It’s that time of year again. The time of year when I get sneaky. I have a passion for cooking and a love of gardening. I also have an interest in nutrition and a love for my children. Combined, these had me convinced that if kids were given the chance to grow their own food in their backyard or patio garden they would eat just about anything they grew.
My garden space is small but full and in July it is full of zucchini. But, it turns out that zucchini is not my kids’ idea of good food. Even if they did grow it. Funny thing that I can’t remember this in May when I put in the seedlings.
So, every year, this time of year, I am forced to hide zucchini everywhere in order to use it up. For dinner there is no better choice than the recipe found in Barbara Kingsolver’s book Animal, Vegetable, Mineral for Disappearing zucchini orzo. It is a perfect way to hide three large ones. Then for breakfast I whip up zucchini bread from a recipe I have tuned and tweaked for the past 18 years of feeding children. It is a perfect way to thin the crop and a fabulous way to trick reluctant youngsters into eating their veggies. You can also ask your kids to help you out with this. And, in addition to cooking activities, here are some more great tips to keep your kids active and healthy during the summer.
Servings: 12
Prep time: 20 minutes
When asked, don’t tell them what the green flecks are just let them try it first!