Somewhat Creepy

So I know that all of our information is out there floating around in space and such, but it really did freak me out a little bit when I logged onto Google tonight.

Got Apples?

We do, thanks to a friend at work!  Christopher has been nosing around the box since I brought them home, asking to make 'his favorite applesauce'. I think we have enough in there for applesauce and a few other things.

This morning we are on a quest for apple cider.  The recipe I use calls for apple cider and I struck out at two different HyVee stores.  I was informed you can only find apple cider 'at a real apple orchard Mommy,' so I think I know where we are headed this morning.

A schmoozer in training

For someone who routinely is up by 6 on the weekends, pulling him out of bed at 6:15 during the week is a true exercise in patience.

At the age of 4, he is responsible for getting dressed (clothes already put out), brushing his teeth and finding his shoes.  Not all that taxing, but man is that kid ever pokey. He'll grow out if it by middle school ... right??

The other morning I catch him staring into space ... again.

"Hey bud, you need to get your schools on.  What are you doing?"

"I am admiring your beauty mommy."

He's good, isn't he?

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

A whole lot of awesome in a 9x13 pan.  Very chocolaty and very moist.  Christopher claims it is the only way he'll ever eat zucchini again.  I'll let him think that ... for a little while.

Someone at work has a garden that is producing a lot more zucchini then mine ever will this year (I actually dug the dead zucchini plants up this weekend) and my original plan was to make this cake to take to work to share.  Well, I threw the chips on top and put it back in the oven and then pulled it out in 5 minutes.  Unfortunately, it looks like my chocolate seized and I tore up the whole top of the cake trying to spread them out.

So ... knowing that an ugly cake would NEVER get eaten at the workplace, we kept it at home.  I have enough shredded zucchini left to make another cake.  Next time though, I'll use my favorite chocolate frosting recipe from the back of the Hershey cocoa container.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

www.kingarthurflour.com

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 3/4 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup cocoa

2 teaspoons espresso powder (instant coffee makes a good sub)

3 cups shredded zucchini

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9" x 13" pan.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, oil, sugar, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Beat in the eggs and stir in the buttermilk alternately with the flour. 

Add the cocoa and espresso powder, mixing until smooth.  Fold in the zucchini and chocolate chips. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top springs back lightly when touched, and it seems set.  Cool on a rack.