Smart Snack: Havarti & Chorizo Zucchini Boats
Now that school’s out for summer, snacking at home is in full swing so I’ve been brainstorming new recipes that will satisfy hungry bellies and taste buds, without a long prep time (because Mom can always use a few extra hours to enjoy summer too). My family is Italian and like many other Italians, we LOVE fresh, quality ingredients that are full of flavour – especially Havarti cheese.
Mini pizzas or pizza bagels are go-to favourites at this house but we’ve been eating it the same way for so long, the girls might not want to see another pizza again! I’ve been meaning to use creamy Havarti instead of mozzarella to shake things up but wouldn’t it be nice to sneak some veggies into their diet while I’m at it?
After experimenting in the kitchen, I found a way to take this mid-day snack to a smarter and tastier level by switching up a few ingredients. For example, using a zucchini boat instead of a heavy bagel. But the biggest game-changer was using Arla® Havarti Cheese. I chose the Arla Havarti Smoked for my recipe but there are 9 flavours to choose from at your local grocer’s Deli section so feel free to use whichever speaks to your taste buds.
Arla Havarti is my #1 cheese because it’s oh-so creamy, semi-soft in texture, and it’s made from 100% Canadian milk. It’s THE perfect ingredient for our daily snacking routine (and yours too). For more daily snacking inspiration, I encourage you to visit Arla Canada on Facebook and give them a “like.”
Naturally Good Havarti & Chorizo Zucchini Boats
Prep time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
4 small zucchini
1 package of Arla Havarti Smoked Cheese (grated or thinly sliced)
½ cup chopped mushrooms
½ cup chopped chorizo sausage
¾ cup pizza sauce or marinara
1-2 chopped garlic clove(s)
Fresh basil chopped
Dried oregano
Olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
MAKE IT
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
Cut your zucchini in half through the length and chop off the ends. If your boats aren’t sitting well, slice a long piece off of the bottom side to lay flat.
Scoop out the top of the zucchini with a spoon to give it a hollowed and boat-like shape.
Place the zucchini boats on your baking tray and brush the tops with olive oil. Then sprinkle your garlic on top.
Add your salt, pepper and oregano to taste.
Brush 1 Tsp of pizza/marinara sauce on the tops of the boats, leaving the edges uncoated.
Place your Arla Havarti Smoked Cheese slices onto the tops of the boat.
Top with the chorizo, chopped mushrooms and fresh basil.
Place in the oven for 13-15 mins.
Remove from the oven and let cool before eating.
Did I mention to take a snack break or two while you’re at it? At the grocery store, I grabbed the Arla Havarti Herbs & Spices to munch on with some crackers as I made this for my kids. Both the Smoked and Herbs & Spices flavours are deliciously unique. The Smoked was perfect for enhancing the flavour of the chorizo, giving my recipe a richer, more gourmet-like taste. The Herbs & Spices flavour had just enough punch to be enjoyed on its own. YUM.
I loved using Arla Havarti for my latest smart snack and you will too because it’s a healthy and convenient ingredient that’s just naturally good. Have fun exploring the nutritious possibilities with Havarti and don’t forget that living a healthy lifestyle includes cheese!
Although this post has been generously sponsored by Arla® Canada, the opinions and language are my own, and in no way do they reflect those of Arla® Canada.
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Lynda Cook
