For much of our childhood my brother and I were members of 4-H. If you know anything about the organization you are most likely conjuring up images of cattle, funnel cake, and horse shows right now, however we started our own little group and we were more involved in arts and crafts and service projects (the real treat was camp). Every year we would show our products at the county fair and my mother would help me to prepare a baked good entry. One year we came upon a superb recipe from a bed and breakfast in Wisconsin for chocolate zucchini muffins. I have not looked at a zucchini the same way since.
Far and above simply earning a blue ribbon, the muffins were selected to represent our county at the state fair in Springfield, IL (this was quite a big deal to me at the time). There, they received top honors and the requests for this recipe still come in a few times a year. Thanks Bonnie, your recipe has left a lasting impression around here.
Visit the White Lace Inn and find the recipe here.
(For the muffin you see above I had to substitute grated chocolate squares for the chips. Go with the chips if you have them around, it makes a much tastier muffin. Also, I usually forgo the nuts.)
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Emily - First off–delurking to say ‘Hi’ and ‘I love your site’ and ‘thanks for writing about all the yummy options in Chicago’.
As a fellow 4-H veteran of both the baking and the State Fairing (mine was in clothing and arts and stuff), I just wanted to congratulate you, many years later, and ask you if you stayed in the (prison) bunks when you went. While 4-H teaches one all sorts of useful things, it really hammered home just how much I don’t want to experience prison.
Michele - Hi,
I just found your blog today and have eagerly read through your recent posts. The muffins looks wonderful and you’ve got me tempted to try a recipe for gougeres in one of my new cookbooks!
gemma - Thanks Emily! I’m glad you have been enjoying the site, and no worries, I lurk other places too. And yes, I DID stay in that prison lodging! What a weird place! I did some clothing a few years as well, I bet we crossed paths a few times there.
Michele, I am glad that our blogs found each other, yours is also excellent and I have enjoyed looking through your archives. Give the gougeres a try, they are so delicious. Let me know how they work out!