Zucchini Bread & Butter Pickles

These zucchini quick pickles or “zwickles” are a crunchy, sweet, and tangy delight! The key to success for this recipe is using a handheld mandoline for consistently thin slices of zucchini. The brine is punctuated with colorful spices, turmeric and mustard powder, that give the pickles a warm hue and satisfying flavor! Makes about 1 quart.

Ingredients:
2 firm zucchini, sliced 1/8” thick with a mandoline
1/2 white onion, sliced paper-thin with a mandoline
3 tablespoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon celery salt Ice water

Brine Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons whole mustard seeds
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
1 teaspoon ground turmeric

Directions:
1. Thinly slice the zucchini and onion with a handheld mandoline. In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini and onion with the kosher and celery salts. Cover with ice water and stir to dissolve the salt. Soak the vegetables for 1 hour, then drain.
2. Closely pack the zucchini and onions into one or a two clean canning jars.
3. In a medium saucepan, bring the brine ingredients to a boil for 5 minutes. Remove the pickling liquid from heat and slowly pour over the zucchini until about 1/4 inch from the top. 
4. Cover and refrigerate the pickles overnight before serving. 
5. Keep refrigerated. Enjoy the pickles for up to one week.

Two Tasty Fruit Salsas

Mango Raspberry Salsa: Makes about 3 cups

Ingredients:
2 ripe mangoes, diced
6 oz raspberries
2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
1 tablespoon shallot, minced
Zest of 1/2 orange, 1 lemon, 1 lime
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:
(1) Have the mangoes around the seed, and score to dice.
(2) Using a citrus zester, zest the citrus fruits, and then juice.
(3) In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients together, and gently toss to mix.
(4) Cover, and refrigerate the salsa for 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to blend.

Peach, Corn, Tomato Salsa: Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients:
2 large peaches, chopped
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/4 red onion, diced
1 lime, zest and juice
1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped
4 ears grilled corn, cut off the cob
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
(1) Dice the peaches, tomatoes, and onion.
(2) Using a citrus zester, zest, then juice the lime. Chop the basil leaves.
(3) Grill the corn directly on a hot grill for about 12 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes until the corn is partially charred. After the corn has cooled slightly, strip the kernels from the cob.
(4) In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients together, and gently toss until mixed.
(5) Cover, and refrigerate the salsa for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.

Green Goodness Juice

Looking for a refreshing way to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your day? This not too sweet, not too savory juice is a great way to bust the summer heat. The grapes and apple act as natural sweeteners in this delicious smoothie, while the fresh lemon offers a note of brightness. The mint introduces some additional personality for an overall healthy and satisfying drink. Drink it to start your day, or as an afternoon pick me up! Makes 4 8-oz juices.

Ingredients:
1 green apple, cored
1/2 English cucumber, peeled
1 cup green grapes
1 stalk celery
2 cups spinach leaves
1 lemon, juiced
8 mint leaves

Directions:
1. Combine all of the ingredients in a high-powered blender, and blend on high until all the fruits and vegetables are evenly combined and the juice is smooth. Enjoy immediately.

Wild Berry and Basil Lemonade

We can’t think of anything more thirst quenching than freshly-squeezed, sweet-tart lemonade. The addition of mixed berries and basil take this classic beverage into new territory as an ultra-refreshing, summer cooler. Makes 5.5 cups.

Ingredients:
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, about
4-6 lemons
1/2 cup raspberries, plus more for garnishing
1/2 cup blackberries, plus more for garnishing
4 cups water
1 cup sugar Lemon slices, for garnishing
Fresh basil, for garnishing

Directions:
1. In a high-powered blender, combine the lemon juice, raspberries, and blackberries until all the ingredients are pureed. Strain the juices through through a fine sieve; discard the seeds.
2. In a pitcher, combine the lemon-berry juice with the water and sugar and stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves. Fill the pitcher with ice and serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve with fresh basil, more berries, and lemon wedges.