Orange Blossom Zucchini Food

STUFFED ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS

Steps:

• Prepare the zucchini blossoms for stuffing by gently opening the leaves and pinching out the stamen inside each flower. Set the blossoms aside.
• For the filling, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Transfer to a sandwich-size resealable plastic bag and snip a small corner from one point at the bottom.
• Open the leaves of a blossom and pipe in about 1 tablespoon of filling (don't overfill). Gently twist the top of the blossom to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining zucchini blossoms and filling.
• Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet and heat to 360 degrees F. (If you don't have an oil thermometer, you'll know the oil is ready if you drop in a scrap of bread and it sizzles on contact and begins to brown after a few seconds.) Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
• For the batter, whisk the flour, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Whisk in the seltzer to make a smooth batter.
• When the oil is ready, dip the zucchini flowers in the batter one at a time, letting excess batter drip back into the bowl. Add as many as will fit in the skillet without crowding. Fry, turning once, until the batter is light, crisp and golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon to the lined baking sheet to drain and repeat with the remaining blossoms.
• Serve warm with marinara for dipping.

ORANGE BLOSSOM ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Julienne zucchini into 2 inch sticks.
• Saute in butter until tende crisp, about 3 minutes.
• Add Cointreau and marmalade and heat through.
• Sprinkle lightly with pepper and serve warm.

ZUCCHINI ORANGE BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Grease and flour bottoms only of two 8x4 or 9x5 loaf pans.
• In large bowl, beat eggs until thick and lemon-coloured; gradually beat in sugar.
• Add oil, orange juice and zucchini.
• Stir in remaining bread ingredients; mix well.
• Pour batter into prepared pans.
• Bake at 350°F degrees for 45-55 minutes or until cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean.
• Cool 10 minutes.
• Remove from pans; cool slightly on a rack.
• In small bowl, blend glaze ingredients; spread over warm loaves.
• Cool completely on wire rack.
• Wrap tightly and store in refrigerator.

ORANGE BLOSSOM BELLINIS

Steps:

• Mix together orange juice and orange blossom water, then divide between 6 cocktail glasses. Top up with champagne or prosecco and serve with nibbles like olives and salted almonds.