Baked Zucchini Sticks with Health One Meal Replacement

Dinner tomorrow evening at the Grain and Gristle in Portland to celebrate my dear daughter-in-law's birthday!  Time to plan ahead.  Having never been to the restaurant, the first thing that I did was go to the website and check out the menu.  Appetizers at the top.  First item listed:  "Pork Rinds with a mustardy dipper."  Oh my goodness!

What's my plan?  Before I even leave the house, I will be having a meal replacement shake.  At the restaurant?   The first thing will be big hug and smile for my son and daughter-in-law!  Next, great conversation!  Oh, and yes, I'll have a salad please.  Food isn't the important thing...the people are.

There were a lot of reasons that I decided to begin my journey of losing weight.  The main reason?  I want to be healthy for me.  I also want to be healthy so that I am able be a part of my children's lives for a long time!  Tomorrow night will be a good reminder.

And as for appetizers, here's a yummy one...Baked Zucchini Sticks w/Health One Meal Replacement.  In fact I made them for dinner tonight!

This recipe only uses half of the Creamy Potato Soup Meal Replacement.  Save the other half of the package for another recipe; or, mix up a cup of soup to go with your zucchini sticks!

Calories

Meal Replacement (1/2 package) - 80 calories
Additives - 60 calories
Optional Fat-Free Blue Cheese Dressing - 15 calories

Ingredients

• 1/2 Meal Replacement 
• 2 teaspoons shredded Parmesan 
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (or I used 1/8 teaspoon oregano, 1/8 teaspoon basil, a sprinkle of garlic powder and a sprinkle of pepper)
• 1 small zucchini
• Salt
• 2 tablespoons Egg Beaters
• Pam Olive Oil Cooking Spray

Instructions to prepare zucchini:

• Slice zucchini into 9 sections (see photo)
• Cut into 3 inch spears

Place zucchini into collander and sprinkle salt over the zucchini to draw out the water.  Leave for 30 minutes to an hour.

• Wash salt off of zucchini and place in a cloth or paper towel.
• Place another towel on top and press lightly to dry off.

Instructions for coating the zucchini

• Spray baking sheet with Olive Oil cooking spray (I always cover my baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier clean-up).
• Mix dry ingredients in a shallow bowl. DO NOT add additional salt - the zucchini will have absorbed some of the salt.
• Pour Egg Beaters in another shallow bowl.

Now comes the fun part!  Use both hands - one to dip in the egg and the other to roll in the dry mixture.  Dip and coat each spear individually.  It takes a bit longer and it is messy; but, you will get a more even coating.

Place each spear on the baking sheet.

Bake in 450 degree oven for 12 minutes.  Turn the spears over.  Bake an additional 4-8 minutes.




These are so yummy.  I like the zucchini sticks just like they are.  But you may also use a fat-free dressing for a dipping sauce.  You will want to eat them right away otherwise they will become soggy.

enjoy...