Zucchini Sticks

This is a really delicious way to have zucchini that can be served as an appetizer.  You can make it gluten free by using a gluten free bread crumb and you can make it vegan by eliminating the Parmesan cheese and using a vegan mayo, an egg substitute, and using olive oil instead of butter in the dip, or make another sauce altogether.

Sweet Onion Dip

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium sweet onion, about 1/2 pound, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• salt and pepper to taste

Zucchini sticks

• 3 medium zucchini, unpeeled, cut into 3"-long stick
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 cup coarse, dry bread crumbs
• scant 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon mixed Italian herbs
• olive oil spray
• 1/2 cup egg substitute; or 2 large eggs

1. To make the dip: Melt the butter in a medium frying pan over moderate heat, and add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften, then caramelize. This should take about 15 minutes. The lower the heat, the longer it takes, but the less likely you are to burn the onions.
2. Once the onions are a medium brown, remove from the heat and add the vinegar.
3. Place the onions and vinegar into a small food processor. Add the honey and mustard, and process or blend until smooth.
4. Add the mayonnaise and salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.
5. To make the zucchini sticks: Place the zucchini sticks in a colander over a bowl and sprinkle with the tablespoon of salt. Let the zucchini drain for 1 hour or longer; rinse and pat dry.
6. Combine the Panko, Parmesan, and pizza seasoning; set aside.
7. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment, and spray the parchment with olive oil.
8. Dredge sticks a few at a time in the egg, then roll in the crumb mixture. Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake sticks for 12 minutes, turn over, and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.