baking

. . .makes my kitchen a mess.

. . .makes me happy. I feel closer to my Great Grandma Smith when I'm baking something in the kitchen.

So, yesterday my father-in-law gave me some zucchini from his garden. He's been giving me these for years, and I always have good intentions to make something from them . . . and don't. So, today, I made sure that I used them [even though we're still up to our knees in vacation bits].

A few years ago, I was at my friend Kathy's house for a Mom's Club something-or-other. She always bakes the best goodies. . . and, that day was no exception. She had this yummy chocolate bread. And I loved it, and wanted the recipe. I was [horrified] surprised to find out it was made from zucchini (as vegetables are not my best friend). Zucchini? Really? That big green thing from the garden?

So, I took the recipe, and it sat in my recipe book. Maybe that's why I never made anything with those zucchini's my -in-laws gave me. . .

So, today I conquered my fear and got to work before I could think too much about it.

Luke helped me out in the kitchen (he's a great helper). . . Pouring in the zucchini and mixing it up. Mixing up the dry ingredients and pouring them into the wet (I have big hopes my boys will enjoy cooking as much as I do).

Anyway. . . It baked for an hour, and smelled yummy.

And tasted yummy. . . Jack and I could hardly wait to taste it after it came out of the oven. And, let me tell you, warm bread (any flavor) is the best.

Jack, however, does not know it's "zucchini" bread. He fears all things vegetable (as much as his Mama, poor thing). So, when he asked me what that green thing was in his bread, I told him it must have been the flour all clumped up (bad Mama). [Because I know he won't eat it once I tell him the truth.]

Results: a success. I shared with the neighbors and my in-laws (because something that good has to be shared). I have one zucchini left, so I'm wondering if I can grate it and [freeze] save it for later in the season (doesn't it sound perfect for a cool fall afternoon?).