Zucchini Bread or Cake

recipe from my Mom

There are so many wonderful recipes for zucchini bread and cake out there.  I'm not claiming this one to be superior to any... it's just the one my Mom gave me and I like it.  It is more of the spice cake zucchini bread variety than the chocolate zucchini bread recipe that is also out there.   If my husband could, he would have me add chocolate chips every time I make this bread, but I do like just the bread in all its delicious spicy glory sometimes.  This recipe can be used to make bread, or it is also delicious as a cake frosted with cream cheese frosting as well.  

**Makes 2 loaves or a 9x13 cake

1 c granulated sugar

1 c brown sugar (packed)

1 c canola oil

3 eggs

2 c grated zucchini

3 tsp vanilla

3 c flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

3 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 c nuts (if desired)

In a mixer, beat sugars, oil, and eggs until fluffy.  Stir in zucchini and vanilla.  Add dry ingredients and combine.  Pour batter into 2 bread pans or a 9x13 baking dish  and bake at 325 degrees for 45-60 minutes. Check center of loaf with a toothpick at about 45 minutes.  If toothpick comes out clean, bread is done.  I have found that loaves take closer to the hour time and a 9x13 cake takes closer to 45 minutes to finish baking.  

*I have also played around with this recipe to try to make it a little more friendly on the hips and here is a variation I have had success with.

3/4 c granulated sugar

3/4 c brown sugar

1 c applesauce

3 eggs

2 c grated zucchini

2 tsp vanilla

2 c white flour

1 c whole wheat flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp allspice

2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp baking powder

Same process as above.  

No-Bake Cookies

recipe from my Mom

I know probably everyone out there has their own favorite no-bake cookie recipe.  But, for the sake of organizing my own recipes and posting some of my family favorites, I could not pass this one up - especially when the craving came for these cookies the other day.  They are quick, easy, and perfect for when you just need a little chocolate to make the world a better place... tell me you've had days like that too.

2 c sugar

1 stick butter (do not substitute margarine here or your cookies will not set up well!)

4 Tbsp cocoa powder

1/2 c milk

2 1/2 c rolled oats

1/2 c peanut butter

2 tsp vanilla

In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, cocoa and milk.  Stir frequently and heat to boiling.  As soon as mixture is boiling with bubbles rolling across the entire surface, set timer and continue to boil for one minute. Don't allow them to boil any less or more than a minute or your cookies will either not set up or will be too dry, respectively.  Immediately remove from heat and stir in peanut butter, oats and vanilla.  

Spoon into small circles on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper and set aside to set up.