Zucchini Gratin Goat Cheese Food

CRISP ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, cover 3/4 tablespoon of the sumac with 1 tablespoon of boiling water and leave to infuse for 5 minutes. Add both types of cheese, oregano, walnuts, lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a generous grind of pepper. Mix well.
• Fill the flowers by carefully opening them and either spooning or piping about a tablespoon of the ricotta mixture into each, gently pushing the filling all the way to the bottom of each blossom but being careful not to fill them too much; if you can get someone to hold the flower open for you, it would make it much easier. Gently twist the tips of the petals to secure the filling inside and set aside until you're ready to fry.
• Pour enough oil into a medium (about 8-inch/20-centimeter) nonstick frying pan so that the oil rises about 1 inch/2 centimeters up the sides of the pan. Place on a high heat for 5 minutes and then turn the heat down a fraction.
• Meanwhile, mix the flour and baking soda together in a medium bowl. Slowly pour in the sparkling water, whisking continuously to form a smooth batter.
• When bubbles start to surface in the oil, test it by dropping some batter into the oil: if it sizzles, you are ready. (The oil should hover between 320 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit/160 and 180 degrees Celsius.)
• Lower a zucchini blossom into the batter, turning to coat completely, before carefully placing in the hot oil. Repeat, cooking a few blossoms at a time, adjusting the temperature between batches so they take about 30 seconds on each side to turn a golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and then sprinkle with salt and the remaining 1/4 tablespoon sumac. Serve at once with the lemon wedges alongside.

ZUCCHINI GRATIN (GOAT CHEESE)

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 400 °F, and coat a 1-quart shallow baking or casserole dish with non-stick spray.
• Place the shredded zucchini in a bowl and add salt to taste, mixing well.
• This will be a seasoning as well as an agent to draw out moisture.
• Let stand for 5 minutes, then drain the water that has collected at the bottom of the bowl.
• Heat 1 TBS olive oil over medium heat in a large non-stick skillet.
• Add the zucchini and black pepper to taste, and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until all the moisture has evaporated.
• If this goes well beyond 10 minutes, you may drain the zucchini and return to the skillet, but you really do want to get rid of all the moisture.
• Add the garlic, mix well and cook 5 minutes more, stirring as needed.
• Stir in the parsley and basil, and remove from heat.
• Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
• Beat the eggs and goat cheese together in a bowl.
• This may be done with a whisk, but do try to break the cheese down into small bits and incorporate well with the eggs.
• Stir the cooled zucchini into the egg mixture, then spoon into the baking dish.
• Top with bread crumbs and drizzle the remaining TBS olive oil over the top.
• Bake until golden brown, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.