Finger Food For Big Kids

So sometimes the last thing I want to do on a friday night is cook another meal. BUT sometimes the second last thing I want to do on a friday night is get dressed up and go out and spend money (what can I say?...I'm hot & cold sometimes!) A quick and easy solution is appetizers! Yummy ones! When Mj-mini was visiting last month, we got a chance to whip up some new recipes that are super easy and if you make a few, they can fill you up just like a meal (minus the big prep & clean up.)

Number 1: Homemade (lightly) Fried Zucchini

Ingredients

• Fresh zucchini
• 2-3 eggs
• Italian bread crumbs (I use San Giorgio)
• Flour (I like whole wheat)
  
• Olive oil

Process

• Heat olive oil on medium heat in skillet. The oil should merely coat the bottom and supply a little extra for frying. You do not want these swimming in oil!
• Beat eggs & place in bowl, place flour in separate bowl, bread crumbs in a third bowl
• Wash and slice zucchini from top to bottom in about 1/4 inch slices
• Dip zucchini slice in flour, then egg, then in bread crumbs. In that order. Repeat.
• Lay zucchini in skillet, each side gets about a minute & a half depending on your heat level. They should look golden and sizzling when you take them out. Beware of over cooking... but if you like crispy feel free to experiment!
• Lay on a plate with a paper towel to absorb the extra oil. Salt and enjoy! (you can dip it in marianna sauce if you want some extra-zing)

Number 2: Mini Baguette Crostini? [I am taking all/any suggestions for a new name ;0) ]

Ingredients

• One frresh french baguette
• Pesto, 1/4 cup ( my FAV brand is Classico because it has garlic chunks in it!... is my italian side coming out yet??)
• Fresh pecorino romano cheese, grated, 3 tbs
• 1 fresh tomato
• Goat Cheese, 1/4 cup
• Black Olive Puree, 1/4 cup

* It is perfectly fine to make all the crostini using only pesto, or only the olive puree, the options are merely to "spice it up". I mostly throw together whatever is on hand... this should be stress free aps!

Process

• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
• Slice baguette into 1/2 inch circles (one loaf should equal about 20-25)
• On 1/3 of baguettes: put a dollop of pesto, a thin slice of tomato, garnish with grated cheese
• on 1/3 of baguettes: put a dollop of goat cheese, top with olive puree
• on 1/3 of baguettes (for more picky eaters that still want something pretty) put a thin slice of just tomato and garnish with grated cheese
• bake in oven for about 10 minutes or until crispy!

ENJOY!