peas at a party

If you’re looking for an idea to tuck into that McDonald’s wrapper you just purchased, try this fun food. Eat with your fingers, dip in the sauce. Tastes like a restaurant treat, made at home in no time, plus they’re un-fried.

Crispy Zucchini Sticks

Serves 4; about 10 minutes hands on time; ready in 20 minutes

• 4 medium zucchini, about 1½ lb
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne
• 4 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 egg whites
• ranch dressing, optional
• marinara sauce, optional

Preheat the oven to 450°. Spray a large baking sheet with olive-oil cooking spray. Cut each zucchini into 3” pieces. Then quarter each piece into sticks. Set aside. Mix the crumbs and next 4 ingredients. Finely grind the Italian seasoning with your fingertips and add to the crumb mix. Stir until thoroughly combined.

Whisk egg whites until almost frothy and pour into a shallow dish. Dip each zucchini stick into the egg, then completely coat with the crumb mixture. Place on the baking sheet. Spray with the olive-oil cooking spray. Bake for 9-10 minutes, until crispy. Serve with marinara sauce and/or ranch dressing for dipping.

Per serving without sauce or dressing, approximately 96 calories; 2.3 g. fat; 13.7 g. carbohydrates; 3.7 g. sugars; 2.4 g. fiber; 6.3 g. protein