Making zucchini bread

Two of the things that I really enjoy doing are gardening and cooking, and anytime I can combine the two by cooking something fresh from the garden I'm especially happy. I love zucchini because you can fix it so many ways, and it's so easy to grow. Here's how I use it to make a wonderful, spiced bread.

First I like to gather all my ingredients to be sure I've got everything. I use:

_3 eggs______________________________________

_1 c oil_______________________________________

_1 c sugar____________________________________

_1 c brown sugar_______________________________

_2 tsp vanilla___________________________________

_3 c grated zucchini______________________________

_3 c flour______________________________________

_3 tsp cinnamon_________________________________

_2 tsp nutmeg___________________________________

_1 tsp soda_____________________________________

_1/4 tsp baking powder___________________________

_1 tsp salt______________________________________

_1 c nuts_(optional)______________________________

_1/2 c raisins_(optional)___________________________

_1/2 c chopped dates_(optional)________ ____________

Next I grease and flour my pans, and preheat my oven to 325. Then start by beating the three eggs till sort of fluffy. Then I'll add my sugar, oil and vanilla and continue to beat.

I place all my dry ingredients in a sifter, and add about half of dry ingredients to mix.

Then half the zucchini, alternating and mixing after each addition.

And finally I add the nuts, dates and raisins and stir.

Then pour into pans . I've used mini loaf pans this time to cut down on baking time.

These will need to bake for about 40 minutes. Regular loaf pans would take 60-70 minutes.

Mmmm! They look and smell great!