Zucchini! Zucchini! Zucchini!

     

Hey everyone!  I cannot believe we are already into June!  Are any of you scratching your head and asking the question, "Where has this year gone?"  As I know, many of you are just starting to get some warm weather with thoughts of outdoor activities, beautiful flowers to pick, and luscious gardens that will soon be overflowing with delicious bounty.  Well, we were into the thick of all that  last month and some of our veggies are starting to show signs of withering under the AZ sun -- mainly the yellow squash, but the zucchini is still going strong.  The tomatoes are producing like crazy, too,  and will for another month or so.  Last year we only planted one zucchini and one yellow which really wasn't enough; so this year we planted two of each.  Wow, what a differnce between one and two, and I've found myself searching every where for squash recipes, especially for zucchini!  So I thought I would share a few things I've made with.....

Nature's bounty!

First I got a little creative on my own, and came up with a Squash-Chicken Soup with 

Shirataki Noodles.

I chopped enough zucchini & yellow squash to fill my crockpot, mixed Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base with enough water to make about 4 cups & added to the crockpot.  

(If you've never tried this product, you simple must.  It is so much better than regular bouillon. It's available at Costco and Walmart.)

Then I grabbed a handful of fresh herbs from my herb pot & simply laid them on top of the veggies, seasoned with Kosher salt and pepper, and let that baby do it's thing most of the day.

When the veggies were all nice and tender, I removed the herbs (their flavor had already permeated the soup) and then used my emulsifier to make it creamy.  I rinsed and drained a package of Shirataki Noodles (I use these because they are almost carb-free) & 2 cans of chicken (you could certainly use your own freshly cooked chicken), added more salt and pepper to taste and a splash of heavy cream -- you know, for the creaminess aspect!  I sprinkled on a bit of freshly grated parmesan, & we had a wonderfully delicious soup.  It made a ton, so I froze half.

Another delicious way to cook squash is grilling.

I simply brushed on olive oil, sprinkled with salt & pepper, and grilled these for about 15 minutes.

And who doesn't love a sweet bread, especially when it's loaded with veggies and you can't even tell!

Gathered my supplies for Zucchini-Pineapple Bread, recipe found HERE.

I used the same recipe and added raisins to make a double batch of muffins.

I can't even begin to tell you how good my house smelled while all of this was baking.  Truly

had my mouth watering!

Well, I don't know about you, but I pretty much cannot resist a "warm from the oven" muffin.  Please tell me you have this weakness, too.  I made myself a nice glass of iced coffee latte to go along

with my delicious muffin(s).  I called it lunch!

As for these little beauties -- we eat them like candy, tossing back a few throughout the day.

They are a "party" for your tastebuds!

I'm hoping some of you will be sharing your recipes for "garden abundance!"  Thanks so much for stopping by, and please know you are always welcome!  I'll serve you sweet tea and send you home with some nature's bounty......lol!

  

I love to party with these fine bloggers:

The Tablescaper at The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays
Karen at Sew Many Ways for Sew Darn Crafty
Cindy at Dwellings--The Heart of Your Home for Amaze Me Monday

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Dawn at Creative Cain Cabin for Budget Decorating Party
Kathryn at The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Mondays
Maria Elena at Our Home Away from Home for Tuesdays at Our Home

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life  for Inspire Me Tuesday

Leslie at House on the Way for Twirl & Take a Bow

Mary Beth at Cupcakes and Crinoline for Project Inspired

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Karin at The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday

Angela at Hickory Trail for Efforts and Assets

Kelly at Live Laugh Rowe for Live Laugh Linky Party

Richella at Imparting Grace for Grace at Home

Pamela at From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday

Kathryn at The Dedicated House for Anything Blue Friday

The Tablescaper at The Tablescaper for Oh, The Places I've Been

Jody & Stan at Rooted in Thyme for Simple and Sweet Fridays 

Amanda at Serenity Now for Weekend Bloggy Reading