It’s officially chilly here in Seattle.

Some people find it refreshing and welcome the crisp air like I welcome cheese onto my plate.

But cold-blooded people like myself cringe just a little bit.

I mean, being in a constant state of goose bumpiness is not pleasant.

I’d much rather eat a popsicle than turn into one.

Side note: If I were a popsicle, I’d definitely be the real fruit kind… either very strawberry or magnificent mango.

Yum.

Anyways, I really am not ready to let go of warm summer days and all the summer produce.

Therefore some zucchini slipped itself into this easy, healthy dish.

It’s still September after all!

And pumpkin will have its turn soon… don’t you worry.

In the meantime, dig into a bowl of toasted Israeli couscous with extra virgin olive oil, flavorful veg broth, summery zucchini, crisp-tender broccoli, minced garlic, spicy red pepper flakes, garbanzo beans for protein, zesty lemon juice, nutty Parmesan cheese and fresh Italian parsley. Whew! That was a mouthful.

A mouthful of tastiness. 😉

P.S. I met a lot of cool people at the IFBC this past weekend! And ate a looottt of sweets (think dessert for dinner), plus there was a sparkling wine tasting!! Heaven.

P.P.S. Do not attempt to eat dessert for dinner on a regular basis… it will ruin you.