The thing about summer squash is that you can cook them all in the same ways, use the same techniques and recipes, and they will all taste roughly the same. I promise.
That being said, there are some recipes that lend themselves to different varieties of summer squash. For example, recipes for stuffed squash might be most easily done using 8-ball zukes because they're big and fat. The three types of patty pans are delicious in any recipe that calls for sautéing because they're so little and tender and adorable. And the green and yellow zukes are, of course, always always always delicious on the grill.
Zucchini Bread
This, my longtime favorite, recipe is earthy and dense and a little spicy. If you're short on time and long on zucchini, shred and freeze the zukes in 2 cup increments for winter baking.
3 eggs
1 C olive oil
2 C zucchini, shredded
1 3/4 C sugar
2 tsp vanilla
3 C flour
3 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 C chopped walnuts
1. Beat eggs, mix in olive oil and sugar. Mix in vanilla and zukes.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then add to the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be wary of over-baking - check the bread regularly to avoid it. It's best with gooey and moist.
Zucchine a Sorpresa (yup, Zucchini Surprise)
Adapted from The Silver Spoon
I'm not sure what about this recipe is a surprise, because you're pretty much getting out exactly what you put in, except it's gooier, hotter, and more delicious. But I certainly don't argue with the premiere encyclopedia of italian cooking, so the name stays.
6 zucchini, slices lengthwise
1/2 C flour
2 eggs
1 1/2 C bread crumbs
1/2 tsp dried oregano
7 oz of provolone cheese
vegetable oil
salt
1. Sprinkle the zucchini slices with salt and let stand for about an hour, then pat dry with paper towels. Meanwhile, spread out the flour in another shallow dish and spread out the bread crumbs in a third.
2. Sprinkle a slice of zucchini with a little oregano, place a slice of provolone on top and cover with another slice of zucchini. Press together well, dip first in the flower, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the bread crumbs. Make all the sandwiches in this way.
3. Heat the oil in a skillet, add the zucchini in batches, and cook until golden brown all over. Remove with a slotted spatula and drain on paper towels.
