Tasty Tuesday: Zucchini Fries

Nick and I attempted to make some healthy appetizers for the Superbowl. Whether we succeeded or not, our guts will only know. =)

We made a skinny spinach and artichoke dip, zucchini fries and Caprese appetizer. Below are the ingredients and directions for the Zucchini Fries.

 Zucchini Fries

	4 spray(s) olive oil cooking spray
	1 tsp Italian seasoning
	1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
	3/4 tsp table salt
	3/4 cup(s) dried plain breadcrumbs
	2 medium uncooked zucchini
	2 large egg white(s), whipped until frothy (almost soft peaks)

Preheat oven to 425ºF. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix together Italian seasoning, flour and salt. Place bread crumbs in another small bowl.

Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise and then each half into 2 pieces width-wise. Next slice each zucchini chunk into 4 fries. Dredge a zucchini fry in flour mixture and then dip into egg whites; dredge in bread crumbs. Place coated zucchini on prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining ingredients; liberally coat with cooking spray.

Roast, turning once, until desired crispness, about 12 minutes. Yields about 8 fries per serving.

Motivation Monday: Date Night

Even though we shouldn't have a "holiday" to remind us to cherish and value our relationships, I do think February serves as a good excuse to go on some romantic, fun or unique date nights with your significant other! So, I have done some research and found a number of ways to spend time with that special someone.

• Pick a TV show, get a season's worth on DVD and make a running date to watch it together every night. 
• How about dinner and some stargazing at the planetarium's evening show?
• Try brunch and a matinee; fancy restaurants are way more affordable in the a.m. 
• Pick up a bucket of fried chicken and head for the drive-in.
• The sultriest music? Jazz. Try a trip to a jazz club.
• Dress up your backyard picnic table with a white tablecloth. Add candles, fancy cheese, chocolate and voilà: five-star fun. 
• Too cold or wet for an outdoor picnic? Spread a blanket on the floor and have a carpet picnic. 
• Make a mixed CD. 
• Create a beer garden: Scour local stores for unusual beers. 
• Invest in an ice-cream maker or a bread maker; then invent your own homemade treats.
• Museums usually have one free night a week, so hit one then.  
• Grab a basketball and hit the free courts at the park.
• Make yourselves the biggest, craziest ice cream sundae ever.
• Get your palms read.
• Fly a kite. 
• Sign up for a one-night class at your local college.  
• Hit your local farmers' market
• Head to an ice skating rink and strap on skates for some icy fun. 
• Poke around an antique shop.  
• Ride the Ferris wheel at a local carnival.
• Stop at a fancy bakery and pick out a treat each — for each other.  
• Feed the ducks.
• Ride a tandem bike. 
• Head to a batting cage and swing at some balls. 
• Get in the saddle for a horseback-riding lesson. 
• Hit a sports bar and cheer on the team.  
• Map out a long bike ride through a local park.
• Go paintball. 
• Check out the action at the nearest racetrack. 
• A bar, beers and darts. Anyone up for some healthy competition?  
• Hit the golf-ball driving range.
• Book a double massage at a fancy-schmancy spa. 
• Take a balloon or helicopter ride over your town. 
• Rent a fancy car. Tool around as if you actually own it.
• Find a nearby bed-and-breakfast. Spend the night someplace where someone else makes the bed and cooks breakfast.
• Hit a hiking trail near you.
• Take a walk on the beach.
• Get up and move: Try swing dancing, tangoing or square dancing.
• See if your local college has a pottery studio and sign up for an evening class.
• Find out if a nearby wine store throws free wine tastings. Or try wineries, which often open their doors to curious customers. 
• Same goes for cheese shops. Call and ask if they have regular tasting parties. 

Looking for date night ideas in San Diego? Check these out!