Zucchini Sticks with Marinara

Adapted from Skinny Taste

Do you have an abundance of summer vegetables and don't know what to do with all of them? We have a LOT of squash and zucchini, so in looking for creative recipes, we came across zucchini sticks- a healthy and delicious snack, appetizer, or side dish. A homemade marinara sauce makes them even better!

Ingredients:

For zucchini sticks:

• 1 large zucchini or (2 small), cut into 3 inch sticks
• 1 egg white
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp. cheddar cheese
• cooking spray
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

For marinara:

• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 2 tsp. dried basil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp. splenda or sugar

Directions:

For zucchini sticks:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl, beat egg white and season with salt and pepper. In another small bowl, mix bread crumbs, garlic powder, and cheese. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Dip zucchini stick into eggs, then into the bread crumb mixture, then set on cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

For marinara:

In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until golden. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, splenda, and bay leaf. Stir and reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes.

Yield: 2 servings (as a side dish)