SUMMER IN JERSEY - ZUCCHINI - ZUCCHINI AND CHEESE BRUSCHETTA

ZUCCHINI AND CHEESE BRUSCHETTA

How much do you know about zucchini? I asked myself that question, and realized that the answer was very little. So after a little research, I discovered some fun facts. Let me share with you what I found. Zucchini is a summer squash that is in the same family as cucumbers, melons and spaghetti squash. But zucchini is actually a fruit and not a vegetable as most people assume. Surprised? I was too. Squashes actually originated in the Americas, but the green variety, (zucchini), was first developed in Italy in the early 1800's. (Maybe that is why we Italians love it so much.) So how do you identify good zucchini? It should feel firm yet tender with shiny or glossy skin. When you cut into a good zucchini, it should have an almost buttery-like texture, and the flesh should appear slightly yellow, greenish, or white. 

On another page, I emphasized the importance of having an appetizer ready, with cocktails when hosting a dinner party. This bruschetta is perfect for such an occasion. It is light, so it won't fill your guests up too much before dinner. You wouldn't want to work so hard on a special dinner, only for your guests to be too full to eat it!  And of course, you don't have to be having a dinner party to make and enjoy this. If your husband comes home from work ravishing everyday like mine does, from a hard day's work, this is the perfect come home to snack that is light, not too filling, and very healthy. My husband just loves it. This appetizer pairs well with a nice Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. 

What you will need: Slices of crusty Italian bread - 2 cloves of minced garlic - 1 tsp. of olive oil - 1 medium zucchini, chopped with skin on - 2 small roma tomatoes, cut up in small pieces. - 4 oz. of cheddar cheese, shredded, or any other cheese that you prefer - salt and pepper to taste

To make: In a frying pan, saute the zucchini in the olive oil on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and saute another 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off heat and add chopped tomatoes, salt and pepper, and cheese. Stir. As the cheese melts, slice the Italian bread into 1 inch slices and toast. Then top the toasted bread slices with the zucchini mixture.