Zucchini Sticks + Marinara

Zucchini is the most versatile vegetable.  On it's own it is so-so.  There is so much you can do with it.  I like to pair it with grilled onions, roasted tomatoes, left over brown rice and some Parmesan cheese and bake it for an easy week night side dish.  It is great grilled; pour a little olive oil + balsamic on it with a little S + P, grill it until it is slightly soft, serve it up with a yummy rib eye, mmmm.  It is great in muffins and tea breads.  Yet, it is especially delicious breaded and baked.  This is a great way to get the kids to eat some veggies.


These are easy and delicious.  No frying, they are baked and they are a perfect with almost anything.  Serve it up with  a side of marinara and you have the perfect snack either with a piece of protein or as an after school snack.

Baked Zucchini Fries


ingredients:
1 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 cup all purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
3 medium zucchini, cut length wise into 3-4" sticks x 1/4"

instructions:
• preheat oven 350*
• combine bread crumbs, salt + pepper.  put flour in another bowl.  in a medium bowl, beat eggs and set aside
• dip zucchini sticks in flour, then eggs, then roll them in bread crumbs.
• put coated zucchini sticks on a baking sheet coated with a little non stick spray.  bake for about 20 minutes.  the coating should be crisp.  cool slightly.  serve with marinara on the side!