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Keeping things simple with a smidge of Southern charm

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Appetizers

Zucchini & Feta Cheese Fritters

July 18, 2016 by Laura Tucker 8 Comments

Have you made your way to a farmer’s market so far this summer? If so, you’ve probably seen a surplus of beautiful bright green zucchini and golden yellow squash. Aside from a plump juicy tomato, squash and zucchini are my absolute favorite summer time vegetables. When I first got married and started becoming adventurous in the kitchen, I struggled with finding a way to prepare zucchini (other than making loaves of zucchini bread).

I knew I could always slice it and cook it with a little olive oil, or I could just stick to my Southern roots and put it in a casserole, but I got bored pretty quickly with preparing it those ways, and I really needed to try something new if I was going to continue to stay in love with this veggie. Last year my husband and I tried this recipe for the first time and I started falling in love with zucchini ALL over again!

Zucchini and feta cheese fritters - A scrumptious recipe that's perfect for using up all of that summer time zucchini!

Last week I was lucky enough to get my hands on some more zucchini, and I knew without hesitation that I’d be making a batch of these yummy golden fritters. I know most people would laugh at the concept of frying a vegetable. I totally get that frying takes basically every healthy benefit out of the food, but here in the South it’s just a way of life! Plus, they’re seriously delicious. Seriously, y’all. You gotta try it!

I washed the zucchini off and shredded it using a cheese grater. Zucchini have an extremely high water content, so it’s important to try to squeeze out all of the water that you can.  For this recipe I used 2 zucchini, and it made about 2 cups worth when shredded.

Zucchini and feta cheese fritters - A scrumptious recipe that's perfect for using up all of that summer time zucchini!

I combined the remaining indredients (found below) with the zucchini and formed the zucchini mixture into thin patties. I fried them in a skillet for roughly 1 minutes, flipped them over halfway through cooking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Zucchini & Feta Cheese Fritters

Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time5 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Vegetable
Author: Southern Made Simple

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 Tbs parsley
  • 1 Tbs dill
  • 1/2 tsp minced garlic or one clove- minced
  • 8 Tbs all purpose flour
  • 1 Tbs baking powder
  • Salt & Pepper a few shakes of each
  • Vegetable Oil for frying

Instructions

  • Grate zucchini and place in a strainer
  • Squeeze out as much of the liquid from zucchini as you can and set aside
  • In a large bowl, beat eggs and cheese together
  • Add in zucchini, dill and parsley and stir
  • Add in flour, 2-3 shakes of salt and pepper and baking powder and stir
  • Heat oil in a skillet on medium (I used about 1/2 cup, but it really depends on the size of your skillet)
  • Take a small handful of mixture and pat it out in your palm as thin as you can without it falling apart
  • Fry in skillet for roughly one minute,or until outside is golden brown. Be sure to flip to make sure each side is cooked
  • Remove from skillet and let cool on drying rack or on paper towel
  • Can be served with marinara sauce or ketchup
  • Enjoy!

Tried this recipe?

Tag me on Instagram: @SouthernMadeSimple or use the hashtag #SouthernMadeSimple and share your love of southern cuisine!

 

My husband and I really enjoyed eating the fritters with a little bit of ketchup, and we’ve also eaten it with marinara sauce. The key when making this recipe is to get the fritters pretty thin, because you want to make sure the insides get cooked all the way through. The first time we ever made them we made a few patties that were pretty thick, and unfortunately the outside cooked way faster than the inside and we were left with a gooey center. We definitely learned from that mistake!

Zucchini and feta cheese fritters - A scrumptious recipe that's perfect for using up all of that summer time zucchini!

Do you have another fun way to prepare summer zucchini or squash? I’m always looking for a new way to use these versitile veggies in a delicious dish to serve my family. Leave a comment below and share your recipes!

If you like this recipe, be sure to check out these other great ways to use summer zucchini and squash: Cheesy Italian Zucchini Boats, Lemon Poppy Seed Summer Squash Bread, Taco Stuffed Summer Squash Boats


Filed Under: Appetizers, Home Cookin' Tagged With: how to cook zucchini, how to make fritters, zucchini and feta, Zucchini fritters, Zucchini recipes

Bacon and Cream Cheese Pesto Bites

July 14, 2016 by Laura Tucker 1 Comment

Last week I made these absolutely divine mini taco bites using filo cups. I had actually never used filo cups before, but after spotting them in the freezer section at my local grocery store, I thought I’d give them a try! I was originally attracted to them by the idea that you can use them for pretty much anything. You can make desserts, appetizers, or even a meal out of them if you really wanted to! They’re golden, flaky and oh so tasty!

I picked up two packages, one for the taco bites and the other to use for anything that popped into my mind. I was baking in my kitchen one afternoon and noticed that the recipe I was using called for only half a brick of cream cheese. I had already let the cream cheese soften, so I needed to come up with another use for the cream cheese soon.

Cream Cheese and Bacon Pesto Bites - A delicious appetizer perfect for any occasion!…

Read More »

Filed Under: Appetizers, Home Cookin' Tagged With: Bacon appetizer, Cream cheese bites, Easy appetizers, Filo cup appetizer, Pesto appetizer

Jalapeno Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe

July 4, 2016 by Laura Tucker 11 Comments

When we planted our garden this year, one of the first things on my garden-wish list was pepper plants. I love cooking with bell peppers, and I especially love to add the heat of jalapenos to many meals that I prepare. My husband and I prefer our food on the spicier side, so we grabbed quite a few pepper plants. My mother in law makes this fabulous dip using pepper jelly (which I LOVE), and I knew that taking a stab at making my own pepper jelly was a must for this summer.

Once we started planting the plants, my husband realized that he accidentally picked up a carton of dragon cayenne peppers instead of the jalapeno peppers that we intended to get. I didn’t know much about dragon cayennes, but we decided to go ahead and plant them anyway and that my husband would pick up the jalapeno plants the next time he went to town.

Jalapeno Peach Pepper Jelly - This recipe uses 3 different type of peppers, but you can easily substitute them to whatever you like. It has the perfect amount of heat and is AMAZING on just about anything!…

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Home Cookin' Tagged With: cooking with peppers, how to make pepper jelly, jalapeno jam, jalapeno peach jelly, Pepper jelly recipe

Bacon Spinach Alfredo Twice Baked Potatoes

June 23, 2016 by Laura Tucker 2 Comments

Earlier this afternoon, my darling little girl took an incredibly long nap after going several days of not napping great at all. She knows just what Mommy needs sometimes! So I had some time to myself to really get into my element and get my creative juices flowing in the kitchen. Time in the kitchen without interruption (or a toddler trying her hardest to pull your pants down and/or digging things out of the trash can) is as valuable as gold to me. I don’t have the time to cook things from scratch nearly as often as I’d like to, so I consider it a real treat when I get to do it.

I started plundering through the pantry and refrigerator trying to scope out some things that were quickly approaching their expiration date. I had a sack of red potatoes that was starting to look a little pitiful, plus some spinach in the fridge that was looking pretty droopy and sad. I also spotted a half empty carton of heavy cream, so I knew I could definitely make a spinach alfredo sauce..but could that possibly be good with potatoes?

Spinach and Bacon Alfredo Twice Baked Potatoes | This recipe called for red potatoes, so it makes a perfect bit sized appetizer! (Or you can totally make a meal out of it, too!)…

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Home Cookin' Tagged With: baked potato recipe, Red Potatoes, Spinach Alfredo, Twice baked potatoes

Venison Taco Bites + A Dollop of Daisy

June 21, 2016 by Laura Tucker 38 Comments

 I received a complimentary product as a BzzAgent in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed are completely my own. I only share what I really love! #DollopOfDaisy #GotitFree

It’s no secret that I love a good taco-inspired recipe. Mexican night happens almost on a weekly basis in my household, and I’m always looking for a fun new way to add a twist to the dishes that I prepare. Cooking with venison is an art that I’ve been learning slowly over the past few years. It’s absolutely delicious in these Venison Taco Bites, and they’re a huge hit with the hubs!

Venison Taco Bites| Looking for a cool new way to cook with deer meat? Give this one a try! …

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Home Cookin' Tagged With: Deer Meat Recipes, How to cook venison, Mini Taco Bites, Taco Appetizer, Venison Recipes

Cheesy Italian Zucchini Boats – A Must Try This Summer!

June 13, 2016 by Laura Tucker Leave a Comment

Hello, friends! I’m starting off this week with another fabulous garden-to-table dish that is packed with delicious fresh veggies and is easy to make!

Last week I made a scrumptious taco stuffed summer squash recipe that is definitely going to become a staple in my menu rotation. It was super simple to throw together and my husband really loved it! Riding on the heels of the stuffed squash boats, I thought I’d try my hand at doing something very similar with another favorite summer time vegetable – zucchini!

Looking for something new to do with Zucchini? These Cheesy Italian Zucchini Boats are a MUST make!…

Read More »

Filed Under: Appetizers, Home Cookin' Tagged With: farm to table, garden vegetables, Things to do with zucchini, Zucchini, Zucchini boats, Zucchini recipes

Rainy Day Activity: Indoor Picnic Fun + Free Printables!

May 26, 2016 by Laura Tucker 1 Comment

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #StormStockUp #CollectiveBias

If there’s one thing in the great state of Alabama that’s common knowledge, it’s that the weather is never going to do exactly what you think it’s going to do. The meteorologists do the best that they can, but mother nature tends to do what she wants, when she wants, and she really doesn’t care if she ruins your outdoor plans. This especially holds true during the summer months. We all know for sure that it’s going to be hot and humid here, but there’s just no telling when a pop up shower or storm is going to happen.

In fact, I vividly remember 2 years ago when it rained almost every single day during the month of July. It could be a gorgeous day outside, then BAM! A pop up storm comes out of nowhere to rain on your parade. #Rude

Now that I have a little one, I’ve seen how a rainy day can put a major damper on the amount of fun she has. She loves to run around and play outside, but that’s a big no-no when the yard is wet and muddy. Thankfully, Publix has situations just like that in mind! They’ve got a pretty sweet “Summer Storm Stock Up” promotion going on right now that helps us keep the party going when rain creeps up.

Rainy day bringing you down? Bring the outdoors IN and throw an indoor picnic! Tips and ideas on picnic-themed foods and 5 FREE printables included! #StormStockUp #ad

…

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Home Cookin', My Favorite Things Tagged With: Free Printable, indoor picnic, picnic food, picnic ideas, picnic party, publix, Rainy day activities, summer storms

Spice Up Family Dinner Night with this 7 Layer Mexican Fiesta Dip!

April 11, 2016 by Laura Tucker 2 Comments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #YesYouCAN #CollectiveBias

Let’s taco ’bout Mexican food for just a minute here, y’all. My husband and I can seriously throw down when it comes to Mexican. Enchiladas, quesadillas, chalupas, #4 chicken taco supreme combo with a large coke, etc. It makes no difference to us. You name it, we love it! And if you throw some queso and jalapenos into the mix? Have mercy!

And because we love it so much, we try to make it a point to prepare these types of meals at home on a regular basis. I’m telling you, as soon as my daughter is old enough to start eating the food that I prepare (she’s only 11 months), I’m establishing  non-negotiable Taco Tuesdays in this house. It’s definitely happening.

 I absolutely love to cook, and if you’ve been following my posts you know that I love to share recipes that tend to be Southern inspired. This post is no different, other than the fact that this one is really, really Southern. Like, South-of-the-border southern. Oh yeah mis amigos, it’s gonna be good!

7 layer Mexican Fiesta Dip - The perfect way to spice up your family Mexican night! + Time Saving Kitchen Hack: How to cook Quinoa in the Microwave #YesYouCAN #ad…

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Casseroles & Comfort Foods, Home Cookin' Tagged With: Family dinner, kitchen hack, Mexican dip, Mexican dish, Mexican Night, quinoa, quinoa in microwave, quinoa recipe, Taco tuesday

Rev Up Your Engines with Pitstop Pepper Poppers! – Recipe

March 31, 2016 by Laura Tucker 4 Comments

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to start those engines! Racing season is upon us, so it’s definitely time to throw your snack-time game into 4-wheel drive. Whether you prefer something a little savory or you like to burn a little rubber and bring the heat, making a pit-stop for this dish will leave all the racing fans in your life cheering for more!

{PIitstop Pepper Poppers} Rev up your engines with Nexium and kick up the heat on race day with these delicious Pitstop Poppers! These jalapenos and sweet peppers are stuffed with a sausage and cream cheese mixture and beautifully wrapped in bacon coated with brown sugar. Mmmm! #RaceDayRelief #AD…

Read More »

Filed Under: Appetizers, Home Cookin' Tagged With: Bacon wrapped peppers, Duck Commander 500, Jalapeno poppers, Nexium heartburn relief, recipes, spicy recipes, Stuffed Peppers, Stuffed Peppers Recipe, Ty Dillon

Cheesy Jalapeno Corn Dip Recipe

January 25, 2016 by Laura Tucker 7 Comments

Looking for a delicious, cheesy and ooey gooey dip to make and share with your friends and family? You’ve come to the right place, y’all.

Most people make dips as as appetizer or to serve during tailgates or parties. I’m just gonna raise my hand right now and confess that my husband and I are no strangers to eating any kind of dip as our main meal. It pretty much happens nearly every time we make dip, and especially when we make this one. We both have a palate for spicy foods, and this one brings the perfect amount of heat.

This Cheesy Jalapeno Corn Dip Recipe will make you the talk of the party!

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Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cheesy jalapeno corn dip recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups frozen corn
  • 1 large onion – diced
  • 2 fresh jalapenos – diced
  • 1 clove garlic – diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper – diced
  • 1/2 cup low fat mayonnaise
  • 1 cup monterey or pepper jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded + plus handful for topping
  • 2 tbs butter – divided
  • Cayenne pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Melt butter in a pan on low heat. Add corn to pan and adjust temperature to medium/high heat. Saute the corn until it lightly browns. Set aside
  3. Melt butter in pan on low. Saute onion and red bell pepper until soft. Add jalapeno and garlic until soft.
  4. In a bowl, mix together corn, jalapeno, onions, red bell pepper, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper and cheeses in a bowl.
  5. Pour mixture into a casserole dish and top with handful of cheese.
  6. Bake 10-15 minutes
  7. Serve with tortilla or pita chips. Enjoy!

Have you ever found yourself eating a hot dip as a meal? What other types of dip do you and your family like to make? I’d love to hear all about it!

Filed Under: Appetizers, Home Cookin'

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"Hi there! I'm Laura, and I'm a child of God, a wife, and a mother of two. My roots are planted deep in rural Alabama. Monograms, crafting and Southern cuisine - yes, these are a few of my favorite things! Join me as I grow my family in the beautiful South where the tea is sweet, the accents are sweeter, & someone's heart is always being blessed." [Read more...]

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