Chocolate Zucchini Bread

This bread is oh-so-soft, a beautiful deep chocolate color, and has excellent taste and texture. I love it! It was a big hit with my husband and kids, too. If you prefer to make it more like traditional zucchini bread, I've included those notes below, as well. The recipe makes 2 loaves, so it is great to make one for your family, and one to share with a neighbor or friend!
Enjoy!
~Kari

2 cups shredded fresh zucchini
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour flour
1 cu whole wheat flour (I like to use King Arthur Whole Wheat flour)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 c. cocoa
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Shred zucchini; place in strainer and press or squeeze with hands to get rid of some of the extra liquid. In a mixing bowl beat eggs, sugar, and oil together. Stir in the flours, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, salt, and cocoa, mixing just until all ingredients are combined. Add vanilla; mix; Add drained zucchini. Mix well. Pour into 2 greased and floured 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pans. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes at 350°, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.


Notes for non-chocolate version.
Simply omit the cocoa.
You could also add about 1/2- 3/4 c. raisins and/or walnuts or pecans, if desired

Peach Blueberry Muffins

For me, one of the wonderful things about summer is enjoying lots of fresh fruit in many different ways. These muffins, for instance, are bursting with fresh summer fruits- peaches and blueberries!

~Kari

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup wheat flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup chopped fresh peaches

3/4 cups fresh blueberries

In a bowl, beat egg; add milk and oil; mix well. Add flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; stir into the egg mixture just until moistened. Stir in the peaches and blueberries. Fill greased muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400° (375 for dark pans) for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in a muffin comes out clean. Cool for 5-7 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Yield: 10 muffins-12 muffins

Light Whole Wheat Bread

This is an excellent recipe for a good wheat bread. I make it often
~Kari

In bread machine combine the following ingredients:

1 1/4 c. water
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3 Tbs. honey (or sugar)
1 1/2 Tbs. butter
1 1/2 Tbs. dry milk
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. yeast

Set bread machine on dough cycle. When completed, lightly knead and form into a loaf. Place in a greased loaf pan. Let rise in a warm place (30minutes- 1 hour) Bake at 350 until done (approx. 25-30 minutes)

My Favorite Bread Machine Pizza Crust

This is a great and quick pizza crust. I use wheat flour, also, adding to the nutritional value.
My husband gobbles this pizza up, and he said he didn't used to like homemade pizza!
~Kari

1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. wheat flour
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
1 c. water
2 Tbs. canola oil
Sprinkle in garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano to taste.

1. Combine all ingredients into bread machine pan
2. Select dough setting
3. When dough is finished, remove and set on greased 12x15 jellyroll pan ( or cookie sheet)
4. Preheat oven to 400
5. Spray hands with cooking spray, to make it easier to work with the dough
6. Press dough evenly into the pan

7.Top with:

1 jar pizza sauce
8 oz. bag pizza cheese or mozzarella cheese
1/2-1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped Canadian Bacon
(or any topping of your choice)

8. Bake 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly
9. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

Christa's Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are our daughter, Christa's, specialty. Every year when we go to the beach, she makes these in advance and we all look forward to eating them. They are also wonderful paired with a good hot soup in the winter.
~Marilyn

Note: These also work great, using the bread machine to make the dough. Just add the ingredients as directed for your bread machine, set on the dough setting, and then proceed with step 4

1 T. Yeast

1c. Warm Water

1/3c. Sugar
1/2c. Butter of Margarine

1t. Salt

2 Eggs

4c. Wheat Flour

1. Dissolve yeast in water, the add sugar, salt, soft butter and two cups flour; mix well.

Beat in eggs and then add rest of flour.

2. Knead approx. 8 min. (I just put it on highest setting of Bosch, kitchen aid would be fine too.)

3. Let rise until doubled

4. Roll out onto floured surface and spread with 1/4c.butter and then cinnamon mixture. (see below), roll into log and cut into 1in pieces.

5. Bake in greased pans @ 400 for exactly 10 minutes.

6. Ice while hot.

1c. Brown Sugar

3T. Cinnamon

Icing

1/2c. Soft Butter or Margarine

1 1/2c. Powdered Sugar

1oz. Cream Cheese

2T. Half and Half

1t. Vanilla

Pinch of salt ( I use a large pinch )

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bread

Here is a popular bread recipe among the Boyer households. By using whole wheat flour, you increase the nutrition. By using the chocolate chips and peanut butter, you give it the tastiness that those who do not care for wheat might desire. Warm out of the oven, this is like a chocolate chip cookie in bread form! Yum!
so- here is the recipe as Kate Boyer Brown gave it to me....

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bread

¼ c. butter, softened

1 c. peanut butter

½ c. sugar

½ c. brown sugar

2 eggs

1 ½ c. buttermilk

2 tsp. vanilla

3 c. flour (I use all whole wheat)

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1 ½ tsp. baking powder

Combine flour, salt, soda and baking powder; set aside.

In separate bowl, combine butter, peanut butter and sugars; mix till light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, scraping after each addition. Add buttermilk and vanilla. Stir in dry mixture and chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Yield: 2 loaves.

(Can also bake as 4 mini loaves for 30 minutes or as muffins for 18-20 minutes.)

'My Bananas Are Too Ripe' Banana Muffins

Every now and again we all will have bananas that have simply gotten too ripe! And of course the cure for this is.....banana bread, or in this case, Banana muffins! Here is one of my favorite basic banana muffin recipes...
~Kari



1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 cup ripe bananas (about 3)
1 tsp. baking soda
2 Tbs. hot water
1 1/2 c. flour (I use 1 cup white and 1/2 cup wheat)
1/2 tsp. salt

1. Preheat oven to 375 (350 for dark pans)
2. Grease 12 muffin cups
3. Cream together butter and sugar in large bowl
4. Add egg to creamed mixture.
5. Add ripe bananas (there is no need to mash them before hand if you are using an electric mixer- it will mash them up while mixing)
6. Dissolve baking soda in hot water in a small bowl; Add to the banana mixture
7. Add flour and salt.
8. Mix until well blended- do not over mix- batter will be lumpy
9. Spoon batter into greased muffin cups.
10. Bake in preheated oven for approx. 20 minutes- or until golden brown

Butter Bread

~This is a great recipe that my mom makes all the time. It reminds me a little bit of sourdough bread. It is always a hit!
One batch makes 2 loaves, and the ease of a bread machine makes it an easy recipe.
~Kari


Butter Bread

1 c. buttermilk (or milk)
1/4 c. butter or marg., softened
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. sugar
4 c. flour (with wheat or rye bread will be denser)
1 pkg. yeast (2 tsp.)

Put all ingredients in bread machine as your directions indicate. Set on dough setting. When dough cycle is completed- turn on floured surface- divide in half.

Place each half in a greased loaf pan. Spray top of bread with cooking spray to stay soft. Allow to rise for at least an hour in a warm place.

Bake at 325 for about 15-20 minutes.

My Notes:

~We always use buttermilk- not milk
~I use a little more than 2 teaspoons of yeast....not quite heaping, but not level, either
~I usually place my bread in the oven to rise after letting the oven heat up on "warm" for a few minutes
~After it bakes, I usually rub a little bit of marg. on it.
~I do not handle the bread much other than turning it on a floured surface. I do not roll it and tuck the ends under in order to shape the bread- I simply lightly form it into a "rectangle" of sorts and place it in the pans.

Enjoy

Makeover Favorite Corn Bake

I recently found this recipe in one of the Taste Of Home Magazines, and thought it was worth sharing. It is low fat, but still tastes great! My husband does not usually like this type of dish, but he told me he really liked this one!
~ Kari



1 c. flour
1 c. cornmeal
3 T. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 egg
1 cup (8 oz.) reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce
1/4 c. butter, melted
1 1/3 c. frozen corn + 3/4 c. water
1 can (14oz.) cream style corn

1) In a large bowl, combine first 5 ingredients.

2) In a small bowl, whisk egg, sour cream, applesauce, and butter. Stir in Corn. Stir into dry ingredients, just until moistened.

3) Transfer to a greased 9x 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Serve Warm

Refrigerate leftovers.

Apple Cranberry Bread

I think this is a GREAT bread recipe....and healthy, too! I always stock up on cranberries this time of year and freeze them, for recipes like this one! The apples keep it moist, nuts add texture, and the cranberries give it the perfect punch!
~Kari

2 eggs
3/4 c. sugar
2 T. oil
1 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2. tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. chopped, peeled tart apples
1 c. fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans

In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, soda, and salt; add egg to mixture just until combined. (thick batter). Stir in apples, cranberries, walnuts. Transfer to a 8x4x2 in. loaf pan, greased. Bake at 350 for 60-65 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool. YIELD: 1 loaf

Butterhorns

These are a Christmas morning tradition in our family!
~Marilyn

2 pkg. yeast
1 tsp. sugar
6 eggs, well beaten
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 c. melted lard or oil
2 c.lukewarm milk
9 c. flour (approx.)

Soak yeast and sugar in a little warm water. Combine all ingredients, using enough flour to form a soft dough. Let stand until doubled. Take part of dough and roll into round like a pie crust, only about 1/3 inch thick. Cut in pie-like wedges and brush with melted butter. roll each wedge, starting with large end and pinching the point underneath. Bake 18 minutes at 350. Glaze while Still hot

GLAZE:
2 c. powdered sugar
2 tsp. milk

Add milk or water, little by little, until the right consistency is reached.

Pumpkin Pancakes

My daughter and I love this alternative to normal pancakes. Pumpkin is also very good for you. The maple flavor of the syrup is a perfect partner to the pumpkin taste! This recipe certainly proclaims "Fall"! ~Kari Boyer

1 c. flour
3/ 4 c. milk
1/2 c. canned pumpkin
1 T. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cloves
2 T. oil
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg

Combine all ingredients and mix 'em up!
Heat griddle or frying pan to meidum and grease with butter or cooking spray. Spoon 1/4 cup portions onto griddle or pan. Cook on one side until batter begins to 'bubble' slightly. When your spatula can slide easily under the pancake, it is time to flip. Don't wait too long!
Flip over and allow to cook for about a minute more, or until no longer gooey.

Top with syrup, the maple flavor is a perfect complement to the pumpkin!

Raisin Zucchini Bread

2 medium zucchini
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
3 eggs, beaten
1 T. vanilla
3 c. flour
1 T. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup raisins

Finely shred zucchini to measure 2 cups; set aside. Cream sugar and oil. Add eggs, zucchini, and vanilla; mix well.
Combine flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder- mix well. Add raisins to dry ingredients. Combine with zucchini mixture. Mix well.
Pour into 2 greased 9x5 in. loaf pans. Bake @ 350 for 1 hour or until tests done. Let stand 10 minutes. Turn out onto wire rack to cool.

One Hour Yeast Rolls

This is a yummy roll recipe that I love to use. And it's so quick- just one hour!

2/3 cup boiling water
3 Tbs. margarine
2 Tbs. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 pkg. yeast (2 tsp)
1 egg
2 c. flour ( I like to use 1c. white and 1c. wheat)

Boil water and melt margarine in it. Add sugar and salt. When slightly cool, add yeast and beaten egg. Beat in flour. Let rise in warm place for 30 minutes. Roll dough out in a circle on floured board. Cut 12 pie shaped wedges and roll into crescents. Let rise another 30 minutes. Bake at 400 for 12 minutes.
NOTE: Instead of rolling out the dough and forming crescents, I just knead and flour it slightly, until it's not so sticky, and then I just pull off some dough and roll into a ball. Place the balls side by side in a round 9-in baking pan. Then follow the rest of the directions as normal!

Red, White and Blue Muffins

Begin Independence Day with these festive and good-for-you muffins!

2 cups flour
1 cup wheat flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup frozen raspberries

Stir flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Beat eggs, milk, and oil together. Add to the dry ingredients. Stir only enough to blend ingredients together. Fold in berries. Spoon batter into muffin tins. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes.
Should make 12-18 muffins