This time of year, nothing is easier to find (and afford) than zucchini. Finding ways to get the good stuff into your kids, however, can be more elusive. I’ve tried all sorts of things (some hits, many misses) and these are the most popular zucchini dishes according to our three kids:

• Baked Zucchini with Rice, Tomato Sauce and Sausage: This dish is like lasagna without the noodles; zucchini adds form while rice soaks up the extra juices. You might even want to make two pans and save one in the freezer for later.

• Stovetop Pork and Rice with Zucchini: If you can make rice, you can make this — and your kids will swoon. Just add mustard, cooked cubes of pork and chicken broth to plain brown rice. Throw the zucchini in for the last few minutes. Tada!

• Sauteed Zucchini: When zucchini and olive oil meet in a pan, the result can be simple and oh so satisfying, even to those who aren’t into veggies — usually.

• Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies: Reduce sugar to half a cup of brown sugar and replace the rest with honey. Use applesauce for half the butter and, of course, add 1 cup shredded fresh zucchini.

Get more kid-friendly zucchini recipes from Food Network:

• Zucchini Parmesan Crisps (pictured right)
• Carrot and Zucchini Mini Muffins
• Zucchini and Apple Bread
• Fried Zucchini Sticks