spicy zucchini and ricotta fritters
We’re getting our first real cold front this weekend. As I type, it’s only 37 degrees out, and tonight it will be even colder. Of course, this is Florida, so we can still wear shorts and flip flops later today, if we choose. But this morning, it’s all long-sleeves and sweaters and cuddling on the sofa with a cozy red blanket.
I’ve been having pangs of wistfulness for the days before we adjusted our clocks back one week ago. I adored gaining that extra hour – though I can’t think of anything productive that I did with it – but I do miss the early evening sunlight. I miss being able to sit on my front porch when I get home from work, rocking in my rocker and listening to the birds and squirrels.
It’s just not the same, sitting there in the dark.
Our summer and early fall vegetables tend to hang around for a while, thanks to our warm Florida climate. Some of you up north may even still have zucchini showing up in the markets. If you do, these Spicy Zucchini and Ricotta Fritters make great use of the vegetable. You could omit the jalapeno and cayenne, if you wish, but I don’t recommend it. The heat really adds something to the recipe.
The fritters make for a wonderful vegetarian side dish or appetizer, but they also make for a great light lunch. My daughter and I did just that one day, sitting down to a batch of zucchini fritters and a couple of glasses of iced tea. Madeline enjoyed them so much that I had to keep her from eating the whole batch.
Yield: approx 15 fritters
Spicy Zucchini & Ricotta Fritters
These make a wonderful vegetarian side dish or appetizer. Be sure to serve with lemon, for squeezing over the top right before taking a bite.
Ingredients:
2 medium zucchini, coarsely shredded
1/2 jalapeno, stemmed and seeded, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
Zest from one lemon
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornmeal
Olive oil, for frying
Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, jalapeno, garlic, scallions, ricotta cheese, eggs, lemon zest, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well until combined. Add the flour and cornmeal and stir until incorporated.
Line a large baking sheet with paper towels. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of olive oil over moderate high heat until shimmering. In batches, add 2-tablespoon mounds of zucchini batter to the hot oil, spreading them out to form approximately 3-inch fritters. Fry until browned and crisp, turning once, about 3 minutes total. Drain the fritters on the paper towels and serve immediately. Serve with lemon wedges.
*Fritters can made in advance. Store for up to 2 hours at room temperature. Re-warm in a 325 degree oven.
Adapted from this recipe in Food & Wine.
Print
Oh honey… I so wish this didn’t have to happen this way. I’m sure it was tough for you and your family. Thank you for sharing all of these moments (no matter how difficult I’m sure it was to do) with us.
I’m sure a slice of this cheesecake made you feel just a little better. I know I would find it comforting.
So sorry to read about your beloved Fritz. I relate to this story because I lost my first and only dog Pucca over a year ago and I still miss her… All cats and dogs go to heaven.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have no words that will magically make things okay, just know that the Gabby monster and I are thinking about you guys. What a sweet story about such a sweet, sweet companion. Much love to your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. ((HUGS)) I’m glad you have the memories – he sounds like a wonderful companion.
We lost our beloved Marmalade to lymphoma a few weeks ago. Like your Fritz, Marmalade was my best friend – with me through thick and thin. I miss her terribly.
I am so sorry for your loss. I think Winnie the Pooh says it best – “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever”
losing a much loved pet is horribly hard
and there arent many words to make it better
i’m sorry for your loss
What a lovely timeline tribute to Fritz. You had a lot of history together!
I especially like the image of Fritz on top of Netter’s. Maybe he’s teaching human anatomy to cats in kitty heaven. 😉
I am so sorry for the loss of your longtime feline companion.
I’m so sorry, MJ. I have been thinking about you. I know what you’re going through and I know there are no words to bring comfort to you and your family. I know with time, it will get easier. Huge {HUGS}
MJ my heart is breaking for you. Fritz was one very lucky little guy. Hugs XOXOX
I’m so sorry for your loss. Cats are family members. It’s never easy. I hope Fritz is in heaven hanging out with my sweet Stella right now.
Losing a beloved pet is so hard; we take them not just into our homes but our hearts and I know you are hurting. Your cat was lucky to have such a loving home and soon one day I pray the sweet memories will replace your sadness now. Take good care; my thoughts are with you.
Hugs to you and the rest of your family. I’m so very sorry.
Those little fuzzbutts sure do work their way into our hearts, don’t they? No matter how long they’re with us, it just never seems like it’s long enough when the time comes to say goodbye. Thank you for sharing your memories of Fritz with us… he was a lucky, lucky cat.
Such a sweet post. Fritz was very special and defiinitely the “pick of the litter”. It’s hard losing a pet because of that unconditional love pets give humans. Enjoy your cheesecake, Merry Jennifer. I love you! We all know Fritz is now feeling no pain.
i’m so sorry for your loss, MJ. losing a pet is heartbreaking and devastating, and i hope you and your family are coping with the loss of Fritz, and knowing he is no longer in pain hopefully brings you some comfort. i think this was a lovely tribute and timeline of Fritz’s life, and there’s no doubt that he was loved completely and unconditionally by you all.
also, i’m gonna give you a big ol’ hug when i see you this week. so get ready.
It is so hard losing a pet. I lost my Saint Bernard on the trip from CA to NE. I am sorry Sweetie.
I remember coming to our family cottage in the mountains on winter break and finding out that Pippi, our pekingese, has died. The whole family was in tears for days. It’s not easy, but you will always have those memories of Fritz to comfort you. I cannot give you a real hug until Atlanta, but a virtual one is sincere and filled with California sunshine:)
Your story brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry that you have lost this important member of your family. I just love how his story is so entwined with your story, and that he was there with you each step of the way. I have never made my own ricotta but I would love to attempt this cheesecake in honor of Fritz.
I am so sorry the loss of your beloved Fritz… I really loved this post, how you shared the details through the years… it brought tears to my eyes, we are currently on vacation and I am missing Basil, our dachshund, even more now!
hugs to all of you…
They are so special that they will never truly leave us…
My husband and I often say we love our pugs far too much and that’s the most wonderful yet sad things about having pets. You love them so much when they’re here, and it hurts so much when they’re gone. I’m so sorry for your loss and huge hugs to you and your family!
I’m so sorry to hear about Fritz… Reading your post brought tears to my eyes. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet since they are such a big part of the family. *Big Hug*
Also, the cheesecake looks lovely! I just love ricotta cheesecakes (as well as homemade ricotta)… I’ll have to give this a try!
Oh darling – I know how much this hurts. I am glad that Fritz had such a great mommy and family.
Hi Merry, I am so sorry that you lost your beloved Fritz. I know the heartache of losing a pet. We lost our 11 year-old English Springer Spaniel, Dutch on Valentine’s Day. It’s never the same without them. If you haven’t read it already, I recommend reading “The Rainbow Bridge”. I printed it out and have it hanging in my office where I see it every day. It gives me comfort. I hope you and your family are comforted by all the wonderful memories you created with Fritz. Rest assured that one day you will all be reunited. He waits for you now.
This is the most wonderful tribute to a beloved pet I’ve ever read. Truly.
I’m so sorry, honey. But what a beautiful way to honor his life and friendship. What a lucky cat to have lived this life with you…
xo Kim
Oh, my heart aches for you and for dear Fritz. What a sweet kitty soul – he was such a handsome cat and I loved the story of his wonderful life. Hugs to you!
I don’t even know the words that help lift the pain of the loss of a cherished pet. It’s beautiful the way he touched your life and the life of your children. He was there to watch over all of you during his life and I know he will still be watching over you now.
What courage to share this story. I would have been bawling so much I’d ruin the keyboard. It’s stunning how much we come to rely on our little friends. When our son was about 8 years old and the guinea pig finally died (long story), our son walked around wailing, “I need something furry.”
I think we all need something furry to cuddle up with.
Our latest cat, Raffaello dello Spillo, was found in a field in Umbria. Our vet calls him “Gatto Fortunato” or Lucky Cat. Actually I think we’re the lucky ones.
Thanks for sharing.
A beautiful tribute to Fritz. So sorry for your loss. I’m sure in some way Fritz is still there watching over your family.
it’s amazing how certain events are defined by significant markers in our lives and that our minds will remember where we lived, what was going on in our lives and those feelings we experienced. Fritz was a wonderful companion, a good friend and confidant who was also part of your life over the last 17 years and i know you miss him; it is never easy to say goodbye. writing it down helps to preserve those memories and also help us to remember those markers with joy and laughter mixed with the tears. i am thankful you had Fritz AND that you have been able to share him with us. hugs to you MJ
So sorry about Fritz MJ. See you soon, and I’ll give you a proper hug 🙂
Sending you hugs across the miles. Have another slice of cheesecake. You deserve it.
What an emotional post. It might have been hard to pull it all out, so many years of your life, but such a great tribute to your cat. So sorry about your lost. <>
That is a lovely cheesecake, unpretentious, creamy and surely full of flavor. I like the accent of the lemon zest.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I know how it feels, we have lost two of our dogs over the years, and I wish I could give you a great big hug!
No words…just a virtual hug. Its amazing how our animals become our family. Your story of Fritz’s life is beautiful. He’s purring up in cat heaven right now…
I can’t believe you made your own ricotta. and that cheesecake looks absolutely lovely.
***giant hugs*** I remember sitting on my steps around the age of 7 or 8, with my mom’s arms around me, as she explained that our Golden Retriever had been hit by a car and wasn’t coming home. I know it’s not any easier, whether it was sudden or long-anticipated. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Oh MJ what a beautifully written post. I’m so sorry to hear about Fritz.
MJ, this is such a beautiful tribute to a furry family member you clearly loved very, very much, and I still can’t read it without weeping for you all. I know all too well how hard it is to say goodbye like this, and I hope you know how much comfort your thoughts and words brought us when we lost our Kali last year. I’m hoping to give at least a little of that back to you and your family now. Thinking of you often, and sending so much love.
mj (merry gourmet) replied: — May 17th, 2011 @ 7:35 pm
Thank you so very much. xo
Oh man. Such a hard story to hear. Much love to you and the family. We know indeed what you are going through.
But this cheesecake does indeed sound fantastic!
I’ve been AWOL (work has been kicking my butt) but I’m so sorry about the loss of your kitty. We just lost our pup and it just sucks. Hugs.
I actually had to put my cat to sleep on Mother’s Day as well…. choked me up to read your story. Feeling your pain.
I just waned to let you know how sorry I am for your loss! I know too well how attached we get to our kitties! I had 2 that I got when I was stationed overseas in the navy (Hawaii), and the moved to Florida with me back n 1993. Pauley and Sheena were my first children, and I still loved them even when they got demoted to “pet” status. We had to say goodbye to Sheena in Jan 2007, and Pauley in Sept 2007. Hard stuff!! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry about Fritz. It was lovely story and a terrific tribute!
Pingback: for jennie, for all of us: frozen peanut butter pie | The Merry Gourmet
Oh my God… I had my little kitty Dish on my lap as I read your story and started bawling into her fur as she purred. I know that one day that time will come, and I hate that you had to go through that – I can’t imagine what I’ll be like. But remembering the good times, the purrs, the antics and those who shared that joy with keeps the memory alive. Thanks for being so open and honest.
PS – props on such a great batch of ricotta, I’ve always been scared to try it!
Merry-Jennifer replied: — September 13th, 2011 @ 7:52 pm
Thank you so much, Sarah. And really, the ricotta is a breeze. Just go for it!
It’s so hard to make that last trip to the vet. I had to take my two beloved cats within three months and also within that time my mother passed away. One of the saddest times of my life. So I can totally relate to the way it made you feel. When my little granddaughter lost her adored cat I told her the story of Rainbow Bridge where all our pets play happily until they see us coming … Then they bound over that bridge to be happily reunited with the ones they loved! It certainly gave her some comfort.