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Healthy Eating Habits

Zucchini

Zucchini

Chances are you're beginning to see your grocery store full of zucchini, a common summer squash. Zucchini comes in yellow, green, or light green colors and is oblong or round in shape.

Zucchini is easy to prepare in a variety of ways, and it's an excellent source of vitamin A, from beta carotene, and vitamin C. Just 1/3 of a cup of cooked zucchini provides these two important antioxidants for your preschooler. Research shows that about 25% of preschoolers may not be getting the vitamin A they need each day*. Adding zucchini to your preschooler's diet can help.

How your preschooler can help

Show your preschooler the different colors and shapes of zucchini in the store. Let her handpick the ones she would like to try.

Before you use the zucchini, have your preschooler wash it in cold water.

Simple zucchini sauté

Slice chosen zucchini thinly and sauté in butter or oil until just tender for an easy and delicious side dish or pasta topping. Or add it to your favorite pasta sauce or casserole.

* NESTLÉ FITS 2008 and Based on Reference Daily Intakes (RDIs) defined by the FDA for use in developing percent Daily Values for Nutrition Labeling. Federal Register. 1993, 58(3): 2213

Zucchini recipes adapted from meals.com

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Baked Zucchini Frittata
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour 4 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, softened 3 medium (about 1 lb.) zucchini, shredded (about 3 cups)
3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels

Instructions

PREHEAT oven to 350° F . Grease and flour two 8-x-4-inch loaf pans.

COMBINE all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in oil and vanilla extract. Stir in flour mixture just until moistened. Fold in zucchini and chocolate morsels. Divide mixture between loaf pans.

BAKE for 60 to 70 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Run knife around the edges of pans. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.

Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil 3/4 to 1 cup (2.25 to 3 oz.) BUITONI® Refrigerated Freshly Shredded Parmesan Cheese
2 1/2 cups grated zucchini 3/4 to 1 cup (2.25 to 3 oz.) BUITONI® Refrigerated Freshly Shredded Parmesan Cheese
8 large eggs
3/4 cup diced onion 3/4 cup NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk

Instructions

Estimated Times
Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 35 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings


PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Spray 10-inch-round or 13-x-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

HEAT oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in cheese.

BEAT eggs and evaporated milk in large bowl. Gradually stir in zucchini mixture one spoonful at a time so that the vegetables will not cook the eggs. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.

BAKE for 30 to 35 minutes or until frittata is cooked through. Season with salt and ground black pepper, if desired. Slice and serve.

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