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Summer Squash

© Kathleen M. Brune

Summer is here, and so are Farmers' Markets! As we get out and explore these markets it's so easy to become inspired to enjoy more healthful foods. And one favorite veggie at this time of year is the squash. Here are a couple of delicious recipes to help you enjoy summer's bounty.

Grilled Chicken with Oven-Roasted Summer Squash

A delicious and healthful meal. Serves 6.

1 1/2 pounds whole chicken breast
12 baby pattypan squash
12 baby zucchini
12 crookneck squash
2 teaspoons plus 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
crushed garlic, to taste

Clean chicken breasts and cut into six pieces. Rub with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and crushed garlic, grill until desired doneness.

Meanwhile, wash and trim squash and pat dry. Place in a large bowl and toss with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, salt and pepper. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 425 degrees for 20 minutes, or until tender.

Grilled Summer Veggies

This recipe serves six, and my family enjoys this all summer long.

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
herbs to taste (can include basil, tarragon, savory or any other summer herbs)
2 zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch slices
six tiny pattypan squash, cut in half
1 small Japanese eggplant, cut into 1/2 inch slices
2 red bell peppers, cleaned and cut into slices or chunks
6 small portabello mushrooms, cut into 1/2 inch slices

Mix first three ingredients to create a marinade (you can control the tartness with a little less or more lemon juice) and pour into a resealable bag. Add veggies and mix well. Reseal the bag and place in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until read to grill.

When you're ready to grill, skewer the veggies and place over indirect heat on the grill until tender and slightly charred. Keep in mind that the mushrooms cook faster--you may want to place them at the ends of the skewers for better control.

If you're not crazy about the flavor of lemon, or are unsure of which herbs you'd like, try one of the MANY salad dressings out on the market. Oil-and-vinegar based dressings make the best choices for grilling.

Zucchini Bread

A yummy and simple treat, and a great way to sneak veggies into your kids' diets!

2 cups shredded raw zucchini
3 eggs
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups flour

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