Garden glory

This is our first year to have a garden and I am so excited that there is actually something growing out there(besides weeds!) We actually have tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, sweet corn, pumpkins and okra. (for some reason our onions didn't make it). So, because it's the end of the month and at the end of the month our groceries budget is pretty much depleted- I am having fun getting creative with our garden. We seen to have an abundance of Zucchini and while I didn't think my kids would be thrilled with zucchini they are actually starting to like it! Here are a few of the recipes we have tried and liked. They LOVED the fried zucchini (go figure since it was fried) but they- it was still a zucchini! :0)

Chicken and Zucchini
1/4 cup butter
3 whole chicken breasts, halved
3 cups zucchini, sliced 1/8-inch thick
1/2 cup diced green onions

Garlic Cream:
2 tablespoons butter
1 large clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons flour
1 (3 oz) package of cream cheese
1 can chicken broth
1/2 tsp. pepper

Chicken:
In skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter; add chicken breasts. Cook, turning once, until chicken is browned and fork tender. Add zucchini and onions. Continue cooking, stirring until zucchini is crisp-tender.

Garlic Cream Sauce:
In 2 quart saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter; add garlic. Cook for 1 minute, then stir in flour and cook until smooth and bubbly. Add remaining ingredients and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until sauce is smooth and thickened.
This is pretty served on a bed of rice - layer the zucchini and then the chicken breasts on top then pour sauce over each chicken breast.


Zucchini Squares
3 c. thinly sliced zucchini or cubed
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
2-3 tbsp. parsley
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. oregano
2 dashes Tabasco
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 c. oil
4 eggs, beaten
1 c. Bisquick

Mix all ingredients except Bisquick together, add Bisquick. Pour into 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Cut into small squares


Batter Fried Zucchini
pancake batter mix
zucchini
oil for frying

Get the ready made pancake batter mix and mix it with enough water to make a thick batter. Slice the zucchini about 1/8 thick. Heat the oil to hot but not smoking, Dip each slice of zucchini in the batter and fry until golden on each side, salt while you drain.


Zucchini Crisps with Cheese
1/3 cup Cornflake crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
dash garlic powder
4 small unpeeled zucchini, cut in 1/2 inch strips
1/4 cup melted butter

Combine crumbs, cheese and seasonings; place in a plastic bag. Dip zucchini strips in butter and shake in the crumbs to coat. Place on a baking sheet; bake 375F for 10 minutes or until crisp. 4 servings.