Baking & Mama's Birthday

This weekend my parents came up for a quick visit and to celebrate Mama's birthday (which is today) Happy Birthday Mama!  It was the first time they got to see the house, so John and I were busy getting things in order Friday night and Saturday morning, uh, afternoon.  Having people come over always helps give the extra nudge to get that picture hung on the wall instead of leaning against it on the table; in fact, it got us to hang 10 different posters/pictures/pieces of artwork we hadn't yet.  One of them being my huge fan, that I'm amazed has survived as many moves as it's been through including a move from FL back to NY.

Part of getting ready was food shopping Friday for the dinner we made Saturday night and also baking two desserts!

The Menu:

Zucchini Fritters served with plain yogurt and apricot preserves

 Ingridients

2 medium size zucchinis

1 medium size onion

1/2 C Pecorino Romano cheese

1/3 C all-purpose flour

1/2 C finely chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp chopped fresh oregano

2 large eggs

How to

1. Grate zucchini and onion on large holes of a box grater, then squeeze dry in clean kitchen towel.

2. Mix together zucchini, onion, cheese, four, and herbs. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Stir in eggs just before frying.

3. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, boat skillet with olive oil. Scoop mounds about 1-2 tablespoons each of the mixture; flatten slightly using spatula.  Cook until golden brown  and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes each side. 

4. Transfer fritters onto paper-towel-lined plate to drain.  Serve with yogurt and apricot jam.

Chicken spiedies skewered and grilled served on lettuce with feta cheese and cherry tomatoes

Strawberry bread

Blueberry Crumb bars 

Dinner and dessert were both great successes!

Sunday my parents met us at the house.  We had some coffee and we gave mom her gifts; I asked her to try on the shirt and she ended up wearing it!  Then we went to Found's flea market and then walked around inside.  Then hit the Farmer's Market walked around, grabbed a bite, and sat by the water before they headed back home.

What's one of your favorite recipes for zucchini or chicken?  Do you have a favorite dish using strawberries and/or blueberries?  If you live in Ithaca, do you have a favorite food to get at the Farmer's Market?  If you don't, do you have a farmer's market or flea market in your area? Comment below to share! Or email me: shapedbymylife@gmail.com