Here is a quick dish that sneaks some vegetables into those hungry mouths you're feeding!
I am the FIRST to admit that if I was granted three wishes, one of them would most certainly be that I'd never have to eat vegetables again.
Here's the back story.
Today, at the YOUNG age of 34, I've learned to like eat most of them. I know they are good for me, so I shove them down my throat. Heck, I've even incorporated salad night into our family dinners once a week. Being a food blogger it would be frowned upon if I never had a recipe with green in it. So here is the obligatory veggie recipe.
BUT. They're good. Even I like them. Maybe the trick is that I made them taste like pizza. Whatever. Details are for overachievers.
Do you know what I like more than vegetables?
Pretty much everything.
But in all honesty, my kids! I took a timeout {we'll get back to the zucchini boats in a moment} and traveled with my daughter's class to the apple orchard yesterday. I took advantage of my mom being in town, had her watch the wee one, rode in a bumpy school bus and had a great time.
We watched a cat kill a mouse, stepped in muddy paths in BRAND NEW TENNIS SHOES, got attacked by bees and ate a lot of apples. Overall a splendid time.
After we got home Grandma went and got pumpkins and even stuck their initials in them with whole cloves {great craft idea!}. My house smelled like pumpkin pie for most of the afternoon and the kiddos loved them.
And people, please note I am not fond of Halloween. I loathe trying to find costumes for my kids, I cringe at trick-o-treating, I could give darn about carving pumpkins. It's just not my thing. So this above photo will probably be the extent of my Halloween enthusiasm. Haters don't email me, you all have things you hate too.
Enough about what I hate...
Back to these boats.
With only 4 ingredients it is a very budget friendly meal and you can probably get your kids excited about it as "pizza" is in the name. I say probably because my oldest is starting to get fooled by all my gimics'. He's on to me. But heck, give it a try with your kids.
These really taste pretty close to pizza. Just close your eyes and imagine crust. Close your eyes. Eating this is definitely a calorie saver. Remember that!
Zucchini Pizza Boats
3 small zucchini, cut in half lengthwise
2 c. pizza sauce
2 c. mozzarella cheese
pepperoni slices
salt
pepper
garlic powder
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Wash the zucchini and cut in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out some of the "pulp" in the center of the zucchini to make a well for the toppings.
3. Sprinkle the zucchinis with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Bake for 20 minutes, uncovered in a greased 9x13 baking dish.
4. Remove from the oven. Spoon in pizza sauce and top with cheese and pepperoni.
5. Bake another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted, serving warm.
Now, if you want to get all Betty Crocker with these, saved that scooped out zucchini, drain it and use it in these Harvest Muffins. Freaking fabulous! That is what I did and they were awesome. I need to make another batch soon.
