Zuchinni Sticks

These zucchini sticks were pretty good (for something healthy). I haven't made the dip yet but they were great dipped in ranch and I'm sure marinara would be good as well!

Ingredients:

Zucchini:

3 medium-sized zuchinni

1 Tablespoon salt

1 cup Panko bread crumbs
scant 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Pizza Seasoning or mixed Italian herbs

2 large eggs

Dip:

1 Tablespoon butter, melted

1 Medium Sweet Onion

2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon prepared mustard

1. Cut each zucchini into 3″ sticks about the diameter of your finger. Cutting each zuke into 9 sticks lengthwise, then cutting into 3″ lengths, works well.

Place the zucchini sticks in a colander over a bowl, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of salt. Let them drain for 1 hour or longer.

2. While the zucchini are shedding their excess liquid, make the dip. First, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium-sized frying pan over moderate heat, and add 1 medium sweet onion (about 1/2 pound), sliced. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, then caramelizes. This should take between 20 and 25 minutes, at medium-low heat. The lower the heat, the longer it takes, but the less likely you are to burn the onions.

3. Place the following in a small food processor or blender:

all of the caramelized onions
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon prepared mustard

Process until fairly smooth.

4. Rinse the zucchini thoroughly; you want to get rid of any excess salt. Then pat them dry.

5. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment, and spray the parchment with olive oil.

6. Combine the following:

1 cup Panko bread crumbs
scant 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Pizza Seasoning or mixed Italian herbs

Mix until thoroughly combined.

7. Beat 2 large eggs; or pour 1/2 cup egg substitute into a dish. You’re going to dip each zucchini stick in the egg…then roll it in the crumbs.

8. Bake the sticks for about 12 minutes, until they’re starting to brown. Remove from the oven, and turn them over; you may actually need to do this one by one, or you may be able to turn several at a time using a spatula. Bake for an additional 12 to 16 minutes or so, until golden brown and crisp.