Whale Zucchinis

You know the type, the zucchini that overnight blow up into the size of a whale. Now, what to do with the enormous beast? Some people actually throw out this hearty veg., but not us, there is little wasted at the Monhegan Wellness facilities.

The Whale Zucchini is best grated or thinly sliced and added to all kinds of delicious dishes.

For best results, grate the zucchini by hand or with a food processor, put in a bowl and sprinkle with salt and toss. Let it stand for 15-20 minutes. Transfer the zucchini to a colander by large fistfuls, gently squeezing out excess water as you go. You don’t have to remove all of the water.  Now that your zucchini is prepped you can keep it on hand in the refrigerator for up to one week, add it to recipes, salads and soups.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes:

Zucchini-Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Zucchini Chocolate Cake

From Epicurious.com: CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE

Try substituting almond meal for the flour to make it gluten-free, I did and it worked out wonderfully.

Make it healthier:

• use half the amount of sugar
• try substituting mashed banana or apple sauce for the sugar
• substitute 1/2 the flour with almond meal
• don’t add the chocolate chips
• add extra zucchini up to 3/4 cup extra

Zucchini Pie

Zucchini-Potato Cakes

By Tara Hire & Radek Dudek

The next few recipes come from the Monhegan Memorial Library award winning cookbook. This cookbook features recipes from Monhegan Island residents, whom are keenly aware of the value of fresh vegetables and use everything from their garden, even the Whale Zucchini. 

Lucia Miller’s quote at the end of her recipe says it all:

Most Island gardeners find themselves with an embarrassment of zucchini in August – some almost growing to the size of cord wood or baseball bats. This is one zucchini recipe where bigger is better.

Zucchini Picalilli

Zucchini Feta Pancakes

The Monhegan Island Cooks cookbook can be purchased from the Monhegan Memorial Library by sending a check for $26 to cover the cost of the book ($20) and shipping to:

Monhegan Memorial Library

1 Library Lane

Monhegan, ME 04852

In the check memo write cookbook and be sure to include your shipping address.

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Tara Hire, health coach and yoga instructor

PO Box 327

Monhegan, ME 04852

207-594-0707

207-210-2455 (m)

Tara Hire works with groups and individuals to end the cycle of weight loss and gain; attaining a happy, healthy weight for life. She teaches people to tune in to their own inner wisdom to choose the best foods for their body, activity level, lifestyle and budget.