3567. ZUCCHINI BOATS with BACON GREMOLATA

makes 8 servings; serving size: 1/2 zucchini


4 medium-large zucchini (6 to 7 ounces each)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 teaspoons olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Bacon gremolata
16 slices bacon, crisp-cooked, drained, and finely crumbled
1 cup finely shredded Parmesan and/or Romano cheese (4 ounces)
1/4 cup snipped fresh basil
1/4 cup finely chopped pepperoncini salad pepper or fresh jalapeno chile pepper
4 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Bacon gremolata: In a small bowl stir together bacon, cheese, basil, pepperoncini, lemon peel, garlic, and black pepper.

Zucchini boats: Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out centers to form 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick shells; set aside. In a small bowl stir together lemon juice, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush insides of zucchini shells with lemon mixture. Place shells, cut sides down, on a lightly greased grilling tray. For a charcoal grill, grill zucchini on grilling tray on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 5 to 7 minutes or until cut sides start to brown. Turn zucchini; grill for 1 minute more. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place zucchini on grilling tray on grill rack over heat. Cover and grill as directed.) Using hot pads, remove tray from grill. Spoon bacon gremolata into zucchini shells, mounding slightly and pressing down lightly. Return to grill. Cover and grill for 2 to 4 minutes more or until zucchini is crisp-tender and cheese starts to melt.


bacon recipe source: Better Homes and Gardens