STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil (the water should be deep enough to cover the length of the zucchini).  Slice zucchini (s) in half lengthwise and immerse in the boiling water.  Let cook until tender when poked with a fork, about 15-20 minutes depending on the size.  Remove from water and let cool and drain, cut side down on paper towels.

When cool, use a spoon to scoop out the pulp from each zucchini half, leaving enough inside so the shell keeps its shape.  Drain the pulp and press with paper towels to remove most of the moisture.  Chop pulp into bite size pieces and place in a large bowl. Add the bread pieces and milk to the bowl and stir so the bread absorbs the milk.

Add the chopped onion, ketchup, A1, Dijon, Worcestershire, horseradish, eggs, Italian seasoning, parsley, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to the bowl and mix well.

Add the corn, ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese to the bowl and massage everything together until well combined.

Press paper towels into each zucchini shell to absorb any excess moisture and season with remaining salt and pepper.  Split the stuffing mixture into 2 or 4 parts, depending on the number of zucchinis you’ve used and evenly distribute each portion into one of the halves, pressing and shaping into a mound in the shell.  Press tomato halves into the top of each zucchini, cut side down.

Bake at 375° for 45 minutes or until the meat stuffing is cooked through and hot in the center (timing will depend on how many zucchinis and how large they are – hence how thick the meat stuffing is).  Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.  Return to oven and let cook 5-10 minutes more until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

You can also make this recipe with smaller zucchini of course, but just be careful when scooping out the pulp as the little guys are more tender and the shell can rip easily when pre-cooked!