Zucchini Overload

One of my new favorite things to do is to go to the Farmers Market in Andover. Each Wednesday Lawrence and I venture out in the 100+ degree heat to check out the fresh produce, pastries, salsas, jams, and pastas. Corey and I have hopes of having our own garden next year; but with the arrival of the little man, we didn’t have the time to commit to it this year. So instead we enjoy the crop from our neighbors while we strategize our own planting for next season.

In case you have ended up with an abundance of zucchini in your own garden, I thought you might enjoy these new recipes that I have tried recently. They passed Corey’s inspection; although he is a pretty easy judge. And I thought they were pretty good myself!

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3 t ground cinnamon
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
½ t baking powder
3 eggs
1 cup canola oil
3 t vanilla extract
2 cups shredded zucchini1
½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 can (8 oz) unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained (I vetoed this ingredient)

In a large bowl, combine the flower, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and baking powder. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, oil and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in the remaining ingredients.

Transfer to two greased 8 x 4 inch loaf pans. Bake at 350* for 60 – 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Be sure to adjust cooking times if your pan is a slightly different size. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire rack.


Southwest Zucchini Boats

4 medium zucchini
1 lb. ground beet
¾ cup salsa
¼ cup dry bread crumbs
¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
1 t chili powder
½ t ground cumin
¼ t salt
1/8 t pepper
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, dividedSour cream, optional

Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut a thin slice from the bottom of each with a sharp knife to allow zucchini to sit flat. Scoop out pulp, leaving ¼ inch shells.

Place shells in an ungreased microwave safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat; stir in the salsa, bread crumbs, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper and ½ cup cheese. Spoon into zucchini shells.

Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Microwave 3-4 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and zucchini are tender. Serve with sour cream if desired.

Shi-Town

Although Shiloh is a dear friend of mine – this blog is not a shout out to her :) Sorry Shi!

Our family headed to Chicago last week for my cousins wedding. It was great to spend some time with my parents, sister and her fam, and aunt and uncle. And it was our first vacation as a family of three (Copper got demoted). I have only spent about 4 hours in Chicago previously (remember our night out, Jamie?!)-- so I loved seeing a practically new city. The wedding was outside on Lake Michigan which was fabulous and the reception was a grand event at the historic Palmer House hotel. I would say the highlights were my parents hittin’ the dance floor and me getting poo down my nice dress. It wasn’t my poo. I guess that’s what I get for wearing a dry clean only dress with a 2 month old. I may or may not learn my lesson. Other highlights were the 5 course meal and dancing with my 3 year old niece (with our shoes off of course).

We enjoyed some classic Chicago cuisine while there. Valois Cafeteria was wonderful food in Hyde Park. Supposedly one of President Obama’s favs. And you can’t leave Chi-Town without some Chicago style pizza – although we almost did due to the wait. Giordanos had fabulous pizza – thick crust, lots of cheese, and the sauce was on top! We were also able to tour the University of Chicago campus, take an architectural boat tour of the city, and meet up with some friends of Corey’s for breakfast. We really made the most of our time! I appreciated the fact that we could get so many places on foot. I also appreciated the fact that my husband has an internal navigation system in his head that got us everywhere that we couldn’t reach on foot. Oh yeah, we were also extras in the upcoming movie Transformers 3. They were taping the movie while we were there and had roads shut down. We saw the set and explosions from the 4th floor of the parking garage in Trump Tower. I imagine that’s sort of like being an extra.

The train was the way to travel with a little one. The “sleeper” cars allowed for some privacy and a way to lie down horizontally. Not much sleep for me though. But it was an efficient 12 hours since we did not have to stop for feedings and dirty diapers. We had 3 meals on the train. It was kinda cool because you made a reservation and went to dinner just like you would at a stationary restaurant. The food was edible; what you would expect when they start out with a mobile disadvantage. And the “sleeping” came a lot easier after a very busy four days in the city.

Here are a few pictures. I’ll post more once I get them from my mom.

Our "Dining" Car

Our "Sleeping" Car - they are bunk beds. You can see the strap on top that kept Corey from rolling out!

Our beds could also be made into 2 seats

The night wasn't complete without getting to hold Baby Lawrence "all by myself". Lynn owns 2 dolls - both of which are named Baby Lawrence! He is so loved.

Lawrence waiting patiently for his pizza! More patiently than the rest of us!

Cruising the rails with Grandpa John!

We were really packing it from both ends!