Cheese Filled Zucchini Food

CRISPY STUFFED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking tray or sheet with non stick cooking oil spray.
• Arrange zucchini halves, cut side up, on the baking sheet. Set aside.
• Mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley and garlic in a small bowl.
• Pour in the melted butter, season with ¾ teaspoon salt and ⅓ teaspoon pepper (or to taste). Mix the ingredients together until the breadcrumbs absorb the butter (about 40 seconds).
• Spoon the mixture over each zucchini half, to evenly cover. Spray the topping with a little cooking oil spray.
• Bake for 20 minutes in the hot oven until the crust is golden and the zucchini halves are cooked through.
• Broil for a further 5 minutes on medium heat to crisp the topping.
• Garnish with parsley and serve as a side accompaniment to any main dish.

PROSCIUTTO-AND-CHEESE-FILLED ZUCCHINI ROLLS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a standard-size rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Spray the bottom and sides lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.
• Shred the zucchini on the large holes of a box grater, then transfer to a large bowl. Sprinkle with a good pinch of salt and several grinds of pepper and toss well. Let sit until softened and starting to release some of its natural juices, about 5 minutes. Transfer the shredded zucchini to a clean kitchen towel or damp cheesecloth, then squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. Reserving the liquid for another use (see Cook's Note), wipe out the large bowl.
• Whisk the eggs, 1/3 cup of the Parmesan, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and several grinds of pepper in the same large bowl until combined. Stir in the zucchini until evenly dispersed throughout the egg mixture. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, spreading the mixture into a thin, even layer. Bake until just set and opaque (there shouldn't be any browning), about 20 minutes.
• Let it cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then invert onto a clean kitchen towel (not terry cloth) and carefully remove the parchment. Starting at one of the longer ends, roll up the egg-zucchini shell and the towel together into a spiral. Transfer seam-side down to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, stir the cream cheese, scallions, a good pinch of salt and remaining 3 tablespoons Parmesan in a small bowl until smooth and combined. Set aside at room temperature until ready to assemble.
• Unroll the room temperature egg-zucchini shell, then use an offset spatula to spread on the cream cheese mixture into a thin, even layer. Next, lay the prosciutto slices down on top in an even layer (the cheese should be almost completely covered). Reroll tightly without the towel. Refrigerate until chilled through, at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
• When ready to serve, use a sharp chef's knife to slice crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick pieces.

CHEESE FILLED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds as well as a little flesh. (Make it like a canoe.).
• Parboil in a large pan of salted water until tender-crisp. (Parboil means to boil for a very short period of time.).
• In the meantime mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, 1/4 C Parmesan, egg, parsley, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Fill the zucchini with the cheese mixture.
• Cover the bottom of a large casserole baking dish with a thin layer of spaghetti sauce. Arrange stuffed zucchini on top and pour remaining sauce over top. Cover with foil.
• Bake at 350 for 30 minute
• Remove foil and sprinkle with 1/4 C Parmesan cheese.
• Return to oven and bake for 15 more minutes.

FRIED CHEESE-STUFFED ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, water and salt until smooth. Set aside.
• In a small bowl combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, heavy cream, basil, and green onion. Mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons filling into each blossom. Close the blossoms and gently twist the petals to seal.
• In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour enough oil to fill the pan about a third of the way. Heat over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 350 degrees F. (If you don't have a thermometer a cube of bread will brown in about 1 minute.) Dip the stuffed zucchini blossoms in the batter and allow any excess batter to drip off. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Allow the cooked blossoms to drain on paper towels.
• Season with salt and serve with your favorite marinara sauce or vinaigrette.

CREAM CHEESE STUFFED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Halve zucchini lengthwise.
• Scoop out middle (seeds and some meat) of zucchini.
• Chop tomatoes and scallions, or any other vegetables you would prefer to use.
• Blend together flavored cream cheese and regular cream cheese. A mixer works best, but this can also be done by hand.
• Add chopped vegetables to cream cheese and mix.
• Scoop or pipe cream cheese mixture into hollowed-out zucchini and place in casserole dish.
• Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the top of the cream cheese is starting to brown/stiffen.
• NOTE: Some moisture will be released during cooking and the zucchini will still be firm after 15-20 minutes. You may cook longer, but the cream cheese will start to liquefy.

CHEESE STUFFED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Cut zucchini in half lengthwise.
• Parboil zucchini in a large saucepan with boiling salted water to cover for 5 minutes.
• Drain & scoop out seeds without going through sides.
• Mix together cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, eggs and spices.
• Spoon cheese mixture into the zucchini halves. (Do not mound - it will run over) Place in a shallow baking pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minute or until custard is set.
• When custard is done, you can sprinkle the zucchini with the bread crumbs and bake for 5 more minutes until the crumbs are toasty.