Yummy Zucchini Blueberry Bread

Ok, so I've never posted a recipe to my blog, but I'm cooking all the time and often trying new things, so why not? I didn't have the foresight to take a picture of the finished product but trust me (and the rest of my family!), the bread is delicious! I found the original recipe on allrecipes.com, but it was way high in fat and calories so I lightened it up and it was so tasty. Since zucchinis are everywhere right now it's a great way to use them up.

Zucchini Blueberry Bread

3 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup applesauce (preferably "no sugar added")
1/4 vegetable oil
3 tsps vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 - 3/4 cup white sugar
2 cups shredded zucchini (dry it a bit by pressing between paper towels in a strainer) - you could definitely use 3 cups and the recipe would still be great!
3 cups flour (I used 1/2 whole wheat and 1/2 all-purpose)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 pint fresh blueberries

Preheat oven to 350*. Lightly grease 2 loaf pans (or 4 mini-loaf pans)

In a large bowl, beat together eggs, applesauce, oil, vanilla, and sugars. Fold in the zucchini. Beat in the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gently fold in the blueberries. Pour evenly into pans.

Bake 40 -50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center of a loaf comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes in pans; turn out onto wire racks and cool completely.

Fun in the Sun - CA style

The kids and I spent a few days in So Cal last week with my mom and dad. They needed a grandkid fix and who was I to say no??? We all had a blast swimming in the pool, hanging out at Newport Beach, and getting together with dear friends. Only bummer was that Jon had to stay home and work. Stupid job... :)


Grandma Sue, Grandpa Lynn, B, and Maddie

My little beach bum

Ahhhh, the Pacific. And of course, Ruby's on the pier in the background - yummy!

Some of my life long friends from CA - Diane (with baby #3 in the oven) and Annabel

Riding the ponies at Irvine park has become a tradition for us. Maddie rode the trotting pony this time and loved bouncing along!

Brogan loved his "horsey ride"

Grandma Sue and Maddie

The train at Irvine Park

Playdate at Diane's with her boys (Sam and Ben - on the right), Maddie, Brogan, and my friend Lisa and her kids (Landon and Makenna - on the left).

Bedtime stories with Grandma

Brogan loved reading the "airplane book" with my dad each night. This kid is OBSESSED with airplanes right now!

God's good timing allowed me to visit with my dear friends Brian and Kirsten Marsh (and their boys Ian and Trevor). They were my junior high pastors and Brian married Jon and me. Now they live in Missoula, Montana so having our paths cross in CA was just great!

This is how the kids spent every afternoon...

Pool time with Grandpa and Grandma!

Meyers cousins - together at last!

Jon's sister Kate and her kids came to CO for a couple of weeks so we were able to have ALL 7 Meyers cousins together. The kids had a blast and the adults had a great time, too. Sure wish Travis could have been here and we REALLY wish they lived closer than Alaska. Hopefully that next Air Force move brings them a whole lot closer to CO...


Family BBQ at our house

All the kids in the hot tub

Siblings - Jon, Kate, and Will

Family photo (minus Travis) - Jon, Brogan, Meg, Maddie, Kate, Sarah, Bill, Pat, Joel, Will, Emily, Tina, Amy, and Austin

The cousins - Joel, Amy, Sarah, Austin, Emily, Maddie, and Brogan

Roomie Weekend in the Northwest

I enjoyed an amazing weekend in the Northwest with my dearest friends - the "roomies". Carrie, Christine, and I flew to Portland to meet up with Anna and then travel north to WA to stay at Anna's aunt and uncle's house on Whidbey Island. We celebrated my birthday with a great dinner in Seattle and then spent the rest of the weekend wandering, meandering, browsing, and doing many other "ings" we just don't get to do with kids in tow. The time together was a blessing and as usual, we laughed until it hurt and chatted about everything and then some. I am blessed beyond belief by these women!!



Some beauties from the Portland Rose Garden

The pier in Coupeville - the adorable town where Anna's aunt and uncle live

Flowers in Coupeville

On the ferry to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island - we spent the day on the island and had so much fun!

Christine, Carrie and I on the Deception Pass Bridge on Whidbey Island

View from the bridge

Classic scene from Seattle

Dinner at a cute little place in Pike Place Market, Seattle