baked zucchini chips

My 5-year-old slipped while getting off the bus today. Freezing rain was pelting our faces as I carried him, sobbing, into the house. I saw the fall and knew he wasn't badly hurt. Still, there were an awful lots of tears...

"Mommy, I fell! And I haven't got a playdate. Everyone on the bus had a playdate. And, Jack {his big brother} has a playdate. {True.} And everyone in my class had a playdate. {Doubtful.} And it's raining...." I held him close and rocked him, knowing the tears were the result of a bruised ego. Lunch was ready, but I brought him in close and whispered in his ear, "Guess what?! Today is backwards day. That means playdates you would normally have on half-day Wednesdays get flip-flopped with Fridays. {Handy, since he has a friend coming over on Friday...} And, the wackiest thing about today is we eat dessert for lunch and lunch for dessert!" The crying shifted to more of a muffled giggle.

I recommend eating these right when they come out of the oven. But, if you must, have your dessert first, then enjoy these baked zucchini chips as a veggie side or healthy kid-friendly snack.

Baked Zucchini Chips

inspired by The Joy of Clean Eating

2 medium zucchini (sliced, I used my Cuisinart)

1 cup whole milk (or your choice of milk)

1/4 cup whole wheat flour
splash of cider vinegar

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan (optional)

1 teaspoon curry powder or dried dill (optional)

dash of kosher salt

Preheat oven to 425. In one bowl, combine milk, flour and vinegar with a whisk until smooth.  In a second bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan (optional), spice(s) (optional) and a dash of salt. Dip each zucchini slice in the milk mixture, then in the breadcrumb mixture. Place in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cook time. Serve warm, fresh from the oven... or reheat in the oven so they remain crispy. 

Delicious alone, or dipped in store-bought Tzatziki (savory yogurt dip). Or, here's a recipe for Tzatziki, if you'd like to make your own.