Stuffed Zucchini Logs

Slice zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, remove just the seeds. Place zucchini on a microwavable casserole dish, upside down, with 1/4 C. water and drizzle of oil and place in microwave and cook for about 4 minutes. Remove from microwave (watch out they are hot!) and let cool in another plate or platter without juices (set aside juices).In skillet, sauté sausage with 1 Tbs. oil until browned. Add onion and cook until tender. Drain liquids. Add rice, salt, parsley, pepper, ricotta (if using), 1/4 cup grated cheese and mozzarella and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs and remaining grated cheese. Stuff zucchini logs with meat mixture and sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture.Place zucchini logs in greased (cooking spray) casserole dish with some of the reserved liquids in preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes covered. Remove foil, check for liquid and add more if too dry and broil until golden. Remove to serving platter with spatula to avoid breaking.