It Was Love At First Bite!

Tonight, we tried something totally different.  Well, at least for us.  After years (yes, years) of trying to get my picky kid to eat a vegetable other than french fries (I don't care what anyone says. . .they're made out of potatoes. . .they're a veggie.  Don't argue!), I have FINALLY found something that works.  OMG.  Bring on the happy dance! 

My utterly fantastic friend, Sharon, gifted me with some zucchinis when I went to visit her in her new home (which includes lots and lots of vegetables growing in her very own garden) last weekend.  When I inquired on what in the world I was supposed to do with this crazy looking cucumber (that's what I always thought zucchinis were. . .a type of cucumber), she laughed at me and told me to fry it.  Umm. . .okay. 

So, after pondering this preparation method for the last few days, I decided to give it a go.  Afterall, we love fried stuff in this house and if it means I can sneak some veggie in under that lovely fried goodness, I'm game. 

So, we started with a fairly large zucchini.  Take it from me (because I'm an experienced pro at this now), don't use a zucchini this large unless you're making this dish for alot of people.  I ended up throwing out half of the uncooked zucchini (I know, NOT a good example for Living on a Dime or Less.  I'm sorry!) simply because I had too much of it. 

Slice it up into thin slices. . .but not too thin or else you'll end up with zucchini chips.

Some of those slices are too thin.  Just throw those out.  It's not worth cooking them.  Really!

Then, mix up your coating mixture.  It's SOOO easy squeezy!  Just flour, seasoned salt, and pepper.  See, easy peasy! 



No measurements.  Just throw some flour onto a plate, sprinkle in some seasoned salt (not too much or the finished product will be too salty) and some pepper.  Mix it all together. 

Crack an egg or two into a bowl, add a splash of milk and fork (mix) it up. 

After your prep work is done, heat some veggie oil in a large frying pan.  Dredge (that's the fancy term for dip and coat) the zucchini slices in the egg mixture and then the flour mixture. 

Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the hot oil and fry until golden brown. 

Once the golden brown goodness is done cooking (really, just fry until your desired level of golden), remove fried slices of heaven and drain on a plate covered with paper towels. 

Once cool, call over your little taste tester and bribe him/her to try their new favorite food.  A tip from the master: don't tell them that what they are about to try is a vegetable.  It just ruins the experience.

He looks scared, doesn't he?  Can you tell that I force him to try alot of foods and refuse to answer his question of what it is?  Poor kid. 

SCORE!  Kid likes it.  I will never look at a zucchini the same way again.  Seriously, I ate fried zucchini for dinner.  ONLY fried zucchini for dinner!