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Healthy Recipe: Creamy Zucchini Boats

FitSugar — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Fresh basil is plentiful in the Summer months and pairs so nicely with zucchini, another hot weather crop. I found a tasty recipe that combines the two and these Creamy Zucchini Boats are my new fave. I found the recipe in Cooking Light, but modified it a little, using fat free ricotta and grated carrots. It's savory, warm, soft and delicious. Perfect for an appetizer for your Summer BBQs.

To see the recipe just read more.

Creamy Zucchini Boats
Modified from a Cooking Light recipe

Ingredients

3 zucchinis
1 cup tightly packed basil leaves
1/4 cup loosely packed parsley
1 clove minced garlic
1/4 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup (4 oz.) fat free ricotta cheese
1/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp hot water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450° F.
Wash each zucchini thoroughly. Cut off the ends and then cut each one in half. Then cut each half lengthwise so you have 12 pieces of zucchini total.
With a spoon, scoop out the seeds and compost them, or use them to make soup broth. Place the zucchini boats on a lightly oiled cookie sheet.
Now you're ready to make the filling. Chop the basil and the parsley and place it in a bowl with the garlic, grated carrot, ricotta, Parmesan, water, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix it thoroughly.
Now fill each boat with the creamy mixture, pressing it down with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
Serve warm and enjoy.

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Do you have a healthy snack or recipe to share? Then share it in the Lite'n it Up - Healthy Recipe Group and I might just post it on FitSugar.

Learn to Love: Summer Squash

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0700

I have always held Winter squash in greater esteem than the Summer variety, since zucchini and crook neck squash seem to pale in comparison nutritionally. But it looks like I was wrong, because Summer squash has a lot to offer.

One cup of zucchini provides about 15 percent of the recommended daily intake for vitamin C and 10 percent of vitamin A. This veggie is high in manganese, a trace mineral that supports an active metabolism as well as brain function and bone health. One cup of Summer squash also provides two and a half grams of fiber, and every little bit of fiber adds up to make a healthy diet. Plus, you get around 10 percent of your daily intake requirements for potassium, folate, and vitamin K with a cup of squash, as well as a bit of omega-3 fatty acids. This variety of squash is also high in phytonutrients, though not quite as high as root vegetables, which have cancer-fighting effects.

Now that I have convinced us both of the nutritional merits this versatile vegetable, I am sure you are going to want to cook some up tonight. You can check out my serving suggestions when you read more.

Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy green and yellow zucchini, crook neck squash, patty pan, and butter blossom squash:

Chop up a variety of Summer squash and saute in olive oil with garlic and red pepper flakes for an easy side dish.
Slice zucchini lengthwise, dip in olive oil, and grill.
For a veggie entree, cook up some creamy zucchini boats.

Love Summer squash? How do you like to cook you zucchini?

Getty

Healthy Super Bowl Snacks

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0800

Superbowl is this Sunday, and many of you will be throwing or attending parties. Normally this involves four or more hours of nonstop snacking, so here are some healthy foods you can nosh on without compromising your health goals. Make them for you own party, or bring them along to share with your friends.

Make your own hummus with chick peas, garlic, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice. Serve with veggie sticks or toasted whole wheat pita bread. It's high in protein and flavor.
Use your microwave to make fat-free, air-popped popcorn. Place two tablespoons of kernels in the bottom of a small brown lunch bag. Fold the top three times and place the bag in the microwave on its side. Microwave for two to two and a half minutes, or until the popping slows down. Season with salt or nutritional yeast.
Make creamy zucchini boats. They're great finger food, easy to make, and healthier than potato chips and dip.
Be different and saute some polenta stacks. I like to add mozzarella cheese and tomatoes to mine, but get creative and use other healthy ingredients.
Eating chili on Super Bowl Sunday was a tradition in my house, but the beef offers more saturated fat and calories than I need. So make a healthier version with beans and veggies. Check out my recipe for Vegetarian Black Bean Chili.

In Case You Missed It: Healthy Recipes

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 02:50:00 -0800

Eating healthy doesn't just have to be about carrot sticks and granola bars. There are so many recipes out there that taste decadent and rich that you won't even realize what you're enjoying is good for you. So put down those boring rice cakes and give these recipes a try.

Eggplant Stacks	Broccoli Mushroom Leek Quiche	Baked Eggs in Tomato
Chai Spiced Polenta	Creamy Zucchini Boats	Almond Macaroons

Do you have a healthy snack or recipe to share? Then post it in the Lite'n it Up - Healthy Recipe Group and I might just feature it on FitSugar.