To Carb or not to Carb.....

Every bride wants to look her absolute best on her wedding day, and all of our brides are absolutely radiant! In the thick of wedding season we hear (a lot) about how our brides (and a few of our grooms) are doing that horrible thing........... you know......... DIETING! Ugh! I'm nosy, I always ask, so tell me, what are you doing? Weight Watchers, South Beach, Jenny Craig (thanks to Kirstie Alley, Jenny Craig is suddenly chic), low carb, no carb...... what particular form of food torture are you doing? I've been keeping tabs, well- rather unofficially, and it seems to break down to those dreaded CARBS. Most of our brides that are trying to lose a few pounds are limiting carbohydrates. Oh how the pasta, the bread, the rice, the potatoes are missed, so true! How can this be easier to bear? I'm not sure there is an answer, at least an easy one and I haven't heard one from you either, it is just that the lack of carbs in diets are truly missed!

For those of you that have a craving on your dinner plate where a nice carb used to be I have a recipe to share with you, -----give it a try even if you aren't on a diet--- it is good!

Zucchini Browns

On a box grater (really, a box grater, don't bother hauling out the Cuisinart), for EVERY serving grate 1 medium zucchini. Sprinkle the shreds with a bit of salt and let sit for 15 minutes or so. Then squeeze out the extra moisture in a paper towel and place the now drier zucchini in a bowl.

then add (again for every serving you are making)

• add one beaten egg (two servings = two eggs)
  
• 1 Tbs. minced red onion
• 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese (check the label for no starch or fillers added)
• kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

On a lightly oiled grill, form patties from the zucchini mixture. When browned flip over. Can be served with an additional parmesan cheese or even a small dollop of sour cream. If you are no-carbing it, these patties can be used as you would bread....... put a slice of good ham or turkey and cheese between two and enjoy, or melt with cheese.

Zucchini 'bread' Croque Madame

2 zucchini patties, cooked
4 slices ham or turkey
2 slice swiss cheese
no carb cheese sauce*
poached egg

Assemble by layering meats and cheese on a zucchini patty. Top with no carb cheese sauce and broil until the sauce is bubbly. Top with a poached egg for a true Croque Madame. FABULOUS!

*no carb cheese sauce
1 cup heavy cream (there are some benefits to no carbs!)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
Microwave cheese and cream for 1-2 minutes until cheese is thoroughly melted


Enjoy!