How to Store and Prepare Your Fresh Market Veggies and a Summer Squash Wrap Recipe

The newness of June. I love summer. I love that we can get outside more often and enjoy the fresh fruits and veggies that become available. As I frequent my local Farmers Market, it’s hard to control myself. 

Fresh peaches, berries for days, and heirloom tomatoes are all calling my name. Here’s my tip for overloading at the market. When you get home, don’t just shove it all in the fridge. Wash any greens and lettuces and put in airtight bags or containers. Keep those tomatoes on the counter and not in the fridge. Wash berries and put in airtight containers or freeze in ziplock bags. Remember air is the enemy of food.

Keep your veggies pure. By this I mean don’t overload them with cheese and sauces. Grill, steam or roast your veggies. Drizzle olive oil, fresh garlic, onions and or shallots along with fresh herbs and you have an amazing fresh healthy dish or meal!

I can alway make a meal out of roasted or steamed fresh broccoli with tons of chopped garlic and lemon juice. YUMM

Or, how about sliced heirlooms with chopped garlic and chopped fresh basil? Drizzle balsamic, olive oil and Presto, you’ve got an instant snack or mini meal.

SUMMER SQUASH WRAP from The Hollywood Wrap

Yellow Summer Squash and zucchini abound in gardens and at farmers’ markets during the warm months of the year.  Good thing they are delicious and super easy to cook with! Bake them in strips so they are soft and pliable, and use them for these wraps or in salads with a sparkling of Feta or Parmesan cheese.

INGREDIENTS
1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch thick slices and then quartered.
1 yellow summer squash, cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch thick slices and then quartered.
1/4 cup crumbled fat-free cheese
1/4 cup sun-dried (not oil packed) tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

INSTRUCTIONS

1.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.  Arrange the squash cut side up on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, until softened and cooked through.

2. Mix the feta, tomatoes, and walnuts together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the feta mixture on top of the squash strips.  Roll up and serve.

Mangia!

– Nancy Kennedy

Nancy Kennedy is Hollywood’s Premiere Nutrition Expert and Trainer to The stars. She is also a well known Spokesperson for many Corporate Brands, a columnist, and the author of The Hollywood Wrap, Rodale. Nancy’s signature style can even be found on her line of healthy fast foods available in Southern California and soon nationwide!

Visit Nancy’s Website at http://www.NancyfKennedy.com/