Raining Days and Zucchini Abundances

It was a cold and rainy night - er and day...

Every now and then it's nice to get a rainy day.  I always feel justified in staying inside and something besides yard-work ('Weeding') and tidying up ('Weeding' again) outside.
Yesterday, I was working outside ('Weeding') and picked our 2 zucchini barrels.  Today, I have this lovely abundance calling from beside the counter.  *sigh*
Now I know you've probably seen your fair share of zucchini recipes already this year. 'Tis the season...'  Here is yet another one taken from one of my favorite cook books.  It's a compilation of recipes from various Pacific Northwest Bed and Breakfasts called 'Breakfast in Bed Cookbook'.  This collection is by Carol Frieberg and was published by Sasquatch Books of Seattle Washington in 1990.

Zucchini abundance

Among the many fine offerings in this book, I have a favorite that has been used by my family for many years- when the abundance strikes.  Even non-veggie lovers will adore this one.  It comes originally from the Victorian Bed & Breakfast located in Coupeville Washington.

Zucchini Chocolate Bread (makes 2 medium loaves)

Produce and Cookbook - what's brewing?

3 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups sugar

3 cups grated zucchini

2 1/2 (I use 3) cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1/2 cup chocolate chips.

 Preheat oven to 350f degrees.  In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, oil, vanilla extract, sugar and then stir in the zucchini gently.
In a larger bowl mix together flour, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.   Stir in the nuts (I like pecans) and chocolate chips.
Add the zucchini mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until combined.  Pour into 2 greased 5 x 9" loaf pans then Bake for 45 minutes until the bread tests done.  ( I do this with a toothpick - poke into the middle and keep baking if it comes out with batter stuck to it.)

Ready for the freezer

These freeze beautifully. (Please ignore any endorsement of named products here)

So, we bake up many breads this afternoon when hubby gets back from the store.  Until then I'll be quilting on my next project.  It's for a raffle quilt soon to be unveiled for sale to support the Drumheller Area Health Foundation's efforts to raise money for purchasing Sterilization Equipment for the hospital here in Drumheller.

Stay 'tooned!