Never Let a Snowy Blowy Day Go to Waste! Actually, Any Day!

You are probably wondering what the heck is that? What it is, is delicious. Today it is snowy and blowy in Vermont, again. On days like this the oven is your friend. It just adds another element of coziness to your home. These are the days I like to look in my fridge and create. By creating I mean clean out all the small amounts of this n that. So that is what I did.

First, I made a ham, mushroom and cheese frittata that will be reheated for several meals, be it a breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Next, I made a cherry tomato sauce with red peppers, mushrooms, white beans, basil, oregano, and even chopped two leftover breaded chicken tenders from another meal to toss in. Nothing goes to waste in this house. I had several ideas in mind for this sauce, topping for zucchini zoodles, pasta, garlic bread, or pizza crust. What I did not have in mind was a topping for grilled zucchini slices, but that is where I went.

I sliced a thin strip off the sides lengthwise on 3 small zucchinis, (amounts of your choice) saving the sides for a soup or to add to a broth for flavor. Again, nothing goes to waste. Made my slices 1/4 inch thick and grilled for 5 minutes per side. Once you start to see moisture in your pan, they are ready. I did not bread these but did season, breading optional here. If you don't have a grill pan any pan will do. It is also optional that you skip this step if you are pressed for time.

Placed in my lightly sprayed oven proof skillet, topped with my sauce, and baked in a 375-degree oven for 12 minutes, topped with some shredded cheese and put back in oven until melted. (if not grilled, will take about 10 minutes longer)

Right now, more than ever it is important that nothing goes to waste in our food budgets, rising prices and shortages affect us all. Open your fridge and see what you can come up with, your family and your budget will thank you!!

Happy Cooking, Stay Safe!