Better Late Than Never

So in August, I listed a few things I had made and received a request for the following two recipes. Here they are. Finally.

Choco-Zucchini Cupcakes
2 cups shredded zucchini (about 8 oz.) - if using frozen: thaw and squeeze out all water first
3 eggs
2 scant cups sugar
3/4 cup cooking oil
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1 recipe peanut butter frosting (follows)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 24 2 1/2 inch muffin cups with paper bake cups or lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, stir together zucchini, eggs, granulated sugar, oil, and vanilla. Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and if desired, chocolate chips; stir until combined. Spoon batter into prepared pans, filing cups about half full. Bake about 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near centers comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from cups. Cool completely on racks. Frost with peanut butter frosting.

Peanut Butter Frosting

In a medium mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/3 cup softened butter, 1 Tbsp. milk, and 1/2 tsp. vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, beating until combined. If necessary, stir in 1 to 2 tsp. additional milk until frosting reaches desired consistency.

**Recipe from www.bhg.com

Tub Scrub
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup (approx.) castile liquid soap*
5 to 10 drops antibacterial essential oil, such as lavender, tea tree, or rosemary (optional)

Pour baking soda into a medium-size mixing bowl. Add soap a little at a time, stirring continuously. Stop adding after your mixture has begun to resemble frosting (Note: not to be confused with the frosting above!). Mix in drops of essential oil if using. Store in an airtight container for up to a year.

*I use peppermint castile soap and it smells fresh and clean!!

Use this soap in place of of the toxic cleaners lurking under the bathroom sink.

**From naturalhomemagazine.com

Blog AWOL

So I have been taking a hiatus, or maybe a sabbatical, but really - I have just been plain busy. But who isn't? What does the term "busy" even mean anymore. It is one of those misnomers we so frequently use - because we think we have to be busy to be productive, or because it is an easy response to "how have you been?" So I declare a strike on "busy" - on the word, and everything it implies.

But I digress....

What does having many to-do's and not enough time in the day (how's that for a strike!) have to do with making things from scratch?

Well, as with anything that is planned and contains thought - it just works out better. I find this true for food. When I plan out my meals - they are healthier, cheaper, and I feel so much better knowing that after a long day I don't have to think about one more thing.

So let's throw mismanaged time out the door and PLAN a few meals, a grocery list, time to cook - and most of all - time to enjoy.