How to Use Garden Vegetables in Appetizers

One of the ways to make sure your party gets off to a good start is to sit out a supply of tasty tidbits.  People seem to loosen up and meet each other over food, our universal language.  Garden vegetables should not be left out of the appetizer catagory.  Try these Tomato Basil Squares and Zucchini Stuffed Mushrooms to add some umph to your next party!

TOMATO BASIL SQUARES

1 pkg (10-oz) refrigerated pizza crust
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (OR 2 tsp dried basil)
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, pressed
4 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spray a cookie sheet, that has sides, with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Lightly flour the pizza dough for easy handling. Using a pizza roller, roll out the crust on the prepared cookie sheet. Sprinkle the crust with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese; set aside.

Snip the fresh basil into small pieces. Grate the fresh Parmesan cheese. In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, and mayonnaise; mix well. Press garlic over the cheese mixture; mix well. Arrange tomatoes in a single layer over the mozzarella cheese on the crust. Place mozzarella cheese mixture over the tomatoes; spread to cover evenly. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until top is golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm.

ZUCCHINI STUFFED MUSHROOMS

16 to 20 large fresh button mushrooms
3/4 cup (1 small) zucchini, shredded
2 tbsp sliced green onion
1 tbsp water
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Remove mushroom stems and chop. Set mushroom caps aside.

In medium saucepan combine mushroom stems, zucchini, green onion, and 1 tablespoon water. Cook and stir over medium heat until vegetables are tender. Drain mixture. Stir Parmesan cheese into vegetable mixture. Divide the vegetable mixture among the mushroom caps, stuffing caps evenly. Place stuffed mushrooms in a 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until mushroom caps are tender. Serve warm. May be used as an appetizer or as a side dish.

Enjoy!

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