08/10/2012
Dear CSA customers,
Well another week of summer squash has brought new inspiration to our dinner table. We are really excited about this recipe. It is truly delicious, beautiful, easy and surprising. No cooking necessary! The only changes I made were to use summer squash instead of zucchini, leave out the almonds, add diced red bell peppers, and minced garlic. Please check this link out for Chef Paige's more detailed instructions and lovely photos http://www.forloveofthetable.com/2011/06/shaved-zucchini-salad-with-almonds.html. Also, all my customers should check out this recipe link to a colorful Watermelon, Avocado, Feta and Mint Salad recipe http://www.forloveofthetable.com/2012/08/watermelon-avocado-feta-salad-with-mint.html. Both recipes are by Chef Paige Vandegrift of KC (www.forloveofthetable.com)
Your farmer,
Jenny Welch Buller
Shaved Zucchini (or summer squash!) Salad with Almonds, Lemon & Parmesan
2 lbs. small zucchini (preferably weighing 3 to 4 oz. each), washed and dried, ends trimmed away
3 oz. Parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler
2 oz. (a generous half cup) sliced almonds, lightly toasted
2 to 4 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 to 4 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 c. (not packed) picked Italian Parsley, very coarsely chopped (reserve several whole leaves for garnish)
Using a mandoline slicer, slice the zucchini very thinly (less than 1/16th inch, if possible) lengthwise. Place in a large bowl with 2/3 of the shaved Parmesan, the almonds and the parsley. Season with salt (generously) & freshly ground pepper.
Drizzle 2 T. of lemon juice over. Toss and add more lemon and salt as necessary. Add 2 T. of olive oil and toss again. Taste and correct the seasoning. The salad should be a bit on the tangy side.
Divide the salad among serving plates and drizzle each serving with a bit more olive oil and scatter the reserved parsley leaves over all. Serves 6 to 8.