on making new friends and the wonder of zucchini

A few weeks ago, while making my daily stop over at Dine and Dish, I noticed that Kristen had taken it upon herself to organize an “Adopt A Blogger” event which would allow food blogging newbies like me to be matched up with a veteran blogger for the purpose of gleening tips, tricks, and just generally making a new friend or two. The blogosphere is a big place and there has been more than one occasion that I wondered how in the world I was going to hold my own in it. This event seemed perfect! I immediately signed up and waited with great anticipation to be adopted.

Did my blog look okay? Was it dressed to impress an adopting blogger? I hoped I have enough game to play with the big kids.

And then… the e-mail came in. A match had been made! I’d been adopted!

Kristen matched me up with Katie over at Thyme for Cooking. She’s a blogger living in France, creating some really amazing looking food which she dishes up with a great stories and a serving of wit. She also runs an impressive menu planning service.

After trading e-mails with Katie and reading back through her blog, I decided what better way to really get to know her than to try out one of her recipes? On my last grocery trip, I found some lovely whole grain rolls that I thought were just begging for a juicy little hamburger trimmed out with everything good – tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and a melty slice of colby-jack cheese. And on her blog I found the perfect accompaniment to my burger… Courgette Sticks (or zucchini sticks for those of us lacking in our knowledge of the French language).

If you’re looking for an occasional alternative to fries, these are perfect. Crispy and crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, they provide a similar texture to fries while providing better nutritional content. (Don’t worry, I’ve not gone all health food on you… just trying to mix things up a bit. Stay tuned for more than your fair share of high cal goodness!)

Thanks, Katie, for a winner of a recipe!

Baked Zucchini Sticks
(adapted from Katie’s Baked Courgette Sticks)
2 medium zucchini
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 egg
1/4 cup dry Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated asiago cheese

Wash zucchini and slice off ends. Cut it in half or thirds the short way. You want pieces 2-3″ long. Cut each section into sticks about 5/8″ square. In a flattish bowl whisk the mustard and the egg together. In another flattish bowl or plate mix the crumbs and cheese together. Roll the zucchini sticks in the egg, then the crumbs. Place on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees F for 35 – 40 minutes, until coating starts to brown. Remove and serve.

Serves two.