Microwave Bread & Butter Pickles

Several  years ago, I saw this recipe in http://www.allrecipes.com/.  If you have an abundance of cukes, you may want to try this.  My adaptions are in parenthesis because I don't always like to run to the store to get something!  This is an easy recipe & would make a great hostess gift.

1 large cucumber (I used 2 medium)

1 t. salt

1 onion, thinly sliced

1/2 t. mustard seeds (I used 1 t. pickling spice)

1 cup sugar (I used 2/3 cup & it's plenty sweet!)

1/2 c. distilled white vinegar
1/4 t. celery seed
1/4 t. ground turmeric

In a medium microwave safe bowl, mix all the ingredients.

Microwave on high for 7-8 minutes, stirring twice, until cucumbers are tender & onion is translucent.

Transfer to sterile containers.  Seal & chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Zucchini with tomato & mozzarella

When zucchini is plentiful in the garden, one always needs to be thinking of new ways to use it.  Here's an easy recipe to try:

2 medium zucchini, sliced 1/2" thick

Italian seasoning
salt & pepper
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
mozzarella cheese, grated

Arrange the sliced zucchini on a baking tray.  Sprinkle with the seasonings.  Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes.

Top with the tomato slices & the mozzarella.  Broil for around 3-4 minutes, watching that they don't over brown.

Chicken Parmesan in Slow Cooker

Wow, this recipe is easy & delicious & the chicken is fork tender!  One of my grandsons rated it a "10"!  I hope you do, too. 

1 T. olive oil

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
12 t. Italian seasoning
1/4 t. salt
14 t. pepper
1 egg, beaten
sliced or grated mozzarella cheese
jarred marinara sauce
cooked pasta of your choice

Coat the bottom of the slow  cooker with the olive oil.

Beat the egg in a shallow bowl.

Mix the bread crumbs with the seasonings & the Parmesan cheese in another shallow bowl.

Dip the chicken into the egg, then into the bread crumb mixture, coating both sides.

Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Layer the mozzarella cheese on top.

Cover with marinara sauce.

Cover the slow cooker & cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Serve  with your favorite pasta.