bountiful baskets co-op & baked zucchini fries

you can never imagine how excited i was to pick up my first share of fruits and veggies from the co-op this morning.  you also might die right now when you learn that our $15 contributions bought all of this

what happens now?  

well, i get to learn how to cook with plantains and use up all this produce before it goes bad.  i have a few ideas that should (hopefully) result in posts on this here blog.  it's been awhile since i made anything too exciting or new so, i'm looking forward to what the week will bring.  for starters, i'll be making oatmeal applesauce blueberry muffins tomorrow morning breakfast.  also on the list; mango sorbet and grilled peaches with rosemary chicken.  i'm looking for a mouth watering salsa recipe to use up all those green peppers, tomatoes and onions.  anyone have one they'd be willing to pass on? (i know i have a huge readership so i'm expecting several salsa recipes in my inbox very soon).

see how overwhelmed my counter is?

earlier in the week my neighbor dropped off a basket of deliciousness from her garden so i have a lot of food to get through.  i've used some of the rosemary already in my new favorite salad and the basil became a nice pesto blend.

i've also made a couple of loaves of zucchini bread and tonight, i had baked zucchini fries for dinner with a side of marinara.  please check back this week to see the rest of my experiments.  

baked zucchini fries

{source)

3 medium zucchini,  sliced into skinny sticks (i used one massive zucchini)
2 large egg whites, beaten
1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (we make our own)
2 T grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp dried basil
Pinch of dried oregano
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 425°. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside.

In a small bowl, beat egg whites with a fork until frothy.

Put the breadcrumbs, basil, oregano, garlic powder and cheese on a plate-I used a pie tin. Mix well.

Dip the zucchini sticks in the egg whites and then into the bread crumb mixture, make sure all sides get coated well. Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet.  I did the sticks one by one.

Bake at 425° for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and a little crispy. I turned over the fries half way through.  Serve warm. We like to dip ours in marinara sauce.