For my first Food Friday, here’s Grover’s Lemony Linguine with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes. Yes, Grover does a great job with this one. Part of the Sesame Street, Let’s Cook, cookbook by Susan McQuillan, RD, 2014, this recipe makes a quick and delicious pasta. It also includes a good trick for cooking the zucchini with the pasta. It may sound silly, but I have found several tasty recipes in this cookbook, that all the members of my family love. A bonus is that each recipe has tips on how to involve your kiddos, when you are cooking.

Grover’s Lemony Linguine with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes

Prep Time: 15 minutes    Cooking Time 15 minutes               Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked multigrain linguine

1 medium zucchini, halved and thinly sliced

1 pint cherry on grape tomatoes

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves or 1 teaspoon dried, crumbled (I substitute fresh basil)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

1. Heat a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions. Add the zucchini 3 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
2. Meanwhile, cut the tomatoes in half. (Small children can use a plastic knife with adult supervision.)
3. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat Add the tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Turn off the heat stir in the lemon juice, and season, if needed, with additional salt and pepper to taste.
4. Drain the pasta and zucchini in a colander. Add to the tomato mixture in the skillet. Toss gently, reheat, if necessary and serve at once.
5. Pass the grated cheese at the table so each person can add some to the pasta.

Enjoy!