Michigan Cottage Cook: ROASTED ZUCCHINI WITH PARMESAN CHEESE

Zucchini time at the market or in the garden can be a good thing or it can be, "What do I do with more zucchini?" Tom's cousin from Mississippi, Joyce, made this simple zucchini dish when she was at her cottage down the street.

JOYCE'S ROASTED ZUCCHINI WITH PARMESAN CHEESE

With Joyce's zucchini, huge flavor is developed from a few simple ingredients. There is the caramelized sweetness from the zucchini, the rich succulent flavor of the olive oil, the nuttiness of the Parmesan cheese, the bite from the black pepper which is all intensified by the salt. The flavors dance around the taste buds and offer delight to any summer meal.

JOYCE'S ROASTED ZUCCHINI WITH PARMESAN CHEESE

Fresh zucchini or summer squash

Olive oil

Parmesan cheese, freshly grated if possible

Salt

Black pepper

Ingredients: Zucchini and/or summer squash, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. My daughter, Dede, gave me these Dutch salt and pepper shakers.

Slicing the zucchini lengthwise gives the zucchini a different look as most of the time it is cut crosswise. Joyce used a knife, I used a Madeline to cut the squashes. Put sliced zucchini on a cookie sheet with sides. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and mix. Place cookie sheet in a preheated 425 degree F. oven for about 7 minutes. Turn over the zucchini and bake an additional 7 minutes until edges of zucchini start to caramelize. If the zucchini is cut thicker than mine, it might take a little longer to cook. Watch carefully. Remove cookie sheet and heavily sprinkle zucchini with Parmesan cheese. Serve.

Slice squash thinly lengthwise with a knife or Madelaine. Never use a Madelaine without the safe guard seen to the far right.

Place sliced zucchini on a cookie sheet with sides.

Drizzle the zucchini with olive oil.

Then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss to mix. Place in a preheated 425 degree F. oven for 7 minutes. Turn the zucchini over and continue baking for another 7 minutes.