Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini Fritters

Ingredients:

• 1 large zucchini, shredded (3 1/2 to 4 cups)

• 1/4 cup flour

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro

• 2 tbsp finely chopped or minced onion

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• a pinch of ground cayenne pepper

• oil for frying

1. Squeeze out all liquid from zucchini, either with a kitchen towel or papers towels. Place in a large bowl.

2. Mix in flour, parsley, onion, egg and salt and pepper.

3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add about 3 tbsp of oil to pan (you will need to add more oil to pan in between frying).

4. Add heaping tablespoonfuls to hot oil, flattening with the back of spoon or spatula. Cook for 3 minutes per side.

5. Drain on paper towels.

6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Yields: about 14 fritters

Notes&Tips:

• Appetizers and snacks are fun to make, and most of them are easy.

• I have made these using yellow squash also. The zucchini or squash can either be grated or shredded. I have cooked it both ways. With the grated version you don't even know you're eating zucchini; just that it tastes great!

• The most important thing to remember when making these is to squeeze out the excess water. You can use a simple meshed strainer to squeeze out the excess liquid. For shredded, it is best to put it in a kitchen towel (or a few sturdy sheets of paper towels) and squeeze out the excess liquid.

• Various dipping sauces that Zucchini Fritters can be served with are: Spicy Mango Sauce, Soy Dipping Sauce, good old ranch dressing, Garlic Herb dipping sauce, Lemon Yogurt Sauce, or my favorite Herb-Relish Dipping Sauce, which you can find on my blog.

• So, make these today and let me know what you think.