The Smell of Fall

By far, my favorite time of year is Fall.

The smells, the chill in the air in the mornings and evening, football season,crunching leaves under my feet...and the COLORS, oh, my heart smiles thinking about the colors.  It's my happy place.

I am missing it here in the Middle East.  So, to make up for a lack of all things fall, I bake.

Today, my house smells like fall.  An old recipe from my family, that I've modified to be one of the best things in my recipe box.  A favorite to all who partake in a piece of something that doesn't even contain pumpkin.  :)

Zucchini Bread! If you've never had it, you are surely missing out.  My house really smells heavenly, and I hate that you all are missing out on this.

So, I must share how it's done. 

 First grate enough zucchini to make 3 cups.  I use my trusty cheese grater to do the job.  It's super easy.

Step 2: mix together, 2 cups sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, 3 eggs, 1 cup of oil.  This is what it will look like.

Step 3: 2 Tablespoons of cinnamon (if you like less add less, I like a lot so I use this measurement) 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt (again, I add less salt in this recipe). Mix together.

Here is where I am missing my heavy duty kitchen-aid mixer. I have a handheld at the moment, so I add one cup of flour along with one cup of zucchini until I have reached my 3 cups of each.  So, on to this step..

Step 4: 3 cups of flour and 3 cups of zucchini, and mix together.  The zucchini adds moisture, so if you just add all the flour and mix into the sugar mixture, it will be very thick until zucchini is added.

Pour into 2 greased or oil sprayed bread pans, and bake at 350f (180c) for 1 hour.  Test the center before removing from oven.  Sometimes I find it cooks faster than others, so I always test it about 10 minutes before the hour is up.  Let cool in pan for 10 mins, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool a bit more.

My favorite way to enjoy this delightfully delicious treat, is sliced warm with a bit of butter.

Oh my goodness!  So amazing, and while it may not be so good for you, it's a little piece of heaven here on earth.

So, while it may not feel like fall here in the desert, we are making the best of 100 degree weather by recreating little reminders of my favorite time of year.  Next time, bring on the pumpkin! 

Happy Fall, my friends.