Oven Fried Zucchini Strips with dipping sauces

A couple of our best friends and us went to dinner at a really neat gourmet burger restaurant a few weeks ago. For an appetizer, we ordered the fried pickles and fried zucchini strips to share with everyone. I had never had fried zucchini strips before and wasn't sure I would like them. Guess what? They were phenomenal. I enjoyed them so much that I was determined to figure out a way to make them at home but make them healthy by baking them and not frying them. This recipe turned out great. If you are looking for that greasy, fried version, my recipe suggestion is not for you. This recipe is light and delicious, but nothing like the fried version. It really goes well with the two dipping sauces I used. I am making these as an appetizer to tide the family over before Thanksgiving Supper is served. I know they will love these.

Oven Fried Zucchini Strips with Marinara Sauce and Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce
Serves 4 appetizer servings (double recipe for a larger amount)
Adapted from: http://www.closetcooking.com/2009/02/parmesan-crusted-baked-zucchini-sticks.html

Ingredients:
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs or whatever bread crumbs you have or prefer
1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano grated cheese or grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pound zucchini - cleaned, sliced into strips and patted dry
1 egg - lightly beaten

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
-In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated cheese and oregano in a bowl.
-In a small bowl, add the lightly beaten egg.
-Season zucchini strips with salt and pepper.
-Dip the zucchini strips in the egg and then dredge them in the bread crumb mixture.
-Place on a nonstick baking sheet in a single layer with the skin side down.
-Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

*to save on time, I used some organic marinara sauce from the supermarket.

I made a delicious Garlic Aioli dipping sauce to compliment this dish as well.

Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce
Serves: 4
Adapted from: http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1492176

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons light mayonnaise
4 tablespoons fat free greek vanilla yogurt
2 cloves of garlic - minced
1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
-Combine all ingredients into a small bowl and serve with zucchini strips.
-Refrigerate any remaining dip.