20 Zesty, and Some Zany, Zucchini Recipes

Aug 26, 2013

The summer’s coming to an end and we’re getting ready for fall here at Brit HQ. As the late summer harvest comes in, though, we’re still reaping the rewards of summer in the form of some delicious produce. Today’s star? Zucchini, that zany fruit-that-seems-like-a-vegetable. We’ve searched the web for ways to use up our stash and found 20 yummy recipes to celebrate the end of the season.

1. Grilled Zucchini Pizza: Pizza is kind of our jam here at Brit + Co. Grilled pizza topped with grilled zucchini? Yes, please. (via Foodess)

2. Zucchini Sandwich Cookies: The term “sandwich cookies” calls to mind Oreos and other deliciousness. This zucchini version takes the concept up a notch by incorporating this delicious piece of produce and some yummy cream cheese frosting. (via Speed Bump Kitchen)

3. Zucchini Rolls with Herbed Goat Cheese: These remind us of sushi in that they’re bite-size and adorable. The herbed goat cheese and pine nut combo is making our mouths water. (via Healthful Pursuit)

4. Zucchini Ribbon Pesto Salad: Did you know that zucchini, sliced correctly, can replaced pasta in a lot of recipes for a healthier version? This dish is reminiscent of pasta salad, but way better for you! (via The Frosted Vegan)

5. Zucchini Soup with Thyme Croutons: Soup and salad is an unbeatable combination so pair the zucchini salad above with this gorgeous green soup for a perfect late summer meal. (via Swiss Miss in the Kitchen)

6. Chocolate Orange Zucchini Donuts: Zucchini goes surprisingly well in a lot of sweet dishes, and these donuts covered in chocolate with a hint of orange zest are no exception. (via Pink Patisserie)

7. Salmon Stuffed Zucchini: For an adorable and health-conscious dinner, stuff your zucchini with some salmon! These would be an impressive addition to a dinner party and can serve as an appetizer for a big meal or a main dish if you pair it with some salad. (via Now I’m a Cook!)

8. Zucchini Basil Focaccia: Gluten free and vegan, this focaccia loaf is sure to please just about anyone. The flavor combo of zucchini and basil is pretty killer! (via Vegan Richa)

9. Grilled Cumin-Lime Zucchini Quesadilla: Incredibly easy to make, the secret ingredient of this dish is honey — the sweetness really sets off the cumin and lime flavors. (via Naturally Ella)

10. Zucchini Carpaccio: This light dish, perfect for those warm late summer evening, is crazy simple and really lets the taste of the zucchini speak for itself. (via Framed Cooks)

11. Zucchini Oat Brownies: Just look at these brownies. You’d never guess how healthy they are! Chocolatey and moist, these are a must for your baking arsenal. (via Ambitious Kitchen)

12. Taco Stuffed Zucchini: Looking for the taste of tacos with a little less calories? These zucchinis are stuffed with seasoned tempeh, making them vegetarian and delicious. (via Oh My Veggies)

13. Zucchini and Hazelnut Salad: The key to this dish is grilling the zucchinis which really brings out their unique flavor. The addition of hazelnuts is a great finish to a delicious recipe. (via Elra’s Cooking)

14. Nutella Stuffed Peanut Butter Banana and Zucchini Muffins: Speaking of hazelnut, where would be without Nutella? A lot worse off, that we know! These moist banana and zucchini muffins are flavored with PB and stuffed with Nutella and the result is incredible. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

15. Zucchini Fries with Sriracha Dipping Sauce: The sriracha dipping sauce is a perfect complement to this healthier take on french fries. (via Kim’s Healthy Eats)

16. Zucchini Faux Lasagna: Another healthy food hack, this lasagna uses zucchini for noodles, lending it a more robust flavor and a lower calorie count. (via Drink Me Eat Me)

17. Zucchini, Pea, and Quinoa Burgers: Not only are these veggie burgers delicious, but they’re paired with incredible homemade buns filled with pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Is it time for a barbeque? (via Deliciously Ella)

18. Zucchini and Corn Panini: Zucchini and corn are central components of the late summer harvest and this panini, perfect for lunch, uses them beautifully by pairing them with some pepper jack for a little extra flavor. (via Oh My Veggies)

19. Zucchini and Macadamia Hummus: Macadamia nuts and zucchinis combine to make this awesome take on one of our favorite snacks — hummus! Pair with some veggies or pita bread for an afternoon-pick-me-up. (via Eva Muerde La Manzana)

20. Zucchini Quinoa Fritters with Parmesan: Quinoa is tasty. Zucchini is tasty. Together, you’ve got a dish that will be gobbled up fast! Top with parmesan for an extra oomph! (via The Scrumptious Pumpkin)

How do you use zucchini to make your meals healthier? Is there any other late summer produce you’re swooning over? Talk to us in the comments below.

Hallmark’s First-Ever Dating Show Is Coming So Soon

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

pop culture entertainment hallmark tv

12 "Outdated" Travel Destinations To Avoid In 2025 (Thanks, Overtourism!)

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

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13 Yummy Christmas Cookies From Around The World

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

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