Everything Zucchini

Published on by carol lou

Yes, it is that time of year, zucchini is abundant and I just love pulling out my recipes using zucchini.  The Chocolate Zucchini Bars are moist and oh so delicious.  The recipe makes a large sheet pan perfect for late summer get-together s.  Then a savory dish using ground beef and zucchini to create a basil filled pasta sauce, perfect for a quick dinner. 

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Chocolate Zucchini Bars

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 5 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 4 cups packed grated zucchini
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Grease and flour one 11 x 17 inch sheet pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugars, butter, oil, eggs, vanilla and buttermilk.  Mix together the dry ingredients (flour,cinnamon, allspice, cocoa powder, soda and salt).  Slowly add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.  Stir in the grated zucchini.  Pour mixture into prepared pan and sprinkle the chocolate chips of the top.  Bake for 40 - 45 minutes or until a wooden pick come out clean..  Cool, dust with powdered sugar, if desired.  Cut into bars when cool.

 

 

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Fettucine with Zucchini Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 4 cups diced zucchini
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons prepared pesto or fresh minced basil
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound cooked al dente, fettucine
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1.  In a large skillet, cook the onion, parsley and garlic in the olive oil for 5 minutes.  Add the ground beef and cook until the meat is cooked through. Add the zucchini and mix well.  Stir in the pesto or basil, tomato sauce, salt and pepper and red pepper flakes.  Cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stir frequently. Cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente.  Stir the heavy cream into the pasta sauce and heat through, taste for seasoning and adjust to your taste.  Drain pasta and toss with sauce.  Top with grated cheese.