What's Cooking September, 2010 Whether you still have a bounty of tomatoes and zucchini, you're looking for back to school lunches and treats, or you're itching to get into fall cooking, this month's... |
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Summer's End Foodie Reading List Fall is officially right around the corner, but there's still a few beach days left and plenty of time to sink your teeth into these great foodie reads. Spoon... |
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In Season: Grapes When I was pregnant with my first child I had a serious craving for grapes. So much so that my doctor ordered me to stop eating so many. I... |
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Style with Substance When I leaped at the opportunity to review Donatella Cooks, I took a little flack here at Project Foodie headquarters. Those not familiar with the über successful restaurateur and... |
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Brewmaster Kirk Hillyard Home brewed beer is a surging hobby - at least among some of my friends who spend lots of time brewing and enjoying the results. But how often do... |
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About Sophia Markoulakis Sophia Markoulakis is a Sacramento girl who grew up diving after just-picked fruit on hot summer days. She met her husband at UC Berkeley, where she graduated in English Lit and Classical Civilizations, and moved across the Bay to raise a family. Along the way she graduated from the California Culinary Academy, developed two neighborhood grocery stores with her husband, and has freelanced for many years at Sunset Publishing and the San Francisco Chronicle. She also is the creator of the lemons4all blog.
Sophia's Articles
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Written by Sophia Markoulakis
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Wednesday, 18 August 2010 |
 When I was pregnant with my first child I had a serious craving for grapes. So much so that my doctor ordered me to stop eating so many. I realize this was 20 years ago, though grapes were considered a healthy fruit, they weren't on the health radar like they are today.
According to the California Table Grape Commission, a 3/4 cup serving of grapes contain 90 calories, no sodium or cholesterol, and virtually no fat. Full of vitamin C and potassium, grapes are a great source of resveratrol. This antioxidant, found in the skins of grapes, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Currently California grows 98% of grapes consumed nationwide. This summer, the California Table Grape Commission is partnering with baseball teams across America promoting California grapes by selling them at concession stands and offering various baseball-themed recipes. I recently attended a San Francisco Giants game and met with celebrity chef Tyler Florence who has partnered with the Table Grape Commission. He's attending games around the country promoting healthy grapes and even throwing out the first pitch of the games. Chatting with him and sampling his delicious Tangy Grape Relish, it was a reminder of how great grapes are—either eaten out of hand or incorporated into literally any dish.
For most of us grapes are available year round. Yes they fluctuate in price and their source of origin might change depending on the time of year, but they tend to be our fall-back fruit when nothing else is available. The never-ending debate regarding the value of healthy eating versus only eating organic is very relevant to grapes. Ultimately it's up to us as consumers to be educated and decide which is more valuable—consuming non-organic fruit that is highly nutritious or missing out on that nutrition because of the possible contaminating effects of chemicals on conventionally grown produce. I say we should be thankful to have an option.
 In the kitchen, grapes tend to pair great with lean mild-flavored meats and fish. Musky flavored muscats and concord grapes can handle stronger-flavored cheeses and bolder spices. Delicate champagne grapes are harder to find but work great in appetizers that use goat cheese and other fresh cheeses. Texturally, cook with fresh grapes like you would fresh tomatoes. Exposed to heat, they break down the same way. Throw a couple handfuls of green grapes in a roasting pan with a veal or pork roast, season with fresh sage and shallots, or add a handful of sliced red grapes to a sauté pan while finishing a sauce for fish. Or, add fresh chopped red, green, or black grapes to any green salad that already contains some sweet components such as candied pecans or dried cranberries. It is all about layering flavors and textures and enjoying a super healthy fruit.
Project Foodie has a huge assortment of grape recipes spanning the spectrum from appetizers to desserts. Here are some that inspired me.
Salads and Sides
Arugula Salad with Shrimp and Grapes uses grapes in the dressing and as a garnish, giving you a double dose of healthy grape nutrients. | |   | Arugula Salad with Shrimp and Grapes | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese and Grapes could easily be a main course for a lunch menu. | | | | Chicken Salad With Blue Cheese And Grapes | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Spinach, Grapes, and Bacon is slightly warmed due to the hot bacon and small amount of drippings incorporated into the dressing. | | | | Spinach, Grapes and Bacon | |  | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Barbecued Chicken and Grape Salad is a great non-mayo chicken salad alternative. | | | | Barbecue Chicken and Grape Salad | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Main Dishes
Campanelle with Roasted Grapes and Feta has such complex flavors that you don't miss the meat. | | | | Campanelle With Roasted Grapes and Feta | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Chicken Cutlets with Grape-Shallot Sauce comes together in minutes and proves that the sauté pan is an indispensable kitchen staple. | | | | Chicken Cutlets with Grape-Shallot Sauce |  |  | One of the Test Kitchen’s favorites, this quick sauté pairs wine and grapes in a luscious sauce. If you’ve never used grapes in a sauce before—try it—you won’t be disappointed. This is simple enough for a weeknight, but elegant enough for entertaining. Make it a meal: Serve with brown basmati rice or mashed sweet potatoes and Chard with Shallots, Pancetta & Walnuts. | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Chicken Tacos with Spicy Grape Salsa can be served for kids who can handle some heat and is a good way to add a fruit serving to their day. | | | | Chicken Tacos With Spicy Grape Salsa | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Pan-Seared Black Sea Bass with Endives and Grapes can also be prepared with another more sustainable fish such as Mahi mahi or Striped Bass. | | | | Pan-Seared Black Sea Bass With Endives And Grapes | |  | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Spiced Chicken and Grape Skewers uses Mediterranean flavors and grills quickly for a weeknight meal. | | | | Spiced Chicken And Grape Skewers | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Desserts
Yogurt and Brown Sugar Panna Cotta with Grape Gelee is a healthy dessert that's prepared ahead of time. | | | | Yogurt And Brown-Sugar Panna Cotta With Grape Gelee | |  | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Roasted Grape and Mascarpone Cheese Pie is a hybrid pie/cheesecake that satisfies both camps. | | | | Roasted Grape And Mascarpone Cheese Pie | |  | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Port-Glazed Grape Tarts with Pecan Crust serves guests with individual-size tarts and makes a great finale to a special-occasion meal. | | | | Port-Glazed Grape Tarts With Pecan Crust | |  | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Beaumes-De-Venise Cake with Grapes is a classic French-inspired sponge cake using a fortified grape wine. | | | | Beaumes-De-Venise Cake with Grapes | |  | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Hazelnut-Coated Ricotta Balls with Roasted Grapes isn't overly sweet yet ultimately decadent with homemade ricotta. | | | | Hazelnut-Coated Ricotta Balls with Roasted Grapes | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 17 August 2010 )
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Written by Sophia Markoulakis
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Thursday, 22 July 2010 |
What would a summer garden be without the ubiquitous zucchini plant taking over the garden bed with its umbrella-like stems and leaves outstretched and offering unsolicited shade to surrounding plants. No matter how much space you allow, it never quite seems enough for this easy-to-grow summer squash.
Of course, with such an accommodating plant comes plenty of fruit and that's where Project Foodie helps! Anyone with an abundance of zucchini can cook through Project Foodie's zucchini recipes and still not prepare them all. Summer-fresh zucchini is amazingly sweet so while combing through the selection, try to steer clear of recipes with too many ingredients or too much cooking time. Several of the recipes I selected (see below) don't require cooking zucchini at all. If you haven't tried raw immature zucchini, I urge you to try it. It's nothing like the cooked zucchini you're used to.
And you should also beware the overgrown zucchini. Every summer I beg my father to harvest his zucchini before they become overgrown and less palatable, but his zealousness for gardening overcomes any thought of how he'll tackle that overgrown fruit once he brings it into the kitchen.
Whether harvesting or shopping for zucchini, select fruit no larger than 6-inches long. Store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to one week. Because zucchini's water content is more than 95%, it shouldn't be frozen until it is already cooked and incorporated into a recipe. Either enjoy zucchini now while at its peak, or pickle it and serve pickled spears or chips with burgers, alongside roast chicken, or cut up and added to pasta salads. You can also freeze prepared casseroles that have zucchini incorporated in them and thaw and cook them at a later time.
Even with its high water content, zucchini is still full of vitamins and a great choice for dieters. It's got a good amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and potassium. If working with large zucchini only use the green sides and discard the inner core with seeds since there's little nutritional value there.
Lots of recipes call for salting zucchini prior to cooking and it really isn't necessary when working with small specimens. Add shredded zucchini to soups, rice, and polenta. Cube zucchini and sprinkle on top of pizza or flatbreads and add to omelets. Thinly slice it lengthwise and add to hot sandwiches. Its mild flavor won't compete with other flavors and adds a slight herbaceous sweetness to dishes.
Zucchini Recipes to try: Salads and Sides | Soups and Sandwiches | Savory and Sweet Breads | Pastas and Main Dishes
Salads and SidesGarbanzo Bean and Zucchini Salad uses cubed raw zucchini and combines classic Italian flavors for a refreshing summer salad. | | | | Garbanzo Bean And Zucchini Salad | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Grilled Zucchini and Halloumi Salad takes all the cooking outdoors for a great summer salad. | | | | Grilled Zucchini And Halloumi Salad | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Marinated Zucchini and Yellow Squash Salad has cider vinegar, which gives an almost pickled flavor to the dish. | | | | Marinated Zucchini And Yellow Squash Salad | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Blistered Baby Zucchini, Baby Pattypan Squash, and Grilled Tomatoes is a super-simple delicious summery side. | | | | Blistered Baby Zucchini, Baby Pattypan Squash, And Grilled Tomatoes | |  | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Carpaccio of Raw Zucchini is a great way to serve young zucchini raw and comes together in minutes. | | | | Carpaccio Of Raw Zucchini | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Soups and SandwichesChilled Avocado and Zucchini Soup is creamy and refreshing with the addition of avocado and buttermilk. | | | | Chilled Avocado And Zucchini Soup | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Creamy Zucchini Soup with Mixed Herbs has a chicken stock base and gets its body from pureeing the ingredients. | | | | Creamy Zucchini Soup with Mixed Herbs | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Roasted Red Pepper, Zucchini, and Tomato Soup with Fusilli is reminiscent of minestrone, but without the beans. Add a can of rinsed and drained canellini or kidney beans for protein. | | | | Roasted Red Pepper, Zucchini, and Tomato Soup with Fusilli | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Chicken Sandwiches with Zucchini Slaw uses zucchini in place of cabbage to make a tangy chipotle-crème fraiche slaw. | | | | Chicken Sandwiches with Zucchini Slaw | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Savory and Sweet BreadsCheesy Zucchini and Red Onion Flatbread is a great vegetarian pizza-style bread. | | | | Cheesy Zucchini and Red Onion Flatbread | |  | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Grilled Zucchini and Herb Pizza is a great pizza dough recipe tailored for the grill. | | | | Grilled Zucchini And Herb Pizza | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Zucchini Bread with Moroccan Spices is yeast bread that is highly aromatic, filling the kitchen with wonderful exotic smells. | | | | Zucchini Bread with Moroccan Spices | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Carrot-Zucchini Yogurt Muffins are super healthy thanks to whole-wheat flour, carrots, yogurt, and wheat germ. | | | | Carrot-Zucchini Yogurt Muffins | |  | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread is classic Paula Deen and is guaranteed to be moist, rich, and over the top. | | | | Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Pastas and Main DishesBeautiful Zucchini Carbonara puts seasonal zucchini to good use in this rich special occasion dish. | | | | Beautiful Zucchini Carbonara | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Grilled Zucchini Pasta with Pecorino Walnut Crumble pairs sweet zucchini and walnuts with salty pecorino cheese. | | | | Grilled Zucchini Pasta With Pecorino Walnut Crumble | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Beef and Bulgur-Stuffed Zucchini gets a healthy boost from bulgur grain as opposed to the traditional rice filling. | | | | Beef And Bulgur-Stuffed Zucchini | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags |
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