garden goodness

A cool front has blown in today; a much needed relief from yesterday's temperature of 95 degrees. I spent some time in the afternoon out in the garden weeding ~ not much fun, but definitely worth the trouble when I think about the benefits...

~like the fresh blueberries I enjoyed on my homemade granola for breakfast~

~and LOTS of zucchini...

...for my new favorite muffins, which I enjoyed with a cup of tea...

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

• (adapted from a recipe in British Country Living magazine)
• 6 oz dark chocolate (70%)
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped {or dried cranberries}
• finely grated zest of 1 orange {optional}
• 1 cup finely grated zucchini

• 2 medium eggs
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil {edited 7/09 ~ I have reduced this to 1/2 cup with good results.}

Melt chocolate in double boiler~keep warm. Whisk together eggs and oil; blend in the melted chocolate; add the grated zucchini. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda; add the sugar and the dried cherries. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour into 12 prepared muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 25 - 30 minutes, until risen and skewer comes out clean.

I've made two batches already, and they disappear before I know it! Enjoy.