Zucchini Patties

In my ongoing quest to find creative ways to make veggies more interesting to the munchkin, I came across a post on Itty Bitty Bistro for Zucchini Nuggets.  They sounded very similar to the Cheddar-Broccoli Sticks that were a huge hit, so I thought I'd give them a try.  The biggest difference is that they were pan fried instead of baked.  They ended up having a very different consistency - softer and more moist, but I thought they were delicious - better than the Cheddar-Broccoli sticks in fact!   On the first try the munchkin seemed to disagree, but on the second try I remembered that she is more willing to eat new foods off a fork than with her fingers (odd, but true), and she ate a few bites this way.  It remains to be seen if these become a favorite, but even if they don't for the munchkin, these are something I will be very happy to eat!

Zucchini Patties
adapted from Itty Bitty Bistro

3 small zucchini, grated (by hand or with a food processor)
2 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs (I just buzzed a few slices of whole wheat bread in the food processor)
2 tablespoons flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup shredded cheese (I used cheddar)
canola oil

In a large bowl, combine zucchini, bread crumbs, flour, eggs, and cheese.

Preheat a pan with enough canola oil to thinly coat the bottom over medium heat.  Take a spoonful of the zucchini mixture (I used my 3 tablespoon scoop, although these would work well a little bit smaller, too) and roll into a ball.  Flatten into a patty shape and place in the hot pan, repeating until the pan is full without overcrowding.  Cook approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.  Cook the rest of the mixture in batches, adding more oil as needed.

Makes 16 patties