I love summer. Our garden is filled to overflowing with fresh produce and fruit. It's one of my favorite times of the year. I know . . . I know . . . I say that all year round. I guess I just love food, no matter what time of year it is . . . but in the summer when it is fresh, it's even better!
There are a few things that have a tendency to come on in a glut though . . . like courgettes and tomatoes. It's a bit early for the tomatoes just yet . . . but the courgettes are coming on fabulously!
It helps to have delicious recipes like this one here today to help keep things from getting boring. I mean who wouldn't like a tasty casserole which bakes like a pudding . . . but a savoury pudding . . . topped with the buttery crunch of crisp croutons.
A deliciously savoury pudding chock full of lovely green courgettes, garlic, onions and cheese. Yep. Two kinds. A rich strong cheddar and a punchy Monterrey Jack . . . use the peppered one if you are feeling especially up to it . . .
Oh, and there are green chilies in it too . . . just for an added kick. I guarantee nobody is going to be bored with this one . . . trust me on this.
*Courgette and Cheese Bake*Serves 5 to 6Printable RecipeThis is a fabulous way to use up the glut of courgettes which should be appearing in the gardens about now.
4 medium courgettes(wash, trim and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices)
3 medium free range eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
2 TBS flour
small handful flat leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped2 green jalapeno chilies, trimmed, seeded and chopped1 cup grated strong cheddar cheese1 cup grated Monterrey jack cheese 1 1/2 cup seasoned croutons
2 TBS butter, meltedPreheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Butter a shallow 1 liter casserole. Set aside.Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, baking powder and flour until smooth. Toss the courgettes together with the parsley, garlic, onion, chopped chilies and cheese in a bowl. Pour the egg mixture over all and stir to combine. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish. Combine the melted butter and croutons. Sprinkle these over top of the casserole, spreading them out evenly. Bake, uncovered in the heated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and set in the middle. Let stand for ten minutes before serving. Delicious!