Simplicity in the Summer (Grilled Zucchini & Yellow Squash)
When summer comes, I always look forward to life slowing down a bit. The kids don't have homework (other than some workbooks I have them do to keep their brains from going "mushy"), no sports practices or games ... just day camp and spending time doing things we enjoy.
For some reason, I don't feel like we've had that laid back summer I was hoping for... at least not yet. We still have quite a bit of summer left before school begins (we start later than most of the country - after Labor Day). So, there's still time to enjoy the freedom of less scheduled time in the evenings and weekends.
One of the best parts of this time of year is that fresh produce is so abundant that I often try to serve more than one vegetable at dinner. Not that everyone will dig into both of them, but there are so many more options to work with to entice them into eating something new.
Zucchini and yellow sqaush are something I love to bring home in the summer months. So easy to prepare with just a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of Kosher salt and the favorite seasoning of the day. This time it was an Italian seasoning blend.
I chose to grill them up and they became tender and just a bit sweet while cooking. You could even toss the leftovers with some cold pasta, cherry tomatoes and anything else you can find for a slightly different pasta salad to nibble on for lunch. Maybe even some bits of fresh mozzarella as well. I'm thinking that may become a reality this weekend so that I can have some myself!
I did find out that My Oldest LOVES, LOVES, LOVES a simple caprese salad! I served it twice in the last week, and he was my biggest customer on that one! Who knew that sliced tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and olive oil would be such a big hit with my 9 year old? He still won't touch the zucchini, but this he devoured... go figure!
What is your favorite way to enjoy the plentiful produce bounty this time of year?
Please note that all photos and content belong to Patsy Kreitman, unless otherwise noted. If you want to use something please ask first.
For some reason, I don't feel like we've had that laid back summer I was hoping for... at least not yet. We still have quite a bit of summer left before school begins (we start later than most of the country - after Labor Day). So, there's still time to enjoy the freedom of less scheduled time in the evenings and weekends.
One of the best parts of this time of year is that fresh produce is so abundant that I often try to serve more than one vegetable at dinner. Not that everyone will dig into both of them, but there are so many more options to work with to entice them into eating something new.
Zucchini and yellow sqaush are something I love to bring home in the summer months. So easy to prepare with just a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of Kosher salt and the favorite seasoning of the day. This time it was an Italian seasoning blend.
I chose to grill them up and they became tender and just a bit sweet while cooking. You could even toss the leftovers with some cold pasta, cherry tomatoes and anything else you can find for a slightly different pasta salad to nibble on for lunch. Maybe even some bits of fresh mozzarella as well. I'm thinking that may become a reality this weekend so that I can have some myself!
I did find out that My Oldest LOVES, LOVES, LOVES a simple caprese salad! I served it twice in the last week, and he was my biggest customer on that one! Who knew that sliced tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and olive oil would be such a big hit with my 9 year old? He still won't touch the zucchini, but this he devoured... go figure!
What is your favorite way to enjoy the plentiful produce bounty this time of year?
Please note that all photos and content belong to Patsy Kreitman, unless otherwise noted. If you want to use something please ask first.
Comments
Both of these look perfect to me.
Friday's favorties for sure :-)
My favorite right now is tomato basil salad: tomatoes, basil, green onion, lemon, and olive oil.