August 3, 2012

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks

I've not ever heard of KAF until earlier this year. I guess it's a major player among the brands. So on Pinterest (there it is again) I pinned this recipe because it just sounded so good. Last week on a date night with Adam while the littles were at VBS, we went to Olive Garden. I ordered their zucchini pieces, whatever they call them. Much to my surprise it consisted of about 10 slices (round slices!) of zucchini fried with a coating, no taste, and a marinara and a ranch dip. Yuck. They were definitely overcooked. The next night we went to Mimi's Cafe which was the first place I had ever had zucchini Parmesan sticks and I just thought they rocked. They didn't on this night. so disappointed, especially since each appetizer was about $6. All of that to say that I decided we would make our own tonight for dinner to go with our rolls and lasagna. Yum was all that was heard, except for Adam, but he ate it anyway.

4 9" zucchini
1 tbsp salt
1½ cup of Panko
¾ cup shredded parmesan
2-3 tbsp Italian season (we had oregano, parsley, basil, but we like it more seasoned)
2 eggs

Cut the zucchini in half and slice off each end. Stand each half on each and make 3 slices like you were cutting a pizza. This will leave you with 6 zucchini strips about 4" long. Do this to each piece of zucchini.
Place the zucchini in a colander, put that into a bowl, and sprinkle the zucchini strips with salt. Leave this sitting for at least an hour while the zucchini sweat out. Next rinse the salt off of the zucchini. Don't forget this very important step! Pat them dry.
Preheat the oven to 425°.
Beat the 2 eggs in a bowl.
Combine panko, Parmesan, and spices well.
Dip each zucchini piece in egg with one, using the same hand drop it into the crumbs. Use your other hand to roll it in the crumbs, then place it on your pan. Do NOT  put more than 1 piece of zucchini in the crumb bowl or it gets too wet.
Try to space them out on the pan. Bake 12 minutes and then rotate the pans (top to bottom) and bake another 12 minutes or so. You're looking for the crumbs to turn a golden brown.

We LOVED them dipped in ranch dressing. I think if I had made more we would have just eaten this for dinner!

No comments: