Lots of summer squash and zucchini

[GardenStream]

I did a container garden last year and only got about 5 or 10 zucchini all summer. I didn't want that again, so I planted lots in my garden this year. 5 summer squash and about 12 zucchini plants... I know, way too much for a family of 4.

So, I have tons of squash right now and I'm running out of things to do with it. Nobody really loves summer squash in our house, so I'm trying to hide it in everything we eat. It's hard to use it all up.

Does anyone have any tasty recipes which use lots of summer squash?

Maybe I should just put a box down by the road with a sign saying "free produce." Do you think people would actually take it? We're on a fairly busy state route in the country.

[StephandOwen]

Originally Posted by atobols

Maybe I should just put a box down by the road with a sign saying "free produce." Do you think people would actually take it? We're on a fairly busy state route in the country.

In this economy- I have not a doubt that people will take it. It would probably be gone within an hour. Do you know any families who could benefit from some free veggies?

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

Yup a local food bank or woman's shelter would probably love to take some produce off your hands.

Other than that, pick the zucs when they are very small, about the size of your finger. They are nice and crispy at that point and good with dip. Also there will be less volume of squash if you pick them before they get big.

[babygrant]

I always plant a lot of zucchini because I have a super duper yummy zucchini salsa recipe I use. I also just grate zucchini and freeze it so I can use it later for muffins.

The zucchini salsa recipe is great if you can. I usually double or triple the recipe so I can use lots of zukes. Yummmmm. Can't wait till my garden is ready!!!!!

[MacKinnon]

We slice them in half, toss with olive oil and lemon pepper seasoning and grill them. Yummy and easy! We also cut them into sticks and saute then toss with a little lemon rind and parmesan cheese. Same with rounds sauted with onion. I can't wait until we start getting some off of our own plants! Grating and freezing for bread/muffins/etc, is a great way to save for the winter.

And yes, I am SURE people would take them by the side of the road, or you could donate to a food pantry. Most pantries are really busy right now and struggle to provide fresh produce.

[taramoon13]

i found a good recipe last year on foodtv.com where you layer slices of squash, zucchini, tomatoes, basil and parmesan cheese in a baking pan and bake it, it was really good! can't remember any more details, but if you go on there & type in keyword summer squash it should come up.

[Owen'nZoe]

I definitely think people would take the zucchini if you put it out!

We plant a lot of zucchini plants, too, because we like to make kousa mahshi. I make mine like this: http://www.recipezaar.com/Kousa-Mahs...Marrows-224937. You can also make it with ground meat (you don't need to cook the ground meat first, just mix it in with the rice very well before stuffing). I'm not huge on zucchini, either, but this way I love it!

If you make it, save the insides of the squash. Simmer them in a little water until they are soft, then press all of the water out of them. Mix them with half a dozen eggs, a half cup to a cup of flour (depending on how firm you want them), a ton of crushed garlic and some salt and pepper, and then fry them up in a little oil. Yummy!

[PiesandAbrosmama]

The salsa recipe is awesome!!! Try it-canned some today

[Literate]

My kids LOVE zucchini pancakes (http://24boxes.blogspot.com/2008/07/...-pancakes.html). LOVE. Did I mention love?

Also, check with your local food pantry. Mine took oregano last week (I had tons), and they would take squash, too. But I hear not all will accept homegrown stuff.