Recipe of My Own

Sooo this is NOT the part where I declare myself as the best cook to hit the internet since Patti LaBelle with those pies. But and however, this IS where I impart how Starting Where You Are can inspire and evoke the confidence you’ll need to keep you motivated, while producing the evidence and benefits outside of the initial or intended outcome.

For those of you that don’t know, I, TanyaRoxanne, am a mother to one budding teenage agriculturalist son by gift! John is currently raising 18 chickens (17 hens, 1 rooster). Also, I’m what you would call the village’s kid. Which means I absorbed many life lessons from a variation of influences responsible for assisting with my upbringing. Most importantly, I’m my maternal grandmother’s babygirl! This July, while celebrating my grandmother’s 94th birthday, my son was able to share his love of chickens and gardening-for-chickens with a few of our relatives that joined the celebration. During which, he found oversized, just about too ripe zucchini hiding under the leaves. He offered a couple to those interested and we received a sweet encouragement, that increased his confidence.

The very next day, we were blessed. One of our cousins that received the zucchini sent us a sweet, thoughtful message with pictures attached. She had baked an herb stuffed zucchini boat with ground turkey and spinach, topped with mixed cheese. A bit of her message read, “…thanks again. I also kept seeds from zucchini to plant my own. I hope they grow as well as his. Much love...” with before and after pictures. It really warmed my heart. After reading the message and showing my son the pictures, his chest literally rose up. He was filled with confidence. His response, “that’s cool.” You know teenagers are so deep these days 😊

Later that night, I thought that I was clearing my phone of unwanted photos when I came across a group from about 5 years ago. John and I went to a strawberry patch and miscellaneous farm for a tour. I remember how infused he was that entire week. It caused me to start our garden after a few trips back to that farm. It was such a revelatory moment. I got a chance to see where we started and be in the present moment of gratitude for the beginning of his passion in agriculture.

I’m sharing all of this so you reiterate the message from the previous blog, Start Where You Are, let your head and heart lead the way. Block out every sound and thing that attempts to slow or stop your explorations. You have everything you need to be successful along your way of becoming your better self. Believe in your self. There is a process. Trust God. Put one foot in front of the other each day. Enjoy your journey…and some good food along the way!

Here’s a Recipe of My Own: Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Time: Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 40 mins Total Time: 55 mins

Course: Main Cuisine: Italian Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS: *from my garden or farmer’s market

• 2 extra large zucchini*

• 1/3 cup dried Italian seasoning mix (create your own if you have the option*)

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and white pepper (to taste)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil

• 1 pound ground turkey, lean

• 1/2 pound Italian sausage*, remove casings

• 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion*

• 1/2 cup diced mushrooms, your preference

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic* or 2 tablespoons garlic powder

• 2 options:

  • 1 16oz jar tomato sauce, any flavor you like

    or

  • 2 8oz cans tomato sauce

  • 1 2oz can tomato paste

• 3/4-1 cup mozzarella cheese

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley*, dried parsley will work

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

• Trim off the stem ends. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop the flesh out of the zucchinis. Leave as much flesh as possible. Sit a few seeds to the side for planting.

• Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, drizzle the avocado oil over the zucchini shells. Arrange the zucchini in the baking dish. Put in oven covered for 10-12 minutes when preheat is complete.

• Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the ground turkey until half cooked, then add the sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula.

• Add the onion, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper and cook for an additional 4 minutes or until onion is softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

• Pour the tomato sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer; cook for 5-8 minutes. Stir occasionally.

• Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the zucchini shells, then top with the shredded cheese.

• Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and golden brown.

• Sprinkle with parsley, then slice to serve, and fill your belly!

…Blessings and Prosperity, TanyaRoxanne🐞