Also known as Italian Squash, Zucchini were first brought to the U.S. from Italy in the 1920’s. Let’s pay homage to that trip with our Italian Squash Boats!

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchini (about 8 inches)

3/4 pound ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 cup chopped fresh mushrooms

1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

2 tablespoons ketchup

Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Trim the ends off the zucchini. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving 1/2-in. shells. Finely chop pulp.

In a skillet, cook beef, zucchini pulp, onion, mushrooms and peppers over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat. Add 1/2 cup cheese, ketchup, salt and pepper; mix well. Spoon into the zucchini shells. Place in a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake, uncovered, at 350° until zucchini is tender, 25-30 minutes. Enjoy!