Zucchini Pizza Boats

You may have noticed that I am on the quest for the best gluten-free pizza AND that my garden has had a zucchini-riffic summer. I don't eat as much pizza as I'd like because the crusty cheesiness is a bit too seductive and I begin down a slippery slope that only ends when my pants don't fit. However, this zucchini pizza boat recipe is tasty and filling and because I didn't over-cheese it, I kept it to a reasonable dinner, calorie-wise. Plus it's super pretty, quite impressive-looking, and easy to make.

A note of caution: There is no mistaking the zucchini boat crust for actual pizza crust, so when serving it to your kids, you might want to change the name so that they don't get their mouths set for the wrong food. Trust me on this.

Ingredients:

1-2 Tablespoons of olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 medium or one large zucchini, split down the middle with seeds
removed (if you are using a large zuke, cut it in half to make 4 "boats")
1 jar or can of your favorite gluten-free pizza sauce (or homemade, of course!)
1 16 oz package of shredded mozzerella cheese or other pizza cheese
Adequate sums of your favorite pizza toppings (for the pizza in this picture, I used red peppers, onions and chopped spinach)
Oregano, basil or other favorite pizza seasonings

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Heat oil in a skillet to medium heat. Saute garlic, then place zucchini cut side down and cover, cooking until the zucchini is lightly brown, about 5 minutes. Turn the zucchini over and cook covered for an additional 5 minutes. Add more time if your zucchini is especially thick or if you like your zucchini on the softer side. I sauteed my red pepper and onions at the same time
in the same skillet as the zucchini boats to soften them up a bit.

Remove zucchini from the pan and place boat-side up on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Spoon pizza sauce into the boats, then add your desired amount of cheese, other toppings and seasonings. Bake until sauce is hot and cheese is
lightly browned. Enjoy!

Happy Healthy Gluten-free Webinar!

If you've recently been diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, have a health condition that you think may be improved by eliminating wheat from your diet, or you've heard about health benefits of going gluten-free and want to check it out for yourself, then you'll want to join me for this free webinar! During this fun and interactive 60-minute session, I'll give facts and practical tips for eating gluten-free safely and well.

Date: Thursday, September 27, 2012
Time: 9:00 Eastern

Click here to register: http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=E059DE80844A

Can't make this time? No worries! The webinar will be recorded and you'll be able to watch at a time that is convenient for you.

 

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