Zucchini Palooza

Last month my gas oven died. Yesterday its replacement came and it was time to take that bad boy on its maiden voyage. This event coincided quite nicely with a garden full of zucchini. Today I was at it again and enjoying some zucchini brownies hot out of the oven. Yum! Completely reminds me of my childhood; which often included the thought, "How could something this sugary, chocolaty and tasty have zucchini in it?" Turns out there are hundreds of delicious things to make with zucchini.This is by far my most favorite vegetable growing in the garden every year.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes:

Zucchini Brownies
2 C sugar (It wouldn't be a crime to make those somewhat rounded cups)
1/2 C oil
2 C grated zucchini
2 T vanilla
2 C flour
1 1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
Mix together, pour into greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes.
These are good with chocolate frosting, but I can't wait and just eat them as is.

Zucchini Bread
I won't give a recipe unless you request it because I think most people have one that they love. But I'll just add two words: Chocolate Chips. Now go add them to your bread!

Zucchini Pineapple Chocolate Chip Cake
(Watch out 'cuz this is crazy good.)
3 eggs
1 C oil
2 C. sugar
Mix then add:
2 C grated peeled zucchini
3 C. flour
1 small can crushed pineapple
3/4 C. chopped nuts
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp soda
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tsp cinnamon
1 C chocolate chips
Pour into greased 9x13. Bake 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

Zucchini Medley  ( I love this as a go-to side dish)
Heat about 1T of butter in a pan. Add peeled and sliced zucchini (medium thickness) and chopped onions. Season with Salt & Pepper & Italian Seasoning. Cook until tender then add big chunks of chopped tomatoes. Heat tomatoes through and you're done!
You can also snazz it up a notch by adding green beans and crumbled bacon to the mix.