Braly: National Sneak Some Zucchini on Your Neighbor's Porch Day

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

It seems as if there's a day dedicated to everything in the food world, and zucchini growers can't be left out. This Sunday is National Sneak Some Zucchini on Your Neighbor's Porch Day. Yes, that's right. I've never heard of it before and don't know who came up with the idea, but if you do have extra zucchini on hand, leave a bagful on your neighbors porch. But look in their yard first and make sure they don't have their own zucchini growing in their garden. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.

In honor of the foodie holiday, here's a recipe from Vitamix, maker of high-performance blenders.


Zucchini-Pineapple Bread

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/4 cup egg substitute or 1 egg

2/3 cup sugar or other sweetener, to taste

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup crushed pineapple, well drained

1 1/2 cups zucchini chunks

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 8 1/2-inch x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice in a medium-size mixing bowl. Place egg substitute, sugar, vanilla, pineapple and zucchini into the blender container and secure lid. Blend on low (variable 1 on Vitamix blender) a few seconds, then quickly increase speed to medium-high (variable 4). Blend for 10-15 seconds. Stop machine and remove lid. Add dry ingredients to the blender container and secure lid and blend on high (variable 5) for 20 seconds or until mixed. If necessary, use the tamper to press any ingredients into the blades. Do not over mix. Stop machine. Stir in nuts and raisins by hand. Pour into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.