Zucchini Bread

I have a giant zuchhini that a friend brought over and it has been patiently waiting to be made into something. This vegie is the size of a kiddie bat. That's not an exaggeration. I'm sure I'll have plenty to make hundreds of batches of bread.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 1/4 cups white sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.

Recipe provided by Rutiz Family Farms, my local organic farm that's just around the corner.

Polenta and Oatmeal Cookie Recipes

I was reading through the San Luis Obispo Country Fall 2010 magazine and ran across the "In the Kitchen..." section. Featured was Italian Beef Stew and Polenta, as well as Banana Oatmeal Cookies (circa 1970). I wanted publish these recipes so I could come back to them later.

Polenta recipes from Darlene Rotta. Both recipes are simple and easy. I'm looking forward to using up my polenta with fish.

Cookie recipe from Mike Allen. I think this is a great way to use up those overripe bananas that seem to accumulate in my house. Dont' throw out! Just toss them in your freezer (or maybe it's better to gently place them.)

Italian-Style Polenta

4 cups water
1 cup polenta
1 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons butter (optional)
Monterey Jack cheese (optional)

Bring water to a boil and gradually add polenta and salt; stir constantly until thickened.

Reduce heat and stir frequently for about one hour. Add butter and cheese, if you wish, just before removing from pan.

American-Style Polenta (microwave)

3 cups water
3/4 cup polenta
1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix water, polenta and salt in a three-quart bowl. In microwave, cook six minutes on high. Stir well. Cook again for six minutes. Stir and cook for five more minutes. It is ready to serve.

You may add butter and cheese at the end, if you wish.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

1 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda + 1/4 tsp. for bananas
3/4 cup shortening
1 egg, well beaten
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (mix in the 1/4 tsp. baking soda)
1 3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Sift dry ingredients--flour, sugar, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and 1/2 tsp. baking soda--into mixing bowl. Cut in shortening. Add egg, bananas, rolled oats and nuts. Beat until thoroughly blended.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 15 minutes, in a 350-degree oven, or until edges are browned. Remove from pan immediately and cool on rack.

Makes about 3 dozen. Recipe can be doubled if desired.