Quick Minute Zucchini Buttons

Ingredients

• 1
  
  zucchini, 9 inches trimmed
  
• 1/4
  
  pound Hallaoumi, a sheep/goat grilling cheese
  
• 
  
  or other stuffings as you choose
  
• 1
  
  sprig of lemon thyme
  
• 8
  
  cherry tomatoes
  
• 1
  
  slice of vidalia onion
  
• 
  
  olive oil for cooking
  
• 
  
  dollops of sour cream
  
• 
  
  fresh herbs for garnish (thyme, parsely)
  

Directions

1. One decorative step that I think is worth the extra time at the beginning is to create vertical green stripes on the zucchini by peeling alternate lengths. But if you are in a rush, then simply begin by horizontally cutting the zucchini into 3 inch segments. Hollow out the middle half inch cylinder in each. An apple corer works very well for this.
2. Cut the grilling cheese into 3 one half inch length cylinders and insert into the hollowed zucchinis.
3. Cut the stuffed zucchinis into @1/3 inch width rounds.
4. Heat a heavy pan and add a thin coating of olive oil.
5. Brown the zucchini rounds quickly on one side and add the cherry tomatoes and onion slices.
6. Turn over. Continue to cook on the other side until tender, about 5-7 minutes time total. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with fresh herbs.
7. For the oven method: preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
8. Spray a shallow baking dish with olive oil and add the vegetables. One photo shows a small baking dish of zucchini buttons stuffed with feta cheese, ready for the oven. Bake about 35-40 minutes. Garnish with sour cream and fresh herbs.