Summer love...zucchini bread ♥

 

Hello Friends! ♥

 

Another week gone by!  Summer has been treating us well.  Other than it being unbearably HOT (thank goodness for central air conditioning :) the days have been long and at night we are sleeping like logs!

 

Last week at summer camp John learned all about snakes & reptiles (eek!). This week's theme is nutrition and cooking.  I think I will enjoy hearing about this weeks activities more so than last week.  Although his molded/clay/painted snake was a masterpiece!

Isn't camp fun?!

 

Here are some of my favorite things from the past week.....

 

 

 

 

On Saturday we had friends over for our first BBQ of the summer.  My hubby did all the grilling while I stayed inside the air conditioned house with our guests.  It was SO HOT that day! I really appreciated his help! : )

 

 

 

 

I received a letter from a friend when I really needed it.  There is power in small miracles : )

 

 

 

 

This week brought pink toes, cute shoes, and pretty flowers. 

 

 

 

 

And I discovered all drinks taste better in mason jars, don't you agree?

 

 

 

 

I sat in this room for 5 hours on Thursday serving my civic obligation at jury duty.  All the pending cases ended up settling so they released us after lunch.  Jury duty is a great chance to read three chapters of your current book, as well as catch up on twitter, IG, & Facebook.  I thanked my lucky stars we had Wi-Fi in that little room.

 

 

 

 

I'm discovering the healing power of crystals.  Although I'm just a beginner at this, I can already feel myself connecting to these beautiful stones ♥ This is my first batch I got today at a lovely shop recommended to me by a friend.  I will happily absorb all the positive energy I can get. 

Thank you Universe ♥

 

 

 

 

I've been enjoying decorating little corners of my home with flowers and creating mini vignettes like this one.  One of the best thing about summer is that you can be your own florist.  Just step outside with the clippers and it's all yours! ♥

 

 

 

 

And here is the highlight of the week.....zucchinis!

 

 

 

 

When friends with gardens bring me zucchinis, I break out the grater and make zucchini nut bread!

 

Only a few days ago Susan Branch posted her recipe for zucchini bread on her blog.  I was dying to try it, so first thing Sunday morning I got grating.

 

Her recipe calls for 2 cups grated raw zucchini, which ended up being on large zucchini.

 

 

 

 

I have to admit, the grating is half the fun (very therapeutic!).  Just watch your fingers!

 

 

 

After it was grated I wrapped the zucchini in paper towels and pressed it in a small colander to get the water out. 

 

Here is Susan's recipe that I followed:

 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

 

3 eggs, beaten

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups grated, raw, unpeeled zucchini

2 cups flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup chopped nuts (I used walnuts)

 

 

 

 

Mix together eggs, sugar, & oil.  Beat well.  Stir in zucchini. 

In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, soda, & cinnamon.

Stir into batter along with vanilla and nuts. 

Mix well. 

 

 

 

 

Pour into two greased 8x4 loaf pans.

Bake 60 minutes, until knife in the center comes out clean.

Cool completely before turning out.

 

 

 

My friend Lisa (who gave me these beauties!) sent me a few other zucchini recipes to try:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/moms-zucchini-bread/detail.aspx  

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2014/07/three-cheese-zucchini-stuffed-lasagna.html#_a5y_p=2001723    

http://www.recipegirl.com/2014/04/24/zucchini-pizza-crust/

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/zucchini-parmesan-crisps-recipe.html?soc=sharingpinterest    

 

 

 

 

 

According to her hubby, the zucchini stuffed lasagna is really good! I have to try that one. Also the zucchini pizza crust sounds delicious.  I'm looking forward to making these recipes!

 

Thanks Lisa & Dave for sharing!

 

 

 

 

 I hope you are having a great week so far!

 

Stay cool and enjoy these summer days! ♥

 

Xx