"Food tastes better when you eat it with your family." – Unknown Episode Summary:What do you do when your zucchini grows an inch a day? You turn it into delicious creations the whole family will love!"Join Nancy O and her sidekick (and husband) Rick as they whip up healthy, mouthwatering recipes straight from their thriving tower garden. From zucchini-infused potato pancakes to a fast and flavorful meatloaf, this episode is packed with kitchen tips, family stories, and creative ways to use fresh produce. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just looking for new ways to elevate your cooking, this episode has something for everyone. Sponsor Spotlight:Thank you to our incredible episode sponsors, Meat Your Kitchen, who provided us with two pounds of top-notch ground beef that keeps our kitchen healthy, and our family happy! Use code “helloMYK” at checkout and get $5 off your first order!Check them out today: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086129594992
 In This Episode:

• How to add a healthy twist to traditional recipes.
• Creative uses for zucchini and other fresh produce.
• Tips for maximizing your tower garden harvest.
• Easy, delicious meatloaf you can make in the microwave.
• The versatility of zucchini—spiral it, shred it, bake it, or add it to soups, breads, and pancakes.

 
 Today’s Recipes: Zucchini-Enhanced Potato Pancakes & Quick Flavorful Meatloaf Zucchini-Enhanced Potato Pancakes Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded zucchini or summer squash
• 1 cup shredded russet potato
• 3 eggs (lightly beaten)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2-3 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons oil (adjust as needed for a non-stick pan)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Vegetables:
   • Shred zucchini and potato using a food processor or grater.
   • Place shredded vegetables in a colander, press to remove excess moisture, and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine eggs, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
   • Stir breadcrumbs and flour into the wet mixture to create a slightly pasty consistency.
4. Incorporate Vegetables:
   • Add the shredded zucchini and potato, coating them evenly with the batter.
5. Cook Pancakes:
   • Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
   • Scoop ¼ cup of the mixture into the pan and flatten slightly into a patty shape.
   • Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve:
   • Serve hot with a side of applesauce, green beans, or your favorite sauce.

Quick Flavorful MeatloafIngredients:

• Ground Meat: 1-2 pounds of ground beef (can substitute with turkey or other ground meat)
• Tomato Sauce Mixture:
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
• Binding Ingredients:
  • 2 eggs (1 egg for half the recipe)
  • ½ cup crushed crackers (or breadcrumbs as a substitute)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley or other herbs from the garden

 Instructions:

1. Prepare Tomato Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Set aside.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, crackers, eggs, salt, and pepper. Add half of the tomato sauce mixture and mix thoroughly.
3. Shape and Cook:
   • For the microwave: Place the mixture in a microwave-safe round pan (or a casserole dish with a small glass in the center for even cooking). Cook on high for 12-14 minutes (for 2 pounds of meat).
   • For the grill: Shape into a loaf and grill until cooked through.
4. Top with Sauce: Spread the remaining tomato sauce mixture on top of the meatloaf during the last few minutes of cooking.
5. Serve: Slice and serve. This recipe is great for leftovers and can be reheated easily.

 These recipes are healthy, family-friendly, and full of fresh flavors! Don’t forget to subscribe to the YouTube channel to catch Nancy’s weekly cooking show! https://www.youtube.com/@nancysurbantowerfarm
 
 Get in Touch with Nancy O:

• https://www.nancysurbantowerfarm.com/
• https://n-o3.juiceplus.com/us/en
• www.youtube.com/@nancysurbantowerfarm
• https://www.facebook.com/inspirationsbynancy
• [email protected]

 Audio and show notes by Premier Podcast Promotions