There's A Zucchini In My Mailbox and Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookies

Ah, August. Hot and humid days followed by hot and humid nights. 

Perfect conditions to push that zucchini crop over the edge. The road side stands are full of zucchini at practically give away prices. 

Around my house, if I leave for more than 10 minutes it is an open invitation for a neighbor to sneak over with a basket of their surplus. I usually find them in my mailbox. 

I do the same thing - empty driveway next door? Run on over with a few cucumbers and a zucchini or two. It's a good thing there is no mental illness in the neighborhood, this kind of behavior could set off an episode or two. Then again, sneaking around, hiding produce at unsuspecting neighbor's homes isn't exactly the stuff of sanity.... 

(I'm pretty sure they know when it's me, as I usually tape a recipe or two to my produce)

Anyway, here’s a yummy way to get one more recipe out of your stock of squashes. Don’t tell the kids (in my case TBHITW) there is zucchini in these cookies and they’ll never figure out when they ask for “just one more” why you give in so easily.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookies* (or how to fool a nine year old [or TBHITW] into eating zucchini)

You will need for two dozen cookies:

1 egg beaten

½ cup butter, softened

½ cup brown sugar

1/3 cup honey

1 tablespoon vania extract

Beat in a small bowl and set aside.

 In another bowl, combine:

1 cup white flour

1 cup whole wheat flour (or use all white flour)

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg.

Blend into the wet ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Then stir in:

1 cup finely shredded zucchini

12 ounces chocolate chips

Drop by spoonful onto greased baking sheet and flatten with the back of your spoon. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.

Remember, mums the word on the ucchini-zay.

 * From Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver