Fast Friday: Zucchini pizza bites

Names can be really deceiving sometimes.  I can't tell you how many times I've expected one thing and gotten something entirely different.

Take skinny jeans, for example.

Turns out that half of the so-called skinny "jeans" contain zero denim whatsoever and are, in fact, stretchy cotton leggings with denim coloring and shading.

To be clear, I'm not judging because I love stretchy cotton leggings.  I mean, who wouldn't?  Paired with an oversized sweater or sweatshirt, I wear them frequently in the cooler months.  Leggings are like a constant warm hug for your lower body.  They are gloriously comfortable, but they are not denim/jeans.

It's not just trendy fashions that can be misleading.  So-called classics make it through decade after decade and manage to retain their original albeit asinine names.  Case in point: the New York egg cream.

It's a sweet beverage that supposedly originated in Brooklyn.  To make one, milk, soda water, and chocolate or vanilla syrup are mixed.  Neither eggs nor cream are anywhere to be found.

I know.

All I can do is shake my head.  No wonder nobody from the city ever wants to cross the bridge.

Or, simply, coffee cake.  I've yet to come across a recipe for it that actually contained coffee.  Not that I mind because I'm one of those weird folks that doesn't like coffee.  But seriously.  Coffee cake.  What gives?!

Living in a world full of lies and misdirection can make a person long for the simple life.  When names and titles required no explanation and things are exactly what they seem.  Like these zucchini pizza bites.

No trickery here.  Only deliciousness!

Grilled zucchini slices topped with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and a dash of pizza seasoning.  So simple and sooooo good!

There are few things more satisfying than pizza.  Nibble on a few as an after school snack or movie night treat, or eat a few more for a comforting and healthy dinner. 

These zucchini pizza bites are ready in less time than it takes for the delivery guy to make it to your front door, and they don't come with unwelcome side orders of effort and guilt.  Because when you want pizza, you just want pizza, right?  Life should always be so simple and straightforward!


One year ago: Trail mix Rice Krispie treats
Two years ago: Homemade breakfast sausage patties
Three years ago: Chocolate chip zucchini bread

Zucchini Pizza Bites
-serves 2 as a meal, or 4 as an appetizer or side dish

A few notes: Look for the fattest/thickest zucchini you can find for bigger pizzas.  If you can't find a particularly thick zucchini, you can always slice the squash lengthwise and cut planks to serve as your pizza base.  Finally, we kept it simple with toppings, but I imagine pepperoni would be a delicious addition if you've got it.

1 medium zucchini, slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds
Salt
Ground black pepper
Olive oil
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Italian seasoning
Pepperoni, if desired

Preheat grill, grill pan pan, or broiler.  Brush both sides of zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Grill or broil zucchini for roughly 2 to 3 minutes on each side.  Top with sauce, cheese, and seasoning, and return to broiler for a few minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.  Enjoy immediately!