Zucchini Burgers & Spiked Frozen Hot Chocolate

By Keegan Crowley

It's basically bathing suit weather in Syracuse — 50 degrees — aka time to start eating healthier. Put down the celery sticks and cubes of cheese and cook up these scrumptious zucchini burgers instead. They're greener than any calorie-loaded burger you'll find on Marshall Street. Then reward yourself with a healthy dose of chocolate.

Zucchini Burger Ingredients 1 whole zucchini, grated 2 slices of bread, or 1 c. toasted breadcrumbs ¾ c. grated Parmesan or Swiss cheese 2 tsp. hot sauce 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 large egg (just the egg white) ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper olive oil or cooking spray

1. If using bread slices, toast two slices until dark brown and crumble to the consistency of coarse breadcrumbs. 2. Combine breadcrumbs and grated zucchini, cheese, garlic, hot sauce, egg white, salt, and pepper. 3. Mix well and separate into 4-6 rounded patties, each about a half an inch wide. 4. Heat a skillet or pan to medium-high heat and add oil or cooking spray. 5. Cook two burgers at a time. Flip the patties after about 3 minutes when the bottom is a light brown. Brown on the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes and remove from the pan when both sides are getting dark. Optional: add a slice of cheese for the last 30 seconds in the pan, or until melty. 6. Add condiments — we suggest salsa, lettuce, and tomato — and place on a whole-wheat or sesame bun for the complete experience.

Frozen Hot Chocolate Ingredients 3 pkts. hot chocolate 24 oz. water 8 oz. rum or vodka (optional) Toppings: whipped cream, granola, fresh fruit, nuts

1. In a pitcher, mix the water and hot chocolate mix, just like you would for normal hot chocolate. The only difference: the water should be room-temperature, not boiling. 2. Place the pitcher in the freezer (covered) for an hour. 3. With a fork or whisk, mix the frozen mixture until it's a slushy consistency. 4. Mix in rum or vodka, and top with whipped cream, fruits, and nuts.

Need more dessert? Check out these other recipes from Bite & A Sip: Cheesecake Bars Cookie-stuffed Brownies Honey-glazed chocolate banana bread