Zucchini (and Corn) Patties

I came across the cutest blog today.  Shopgirl had left me a comment on my Rustic Apple Dumpling post and she sounded so sweet I decided to check out her blog.  One of the first things I knew I had to try were her Zucchini Patties!  They sounded so yummy.

 They also sounded easy to make, gotta love that.  AND they would use up some of that zucchini from my garden!  Win-win in my book.

 

Shopgirl's Zucchini Patties

2 cups grated zucchini (one medium sized zucchini)

1/2 small onion, finely diced

1 large egg

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Salt and Pepper

Olive oil
*You could add garlic or herbs for some extra flavor

(I added 1/2 corn of fresh corn-Diana) 

 

 1. To make these zucchini patties, grate the zucchini, then pat it dry with some paper towels (try to get as much of the moisture out as possible, without mushing up the zucchini).

 I used fresh corn right off the cob to add more crunch (and because I needed to get rid of some!)

  Place all the grated zucchini in a bowl, and add in the finely diced onion, Parmesan cheese (you can add in whatever cheese you like), the egg and flour and stir well. Season with salt and pepper. (remember to add the corn too-Diana)

 2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan and using a 1/4 cup measure, drop the zucchini batter into your pan, patting it down a little with a spatula.  I think you could use an ice cream scoop to keep the mixture from sticking to the cup.

 Cook on medium heat for about 2 - 3 minutes on each side, or until you get a nice, golden brown crust on the outside and the patties have cooked on the inside.

Let cool for a few minutes.  I served mine with a dollop of sour cream.  How do they taste?  REALLY, REALLY GOOD.  They reminded me a bit of corn fritters, which I love!  I will definitely be making these again.

Diana



Fabulous Find Friday For March 29th

Living in Amish country has so many perks.  Not only do we have a abundance of bakeries specializing in good old fashion treats, quilt shops full of handmade items, buggies tied to lamp posts at the local Walmart and bulk food stores where you can get staples (and candy!) at low prices, but we also have friendships with these knowledgeable people who have been living off the land for generations.  Several years ago some of our Amish friends told us of a seed company that they bought all their seeds from.

 After tasting the wonderful corn from their garden we knew we needed to try some of these seeds for our garden.  Berlin Seed Company is located in Berlin, Ohio and has the highest quality seeds with wonderful germination.  Plus they have "Incredible" corn seed.  That's really it's name, "Incredible", and it does describe the corn we have gotten every year since.  The only thing bad I can say about this company is that you can't order online, duh, it is Amish!  That meant that every year I needed to drive to Berlin to get my seeds (hardly a huge problem since I usually stopped at my favorite fry pie bakery on the way).  I could also order on the phone but that meant I had to find my catalog, which I am always losing.  So when I found another company that loves Berlin Seed so much they have an online store that carries them, I knew this would be great for me (I can now order seeds and officially start my garden without ever having to get out of my PJ's) and for those of you who don't live in Amish country!  You're welcome!  Direct Garden Seeds carries all my favorite seeds, including Incredible Corn, Amish Paste Tomato, and so many others.  I placed my first order this morning!  Click on the link to order yours too!

Diana

The Farm on Kenyon Road

 I have a new routine this summer.  First thing each morning after taking care of the girls in the hen house and weeding in the garden, I decide if I need to go to the market.  Not the big superstore downtown.  No, I look in my fridge and take inventory of the fresh vegetable bin.  Do I need more cucumbers or maybe some fresh blueberries?  About every third day I head 5 minutes down the road and shop at a new farm market that has opened in my rural neighborhood.  The Farm on Kenyon Road is a charming slice of country life. 

 Crissie, the owner, sells produce and goods she grows or that are produced within 25 miles of The Farm.  Organically grown vegetables fill baskets and canned goods line shelves.  Recipes cards are tucked here and there that feature the produce.  Baked goods, fresh eggs and cookbooks are also for sale.  Behind the market, chickens and goats keep busy in their pens and members of the family are tending the huge garden.  Crissie is quick to share her hard earned knowledge, when asked, about the many aspects of rural living.   Much as our ancestors use to gather in the general store, I am drawn to The Farm.  It is a place to chat about bees and the benefits of goat milk, zucchini and the best ways to control weeds and anything else that is on my mind.  I hope you all have a place like The Farm to connect with your neighbors and learn to slow down just a bit and enjoy the blessings of country life.  Diana

New Fairy Garden

Last year I made a fairy garden and really enjoyed seeing it as I passed by.  So sweet to image the tiny visitors that might inhabit the garden after dusk, just as the fireflies are coming out to dance.  But the fern I planted quickly outgrew it's environment and hid the little gazebo. This year I used a planter I found in our old barn.  It is made from tiny pebbles.  Instead of plants (that would eventually grow too large) I filled the planter with soft moss which grows in all the shady places in our yard.  I then moved in the gazebo, bridge and gardening tools (so carelessly dropped on the moss by the fairies) along with a few stones and pebbles. 

I placed the garden along our front walkway so we can see it whenever we go out!  Just the touch of whimsy I need to start my day on a cheerful note.  Diana