Zucchini Pancakes and an Opinion on Water

Our garden, sadly, didn't do well this year. I don't know if it was the heat or something else but that's the way it goes. Today I pulled out all the spent tomato plants (we got so few!) and getting the beds ready for future planting.
I  discovered a wonderful way to prepare zucchini and we have a few plants started for the fall so hopefully will have some to use in this recipe. Zucchini was on sale at the grocery store so I bought several and have been enjoying these.

Zucchini Pancakes

2 cups (or so) grated zucchini

1/2 c.grated carrot

2 T. chopped green onion

2 large eggs, slightly beaten

1/4 c.grated cheese, use whatever you have

1/2 c. flour

1/2 t. baking powder

 a pinch of salt

whatever seasoning you prefer. I like original Mrs. Dash

1/4 c. or so vegetable oil

Mix the zucchini, carrot and onion together, and blot on paper towels to get rid of the moisture. Stir zucchini mixture, eggs in a large bowl. Mix together the cheese, flour, baking powder, and seasonings and then add to the wet mixture. Stir until its moistened well. Don't over beat.

Heat oil in a  large skillet until hot and add rounded spoonfuls of the batter. Fry until golden, and then drain on paper towels. It usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

Now I've seen corn added to this mixture so I'd suggest adding a handful if you have some left over from another meal. These pancakes are delicious and a good side dish for grilled meat or a great lunch by themselves with a green salad and some fruit.

 My Opinion

You've probably heard of the drought we're having in California and our area is no exception. We try to limit our water use as much as possible. But we do water the raised beds by drip irrigation and  water the lawn as the grandchildren love it so. What angers me is the city allowing more and more houses to be built. I'll believe the city and county are serious when they stop granting building permits. Right behind us is a huge housing tract with giant big box homes (over 3,000 sq. ft.)  being built. Can you even imagine how much water will be needed? Plus they built a large sport park with landscaping. Sigh