The Squash is grilled either outside on the barbecue or, in bad weather, indoors on a grill pan. There are only a few ingredients, so please buy the highest quality possible. Garlic, extra Virgin Olive Oil, red wine vinegar, basil...tossed with the grilled zucchini and then marinated for several hours. Served with grilled meats, platters of other marinated vegetables, good bread, great wine. Ahhh, doesn't get more Italian than that.  Happy summer everyone!



Italian Marinated Zucchini
(Serves 4)

6 zucchini (medium sized) thinly sliced crosswise
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
sea salt
freshly cracked black pepper
1/4 cup basil, chiffonade or thinly sliced

Spread zucchini on top of a large, clean towel. Gently roll the towel to remove some moisture from squash. Unroll and, using a BBQ brush, lightly coat the squash with oil.

Heat the grill or grill pan to medium-high and grill zucchini until deep golden brown with dark brown grill marks. Flip and grill on the other side. Remove from heat and place in a large bowl. Add the garlic, rest of the oil, vinegar, and a large pinch each of salt & pepper. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set aside for 3-4 hours (does not need to be refrigerated)

When ready to serve, stir in basil and serve. Wonderful alongside grilled meat, chicken or fish. Pile on top of pasta coated in extra virgin olive oil, add to your favorite cheese and salami platter or, my favorite, top grilled sourdough bread with the squash.

Other summer squash recipes you may enjoy:

• healthy summer squash chips
• roasted zucchinis and tomatoes with parmesan and balsamic
• zucchini & potato hash browns

It is "Summer Squash" week at Food Network's Summerfest roundup. Do you have a favorite squash recipe to share? Please list (or link) in the comments below. And be sure to check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends and Food Network. Their recipes will be posted at noon on Thursday so please check back then!