Layers of Summer

For the past few weeks, our kitchen counter has been covered with yellow summer squash, zucchinis, cucumbers and tomatoes just begging to be made into something delicious. I am on the constant search for new ways to use them up and maybe, just maybe, convince my little brother to eat some too. I found this recipe and it was delicious (Pete didn't like it though).

Summer Vegetable Gratin
(somewhat adapted) from Erin Cooks
makes 5-6 servings

Ingredients
4 tomatoes
1 zucchini
1 yellow squash
3 onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbs. olive oil
1 cup panko crumbs (or white bread crumbs)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
salt
pepper
1/2 tsp. thyme, dry rubbed
fresh basil

1. Slice yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes into 1/4 inch rounds.
2. Combine squash and zucchini in a bowl with 1/2 tsp. salt. Toss well and place in colander over a second bowl. Let sit for about 30 minutes.
3. Place tomato slices on a double sheet of paper towel and lightly salt. Let sit for 20 minutes.
4. Thinly slice onions and saute in a pan with 1Tbs. olive oil and 1/2tsp. each salt and pepper. Stir occasionally for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside.
5. Once the vegetables have drained, press another layer of paper towel on the tomatoes to soak up any more juices. Lay squashes on paper towel, cover with more paper towel, and press down to soak up any remaining liquid.
5. Combine olive oil, 2Tbs. water, garlic cloves, pepper, and rubbed thyme (unless you have fresh) in a small bowl.
6. Spray a baking pan with cooking spray and layer the zucchini and squash in the pan. Pour about 1/2 of the oil mixture on top and cover evenly with the onions. Arrange the tomatoes in a layer onto and pour the remaining oil over this.
7. Bake in oven at 450 for about 25 minutes (or until vegetables are tender and tomatoes are beginning to brown at edges). Sprinkle panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese over the tomatoes and resume baking for about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped basil. Enjoy!



Listening to: "Hello Sunshine" Super Furry Animals
Thought of the Day: "Life is 'trying things to see if they work'." -Ray Bradbury