Broiled Zucchini and Potatoes with Parmesan Crust

 My friend Michelle, of Ms. enPlace, has been making all sorts of tasty things lately.  When she choose Giada's Broiled Zucchini and Potatoes with Parmesan Crust for this week's I Heart Cooking Clubs theme I knew I had to make it as well.  I couldn't resist the allure of those irresistible red potatoes and zucchini tossed with butter and garlic and topped with a crispy Parmesan crust.  It's like a side dish made in heaven! 

 Broiled Zucchini and Potatoes with Parmesan Crust

Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis, recipe online @ Food Network

Serves 4

4 small new potatoes (red or white, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter)

2 tablespoons butter

1 clove garlic, minced (I used 3 cloves)

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves

2 small zucchini, cut in 1/2 lengthwise (about 1-inch wide by 5 inches long)

Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes and cook until just tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let cool. When cool, cut the potatoes in half.

Place a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the butter, garlic, thyme and rosemary and let cook until the butter melts, about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, season the cut sides of the zucchini and potatoes with salt and pepper. Carefully place the zucchini and potatoes cut side down in the melted butter. Let them cook until golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes.

Preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the browned zucchini and potatoes on the baking sheet cut side up. Sprinkle the tops with the Parmesan. Place in the broiler until the cheese is golden brown, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and serve.

Notes/Results:  The whole family loved it! We all agreed we could eat it at least once a week as a side.  I added extra garlic for more flavor and also subbed dried Italian seasoning for the fresh thyme and rosemary.  Another keeper recipe.

Cooking with Giada De Laurentiis for 1 more week!