Straight from my garden!

“To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.” ~Mahatma Gandhi~

My garden is flourishing this summer — against all odds, I might add.  The rabbits have been at it as if it was a giant salad bar; and it turns out that “Bambi” likes cucumber leaves. Who knew! The zucchini crop, however, has been plentiful — too plentiful — I found one yesterday that had been hiding.  It was the size of a small baseball bat! What to do?

I have in my possession the best Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe — think moist chocolate cake — but better. This recipe came from “The Best Bake Sale, Ever, Cookbook”, written by Barbara Grunes. It’s so good, I suggest you double the recipe and make two loaves.  It disappears really fast. So, without further ado–

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Grease (I use crisco) a 9×5 inch loaf pan.  In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon salt.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (I have a a Kitchenaid with a paddle attachment), cream 1 cup packed light brown sugar,1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature. When light and fluffy (about 2 minutes) add 1/2 cup canola oil).  Add three eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition. Add 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1/2 cup buttermilk.  Add, 1 cup at a time, the flour mixture. By hand, stir in 3 cups of grated zucchini. (Make sure to squeeze the water out of the zucchini by hand before you add to bread batter.)

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.  Bake in the center of the oven for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes or until cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out dry. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, loosen sides carefully with a flat spatula, then invert the bread onto a wire rack and turn right side up to cool completely.

Serve this delectable bread sliced plain, slathered in butter, or drizzled with melted chocolate. Enjoy!