Zucchini Cakes...

1 large zucchini, grated with excess water removed (see note)

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 cup panko bread crumbs (I substituted with toasted then grind protein bread)

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon paprika (I substituted with hot, smoked Spanish paprika)

1 garlic glove, minced

1 egg

salt and pepper to taste

1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil (I used my spray)

Ranch dressing, if desired (I made a Greek, fat free yogurt dill sauce)

I also added a Serrano pepper to the mix

In bowl, combine all ingredients (except olive oil); mix thoroughly.  Form mixture into 8 patties.

Heat olive oil i a pan over medium heat.  Once oil is heated, add patties and cook until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).  If desired, serve with a dollop of ranch dressing.

NOTE:  To remove excess water, squeeze grated zucchini in paper towels.

Nutrition fact per cake:  78 calories, 4g fat, 1g saturated fat, 31mg cholesterol, 6g carbohydrate, 4g protein, 145mg sodium, 1g fiber.

This could be the new potato pancake!  I served these with a smoked pork tenderloin and smoked portobello mushrooms.  Zucchini can star in salsa, pancakes, bread and much more!  I love them also as a snack for dipping into one of my favorite Fat Free Greek yogurt dips!

Besides being low in calories here are some Health Benefits of Zucchini;

• Zucchini helps cure asthma, as it contains Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• The vegetable is known to help prevent diseases like scurvy and bruising, caused by the deficiency of vitamin C.
• Regular intake of zucchini effectively lowers high homocysteine levels in the human body.
• The vegetable can help prevents risk of having multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Zucchinis have high water content (over 95%), high nutritious value and contain a very low amount of calories, so they make the perfect snack item for people on diet.
• The vegetable contains useful amounts of folate, potassium, and vitamin A, necessary for proper functioning of the human body.
• Zucchini contains Vitamin C and lutein, both of which are known to be good for the eyes.
• The vegetable is a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin, manganese and a lot of other nutrients.
• Eating zucchini is known to help the body in supporting the arrangement of capillaries.
• Regular consumption of the vegetable can help protect the body against colon cancer.
• Zucchini is believed to be beneficial in preventing heart disease and related symptoms, such as high cholesterol.
• The rind of zucchini contains the nutrient beta-carotene, which is known to be full of antioxidant properties and thus, helps protect cells against oxidation damage.
• The vegetable proves to be a good source of magnesium and phosphorus, the nutrients essential for building and maintaining healthy bones.
• Zucchini is rich in vitamin C, another powerful antioxidant that can provide protection against cardiovascular disease.