Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Garden Update: Zucchini

My biggest news from the garden this week is the zucchini!  I wasn't sure whether I was going to plant zucchini this year until the last minute.  Last year I planted too many zucchini plants and everyone was tired of zucchini after a few weeks.  Also I wasn't sure if a zucchini plant would fit in the square foot garden we started this year.  But I love zucchini, so I put one in.  This week we had two lovely zucchinis.  I sauteed one in olive oil for lunch one day and then Little M and I made some zucchini bread.  Keep reading for my favorite zucchini bread recipe.



(Sorry about the focus - Little M was helping and then the camera battery ran out)

Here is my recipe for zucchini bread:

1c sugar                           1c all purpose flour
2 egg whites                     1 tsp baking soda
1 whole egg                      2 tsps baking powder
1/2c apple sauce               1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2c buttermilk                  1 tsp vanilla
1/4c vegetable oil              1 1/2c zucchini, shredded
1c whole wheat flour


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl mix dry ingredients (except sugar).  In a seperate bowl, mix eggs together with oil, buttermilk, applesauce, and sugar.  Beat well then add vanilla.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add wet ingredients, mix well.  Add zucchini and stir until mixed.
4. Pour batter into pan and bake 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool in pan for 10 minutes then move to cool on a wire rack.

Ms. Q and I started some seeds indoors in preparation for late summer/ early fall planting.  We plan on doing cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, peas, carrots, lettuce, and spinach.

On another note, I am having some problems in the garden lately. Here is a picture of some of my tomatoes.


I think it's chipmunks.  They've eaten 10 13 already!  I've searched the internet for ideas to keep them out of the garden.  The only way it seems is to trap them or kill them.  There's no deterring them evidently.  Anyone have any ideas?



5 comments:

Unknown said...

Looks like a wonderful garden, Just posted on my too!! Thanks for the recipe for the bread, Gonna try that this week! No idea on what to help keep the away, EXCEPT maybe hair. Go by your local hair salon and ask if you could have it to place in your garden, My dad does that with deer for the day lilies they have and it actually works! Try that!

Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies said...

I'm still waiting for my zucchini, but I'm hoping to be making zucchini bread really soon! :)

How sad about your tomatoes! It's really depressing when they come that far and you're so excited for them to ripen... and then something comes along and eats them.

JeanetteSchenk said...

Will definitely be trying your recipe when my zucchinis are ready! Found you through the Hop Along Friday hop! Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

Its been so hot and dry in Texas this year that many plants aren't producing fruit. Its so annoying! New follower from the blog hop!
http://13plumconfessions.bglospot.com

i cant decide said...

Nice zucchini! All of my zucchini and summer squash plants have been attacked by beetles. I'm not sure we'll get any this year.

I have no idea for the chipmunks besides finding a friendly cat to hang out by the tomatoes. What a bummer!

I should really try starting my fall plants inside. I always direct seed them and they don't get going until after I want them to. I guess it's too hot.