Zucchini Fries

Olive oil cooking spray

1 t. Italian seasoning

1 1/2 T. all purpose flour

3/4 t. salt

3/4 cup dried bread crumbs (Italian seasoned crumbs are good too)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

2 medium zucchini, about 7-inch each, cut into 4 chunks, then each chunk halved

2 large egg whites whipped until frothy (almost soft peaks)

Preheat oven to 425F. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray in a small bowl, mix together Italian seasoning, flour, cheese and salt. Place bread crumbs in another small bowl.

Dredge a zucchini fry in flour mixture and then dip into egg whites, dredge in bread crumbs. Place coated zucchini on prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining ingredients. Liberally coat with cooking spray.

Roast turning once, until desired crispness, about 12 minutes. Yields about 8 fries per serving.

Notes: Use this technique with any summer squash or eggplant. It also works great with thick-cut onion rings or even green tomatoes. For extra crispy fries, increase the oven temperature to 500F and knock 2 minutes off the cooking time.

Corn Salsa

This recipe of Lisa's is a huge crowd pleaser and makes a large bowl of salsa so it's perfect for a potluck!

1 can pinto beans-drained

1 can black beans-drained

1 can corn-drained

7-8 Roma Tomatoes

3 Avocados

chopped green onions to taste

chopped cilantro to taste

1 pkg. Dry Italian Dressing Mix

Mix all ingredients together. Can be made a day ahead but add avocados just before serving.

Tasty Brazilian Rice

This recipe came from a neighbor (Lynette Squire) who was a missionary in Brazil several years ago. I couldn't wait to try it and see if it suited Brandon's Brazilian tastes as well. It's a keeper. I've made it a few times now and the Basmati rice works better than regular long grain.

2 cups rice

4 cups water

1 t. salt

2 T. green sauce, or garlic and onion powder seasoning to taste

3 T. oil

Heat oil in bottom of sauce pan. Add salt and green sauce, or seasonings, and saute for about 3 minutes. Add rice and stir until rice begins to turn white. Add water and boil, covered, for about 20 minutes.