Bake Something New From Scratch

Today I tried a new baking recipe for zucchini bread. I have a Betty Crocker cookbook that has a recipe in it, and I've been meaning to try that for a long time; however, instead of digging out my book, I went to the website and found one that looked good (for all I know, it's actually the same recipe as in my book).

I already had most of the ingredients except the zucchini, ground cloves and vegetable oil, which Rich gladly picked up for me at the store while he was shopping for dinner ingredients.

As you can see from the picture (despite still not having a decent camera), the zucchini bread turned out delicious.
Some might even call it scrumptious. And it's ridiculously easy to make.

If you'd like to have a go at this yourself, I included the recipe below. I also highly recommend checking out the Betty Crocker website for other variations including pumpkin and cranberry.




Ingredients:
3 cups shredded zucchini (2 to 3 medium)
1 2/3 cups sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
3 cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts
1/2 cup raisins, if desired

Directions:

1. Move oven rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottoms only of 2 (8x4-inch) loaf pans or 1 (9x5-inch) loaf pan with shortening or cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, stir zucchini, sugar, oil, vanilla and eggs until well mixed. Stir in remaining ingredients except nuts and raisins. Stir in nuts and raisins. Divide batter evenly between 8-inch pans or pour into 9-inch pan.
3. Bake 8-inch loaves 50 to 60 minutes, 9-inch loaf 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on cooling rack 10 minutes.
4. Loosen sides of loaves from pans; remove from pans and place top side up on cooling rack. Cool completely, about 2 hours, before slicing. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature up to 4 days, or refrigerate up to 10 days.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft):Heat oven to 375°F.