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The Sailaway Gourmet

At the time of this writing, I am in Florida working for a few months. Thankfully I am missing all the cold weather in the North. If I were home though, I would attend one of the many boat shows in the Northeast, bound to be teeming with people like us, who love doing anything on the water. Those with dreams of having a brand shiny new boat or the fanciest new GPS systems and gadgets to install. There are others who want to jet-ski, kayak, wind-surf or paddle board as I do! I just read that there will be a special pool at one of the shows so that you can try paddleboarding. I wonder if they can make the water extra wavy to see how you’d do on a windy day. LOL!!


With all this wandering around gawking at all the stuff you want buy, you’ll probably get hungry or need a break from all the temptation. Your children will definitely want food if you’ve brought them along. I know I’d be looking to be re-fueled after a few hours.
Having not been to a boat show in very many years, I don’t know what they’re offering up these days. I assume there will be pizza, burgers and dogs, all types of sandwiches made in a variety of ways, maybe soups, a burrito bar…and lots of ice cream and drinks. Will there be anything healthy? Hopefully. Here are recipes for 2 dishes I’d like see offered.

Anything You Want Pizza with a Zucchini Crust
– yes, it’s a little work, but hey, again, it’s still winter and you’re indoors…
2 large zucchinis
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 Tbsp. gluten free flour
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 fresh garlic cloves, minced or 1/2 tsp dried
1 Tbsp EACH of fresh basil, thyme, and oregano, minced (or 1/2 tsp each of dried)

Marinara sauce or pesto or olive oil
Whatever cheese you want, grated
Any other toppings of your choice – I would want lots of veggies, fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preheat your oven to 450º. Prepare a round pizza pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Using the grating attachment of your choice, grate the zucchini. Place in a colander, sprinkle with salt and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Blot dry and squeeze as much liquid out as you can. Place zucchini in a large bowl and add the eggs, Parmesan, mozzarella, flour, oil and herbs. Mix and spread onto the prepared pizza pan. Gently form into a uniformly thick circle – should be about 1/2 inch thick. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly browned.
Remove from the oven, top with all your goodies and bake for another 3-5 minutes. Let sit a few minutes before serving. Serves 4-6 depending on how large you cut the slices!

Almond Chicken Salad over Greens
1 lb. cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup of red grapes, sliced in half
3/4 cup Greek yogurt
2 tsp. honey
1-1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1-1/2 tsp. curry powder
Salt & Fresh Pepper to taste
1-2 Kiwis, peeled and sliced
Chopped Greens – enough for 4 bowls

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, almonds and grapes. In another bowl, combine the yogurt, honey, lemon juice, curry powder, salt and pepper and stir until smooth. Pour over the chicken mixture and toss gently. Divide greens into 4 bowls. Fill with the chicken salad and top with kiwis.
Maybe I’ll if I get back home in time, I can attend the March show at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. I will gawk, I’ll see a boat I can’t afford to buy, but maybe there’s a paddleboard or kayak with a sail in my future…maybe both!