* 4 oz soft goat cheese, room temperature
* 2 Tbsp fresh basil
* 2 Tbsp fresh marjoram
* 8 medium size zucchini blossoms, freshly picked
* 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
* kosher salt to taste
* 5 cups garden grown cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half
* 1 Tbsp fresh chives
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1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and oil a large baking sheet.
2. Gently rinse off zucchini blossoms, then trim any sharp points from the bottom leaves that hold the petals in place and trim the stem to 1/2 inch.
3. Now, slide a sharp knife lengthwise to lay the blossom open 'butterfly' style and remove the stamen and/or pistil. Pat dry.
4. In a large bowl, mix together the goat cheese with 1 tablespoon of the basil and 1 tablespoon of the marjoram; form into 8 equal size balls.
5. Lay 1 ball inside each of the open blossoms, then close blossom over the cheese ball and lay, cut side down, on prepared baking sheet.
6. Drizzle or brush each blossom with 1 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and flavor with kosher salt, then bake for about 6 to 9 minutes - when you see the cheese bubble up over the blossom and start to ooze out and brown around the edges, they're done. Remove and set aside while you prepare the tomatoes.
7. In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, the remaining basil, the remaining marjoram, and the chives. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, then arrange on plates.
8. Top with the baked zucchini blossoms, add more kosher salt if desired, and serve while blossoms are still warm.
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Zucchini plants are known for their prolific nature. I always have a pile waiting for me to figure out something to do with them. Now I've added another zucchini 'gift' to my recipe research - the blossoms.
These delicate flowers have made a big splash lately in the gourmet cooking shows, but really they are meant for any table, no matter how humble. After all, anyone who grows zucchini has access to this "gourmet" ingredient. Just pick the blossoms while they are small and closed, and as close to preparation time as possible.
Give this recipe a try and surprise your family with their new gourmet dish.
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