just couldn't help myself! Zucchini is such a versatile vegetable and I had a some extra in my refrigerator, so I decided I must find another fun recipe to use it with.  As a kid, I would always get excited when I found out that "tater tots" were on the dinner menu.  I mean, who doesn't love tater tots? When I found this recipe for "zucchini tots", which brings the same crunchy, tasty element, I just couldn't wait to start cooking.  If you are looking for a way to sneak veggies in a meal, this is the way to go!

Ingredients
1 packed cup grated zucchini
1 egg
1/4 medium onion, minced
1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup season breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper

Directions
1. Grate the zucchini until you have 1 packed cup.
2. Wring all of the excess water out of the zucchini
3. In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients
4. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the mixture in to your hands and roll into small ovals
5. Place on a baking sheet (sprayed with cooking spray)
6. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes (until golden brown) at 400 degrees and turn halfway through cooking.

Full directions are available on Skinny Taste website, where I found this amazing recipe!

The final product didn't disappoint one bit! I honestly wish I had made a lot more because I could have snacked on those endlessly!  They were packed with great flavor, and although they had a different taste than the typical tater tots of course, they brought a healthier element! Note that any cheese can be used for this, including parmesan and mozzarella! You can also considering adding any other ingredients, such as garlic powder or red pepper flakes to spice it up a bit!

I hope you try this recipe out and enjoy it as much as I did!

Zucchini Pizza Bites

I am super excited to share this week's recipe!  I'm sure all of you remember "Bagel Bites", as it was, and continues to be, a classic after school and late night snack favorite for kids, and maybe even college students on a budget! I've definitely had my fair share, however, it isn't the healthiest snack. When I found a healthy version of this bite sized pizza snack, in which zucchini is used as the crust, I knew I just had to try it out!  Surprisingly, using a slice of zucchini as the base for this, made for a delicious treat!  I used zucchini in a previous recipe and I just love the benefits it offers.  Zucchini is packed full of vitamin A and C, and also brings in a protein element.  I will continue to use it whenever possible in my dishes.


Ingredients
Zucchini
Pizza sauce
Mozzarella Cheese
Pepperoni
(Any toppings of your choice)

Directions:
1. Cut the zucchini into thin slices.
2. Spray zucchini with non stick cooking spray or coat with olive oil.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Broil or grill zucchini rounds for 2 minutes on each side.
4. Place zucchini on a baking sheet and top with small amounts of cheese, pepperoni and desired toppings.
5. Broil for an additional 1-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
6. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Full directions are available on The Comfort of Cooking website

When the zucchini bites came out of the oven, they smelled amazing and tasted even better.  I made sure to season the zucchini well before cooking, and I also cut the slices fairly thin.  My mom and I ate them up before my dad even got home, so it looks like I'll have to make some more in the near future!  I think these snacks would be a perfect appetizer for a party and highly recommend that you try this recipe out!

Enjoy!