Peel and chop onion coarsely. Wash, core, and chop pepper. Peel and mince garlic. Wash and chop basil and oregano. Wash and slice unpeeled zucchini into 1/4 inch thick coins or circles.

Heat olive oil in skillet. Sauté sausage over high heat for 10 minutes or so; when they begin to take on color, add onion and pepper, continuing to cook until the vegetables brown slightly. Add garlic and chopped basil and oregano; reduce heat and cook until sausage is done (no longer pink inside).

Using a slotted spoon, remove cooked sausage and vegetables to a serving plate; keep warm. (No need to drain or wash skillet). Melt butter in remaining olive oil in skillet. Sauté zucchini coins over high heat until the edges and a little of the center portion browns; flip each coin and sauté the other side. Sprinkle zucchini with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder (very lightly) and a pinch of hot pepper, or any chopped fresh herbs (basil, oregano, etc.) of your choosing.

Return sausage mixture to skillet with cooked zucchini and mix, cooking until evenly heated (1-2 minutes). Be careful not to overcook zucchini (should be browned but still slightly firm and not mushy). Overcooked zucchini loses its' fresh-picked sweetness.

Serve as is or with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

Note: If no fresh herbs are available, substitute 1/4-1/2 teaspoon dried.

Variation: Serve over wide noodles, spaghetti or with Ziti with tomato sauce or diced fresh tomatoes. Dress with a little olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese and run under the broiler just until cheese melts.

Submitted by: CM