Summer Series - Fried Zucchini Flowers

Oh my, we love Fried Zucchini Flowers. If you have a garden, this is such a treat as it is only available during the summer months in most northern climates. My mom taught me how to make them. If you live in an Italian/European community, you might be able to find them at a Farmer's Market. You can also request a local farmer to consider a trial run at selling them. We just love them in our family. You can use any time of flower from a squash or pumpkin that is similar. They all taste great.

Ingredients

Flowers (Lightly washed)

Bisquick 

Bread Crumbs

3 Eggs whisked in a separate dish

Garlic Salt and Pepper mix

Cracked Pepper

Italian herb mix

Olive Oil

Add all the ingredients minus the eggs in a large platter for dipping.

Warm a skillet to medium heat on a stove top. The skillet should be lived with an 1/8 inch of olive oil. Choose the consistency you think you need for frying. Dip the flowers in egg then roll them into the base you made of breading. The flowers will fry quickly. You probably will turn them over minute or so as they turn a light brown. In a separate plate of papers towels, let then cool and then serve.

You can replace the bisquick with flower in a pinch. As with all recipes, try different herbs and spices. You have a base to get started. Your kids will love this Italian Delicacy.

Summer Series - Tomatoes, Basil, and Mozzie

My kids love garden fresh tomatoes. There are so many amazing things to do with tomatoes. One simple recipe is Tomatoes, Basil and Mozzarella. With a homemade dressing and some garlic....oooof you got a classic for summertime snacking.


Recipe

2-3 good sized tomatoes thickly sliced

Fresh Basil Leaves

Thinly sliced Mozzarella

Olive Oil (Mixed blend of Regular and Extra Virgin)

Red Wine Vinegar

Cracked Sea Salt

Cracked Pepper

Italian or Oregano Seasoning Mix

Fresh Garlic Thinly sliced

Preparation

In a large plate or platter place the Tomato slices as a base on the bottom. Drizzle with Olive oil, Vinegar, Garlic and seasonings. Next, place the Mozzarella on top and provide another layer of drizzle as you did with the tomatoes. Top with the fresh basil and this layer is optional. I like a third layer of drizzle, and I like the fresh pop of basil. Either one is fine. Let set for at least an hour for brine to flavor the Tomatoes and Mozzarella.

There are many options to choose from. On it's own or with bread. You will love this summer time snack.