Grilled Zucchini Finger Sandwiches
My children love to do “grown up” things like help prepare meals, fold and put away laundry, vacuum, sweep, dust, and water the herb pots. Because I’m a fan of encouraging independence in children, I take full advantage of this.
One day I said, “Hey! Wanna make your own lunch?”
And they replied in their high-pitched voices, “YES!” Until they got to the counter and saw a pile of grilled zucchini. Then their little faces became rather somber.
On that particular day they wanted sandwiches, but we had no bread. Not a shocker because we rarely keep bread in the house. Still, they wanted sandwiches.
I did have some uncured Canadian bacon and a pile of zucchini in the fridge. After grilling and slicing the zucchini, I called them over to the counter and showed them how to put them together.
They loved assembling these little bites. I’d love to say that they ate these right up, too, but it wasn’t love at first taste. They’re still wary of zucchini. After nibbling a few, they ended up picking the ham and licking the feta cream out of the ones that Mom didn’t eat.
We keep trying, though, right? Because we love those picky little humans.
P.S. Mom loved them.
Grilled Zucchini Finger Sandwiches
Total Time: About 20 minutes
Ingredients:
3 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/3-1/2 inch slices
heat-safe oil, like grapeseed
sea salt
10 slices of uncured Canadian bacon, quartered or the equivalent in uncured deli ham
1/2 cup feta cheese
1 T Greek yogurt
2 T milk
1 green onion, sliced thinlyDirections:
Preheat grill (or oven broiler) to medium-high heat. Brush both sides of zucchini with oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Place zucchini on the grill (or on a sheet pan into the oven). Grill until tender and dark grill marks form, flipping halfway through, about 6-8 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine feta, yogurt, milk, and green onion in a small bowl.
Cut the grilled zucchini into 1-inch squares. Place a couple wedges of ham and a teaspoon of feta cream between two zucchini squares. Secure with a toothpick.
Makes enough for 4-6 children or 3-4 adults.
from Perry's Plate
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gwen — August 31, 2011 @ 12:47 pm
This makes me want to (finally) buy a grill pan! Are you happy with yours, Natalie? There are so many options and lukewarm reviews out there, I don't know which one to choose!
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Natalie @ Perry's Plate — August 31, 2011 @ 2:57 pm
I LOVE mine. I have the reversible Emeril cast-iron one, although i don't even use the griddle side. It is a pain to clean sometimes, especially if I grill saucy things (BBQ sauce, marinated meat, etc.) But if it gets bad, I just let it soak in water overnight and scrape it with a grill brush. I just bought the smallest metal grill brush they have at Walmart. It won't ever be completely clean and smooth… like a cast-iron pan. Oh, and it does get kind of smoky in my house when I use it. Wow, sounds like it has a lot of downsides, but I really do love it and I'd buy the same one again if I had a choice!
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Joanne — August 31, 2011 @ 4:37 pm
Haha I read somewwhere this morning that it takes kids 25 tastes of something to like it. You've added in one more!
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Kalyn — August 31, 2011 @ 7:02 pm
I'd eat all the ones the kids didn't finish!
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Natalie — August 31, 2011 @ 8:45 pm
I want this for lunch! Brilliant idea Natalie!
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Ann — September 1, 2011 @ 12:58 am
Natalie – this is delicious! I LOVE that it's goat cheese and greek yogurt vs. cream cheese….much better for you! The sandwiches would make a great party appetizer.
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Healthy Mamma — September 1, 2011 @ 7:13 pm
Oh what a great idea! Sometimes necessity is the Mother of invention right? I think my boys would respond exactly how your kids did ;)
We eat very little bread too nowadays so this is fabulous.
gotta use up that zucchini!
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MrsJenB — September 1, 2011 @ 7:28 pm
Definitely take advantage of that willing, helpful spirit while you still can! ;)
These are so cute! I love using my grill pan for all sorts of things. I find that I like vegetables even more when I grill them!
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Aggie — September 2, 2011 @ 12:35 am
I'm loving this!! So cute and dang, I bet delicious!
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leaf (the indolent cook) — September 2, 2011 @ 7:48 am
There are vegetables I disliked as a child that I grew to love. There's hope yet! P.S. I think I would enjoy this for sure!
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Jolene - EverydayFoodie — September 3, 2011 @ 4:52 pm
What a great healthy snack idea! I think my nephew would love those :-) His is a HUGE vegetable fan.
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Karly — September 3, 2011 @ 11:06 pm
What a yummy alternative to bread! My kids would totally not go for it, but I would! :)
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SweetSavoryPlanet — September 5, 2011 @ 4:18 pm
What a delicious idea! I love all the imaginative ways to use zucchini!
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baking.serendipity — September 5, 2011 @ 6:49 pm
I love this idea! We rarely have bread in our house too, but every now and again all I really want is a sandwich. So smart :)
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Amanda — September 17, 2011 @ 1:11 pm
So cute!
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