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| Brunch of Champions? |
Sunday was the Fourth of July, Independence Day in the USA. I decided to celebrate with an American style brunch of scrambled eggs, bacon, and two types of hash browns. I prefer hash browns made with finely diced potatoes while my daughter prefers the grated potatoes made into a patty version, so I made both versions. In the process, I discovered that the bag of potatoes had started to spoil during the time I had been sidelined by the sciatic nerve pain! I salvaged what I could and put the rest of the potatoes out to try and plant them, later. Daughter took the photo and emailed it to me because my phone is still refusing to upload photos to my computer. I thought of the Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt prompt No.1: A Breakfast of Champions. But, I am not sure if this will be the photo I will select for that prompt.
On Sunday, in addition to making brunch, I changed the bed sheets, did two loads of laundry, chatted on the phone with neighbor T and then, watched some videos, and sewed a few more patches on the quilt I am repairing. I have now patched up the worst of the tears and am checking for developing tears and worn out spots to repair them.
In the evening, there were quite a fireworks being lit by various residents around me, although none in my immediate block, even though setting off fireworks is supposed to be illegal in my city! My daughter and I stood outside in the front yard for a few minutes to watch the fireworks; a few of my neighbors were also out in their yards, watching the displays. People were setting off fireworks until past 2:00 a.m.!
Reader Chris had mentioned she had a recipe for zucchini brownies in her comment on my Saturday blog post and had said she can provide the recipe if I was interested, which I was, of course. But, while I waited for her to send me her recipe (she has since sent it and it is in the comments section of Saturday's post), I looked online and found several zucchini brownie recipes! I decided to go ahead and try one that didn't call for any eggs - just two cups of grated zucchini, flour, oil, sugar, unsweetened cocoa, salt, and baking soda. I grated the zucchini and greased and floured the baking pan while daughter mixed up the rest of the ingredients. She was a bit skeptical about not needing an egg, but, after stirring the mixture for a bit, the batter looked quite moist. We baked it at 350F for 25 minutes:
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| Eggless Zucchini Chocolate Brownies |
The resulting brownie was very moist and chocolaty. The recipe called for a chocolate frosting on top, but, we decided to omit that step! We tried a piece, each, when it was still warm and my daughter thought it had a bit of an aftertaste, but, it wasn't that noticeable to me. I had a second piece after it had cooled and I thought it tasted just fine. Daughter declined a second piece, last night, but, guess what she had for breakfast, today? LOL!
Because 4th of July was on a Sunday, the holiday is being observed today and my daughter has a day off from work and was able to sleep in. In the morning, I watered the fruit trees in the back garden for the first time since May! I felt fine both during and after the watering, for which I am very thankful! It is one more thing I am able to do by myself!
I also picked two more zucchini, a handful of green beans, and the first ripe Roma tomato!
Today, neighbor S called and asked if we'd like to have some hot dogs and a couple of pieces of a gelatin dessert she had made. I offered her zucchini brownies in exchange! Daughter and I enjoyed the hot dogs for our lunch, along with some coleslaw.
Plans for the rest of this evening include making another batch of zucchini chutney!
This holiday weekend, I am grateful for:
- Continuing to be pain free
- Gradually regaining the ability to do my daily activities
- The fireworks didn't cause any fires in my neighborhood
- S sending us hot dogs for lunch
- More zucchini recipes!
This weekend's joyful activities included watching some of the fireworks, trying out new zucchini recipes, and watering the garden.
Plans for tomorrow include making some appointments for blood tests, car service, and a piano tune-up.
How was your weekend? What are your plans for tomorrow and the rest of the weekend?
Thank goodness there were no fires as a result of the illegal fireworks. It's fun to look at them if they are being let off anyway, but they make no sense in drought conditions. Our local fire chief told me once that he wished they could be banned. We have heard some here 3 nights running but fortunately the bush is still reasonably damp.
ReplyDeleteDH picked blueberries 2 days ago and we ate them and he picked enough for a pie today so that is what I made for dessert. I have frozen half and we will have the remaining quarter tomorrow.
I'm very grateful we didn't have any fires, Bushlady. Earlier in the week, in the news, they mentioned about an explosion that was caused by some fireworks someone had, apparently bought in Nevada and transported across the state line without a permit. Several people were hurt in the explosion, according to the news report.
DeleteOoh, blueberry pie! How lovely! I was able to pick some blueberries from the three bushes we planted, this year, but, not enough for a pie. Maybe in another couple of years...if I can keep the bushes alive! We made another 7 1/2 pints of zucchini chutney, today. :)
Those brownies look good and I bet you couldn't even taste the zucchini in there. So glad all was well with your MRI results and you continue to be pain free. Lots of fireworks going off all around here since last Friday but we've gotten rain every night since so at least we don't have to worry about them burning down our city. LOL Not a big fan of the smaller fireworks people shoot off but went to the big fireworks display our city put on and they were beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe brownies were very good; I really couldn't tell there was zucchini in them!
DeleteThank you, Denise; the MRI results were a relief and I am so thankful that I am continuing to be pain free. I am gradually increasing my levels of activity and testing to see what I can do. As long as I can do the basics to take care of myself, the house, the cats, etc., I think I will be OK.
Glad you are getting some rain, as long as it is not too much! You are not in the path of hurricane turned tropical storm Elsa, though, are you? Glad you got to enjoy the big fireworks display put on by your city. I like watching fireworks from a distance, when there is no threat of wildfires!
I think I may have forgotten to put my name. Denise
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denise. I appreciate you returning to give your name. :)
DeleteVery glad to hear Bless that you are still pain free as you return to the doing of life. I am not a fan of noisy fireworks & even though we have rules about no noise after 11pm, it still goes on. Canada Day was Thursday, so we had fireworks going off Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday night :(
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary-Lou. Oh, my! Sounds like your neighbors were celebrating all weekend long! :)
DeleteIt sounds like a great holiday weekend. I'm sure glad there were no fires. I don't know why people can't obey the rules, they are in place for a reason! I hope you have a fantastic week Bless! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martha. Yes, it was a good weekend. :) I hope you are having a safe week - I read in the news that the Florida Keys are getting quite a bit of rain!
DeleteYou're much more adventurous trying out new recipes than I am. I'm not a great lover of brownies at all, with or without courgettes, so don't think this will make it to my recipe folder!
ReplyDeleteThis week is turning out to be a time for socialising. Mostly phone calls so far but I will be meeting family tomorrow and Thursday, and meeting another friend at her home on Friday.
Adventurous only because I need to find ways to use up the zucchini! I love brownies, though! With and without zucchini! :D
DeleteI am glad your week is turning out to be so social; something to look forward to each day! Enjoy! :)
Belated Fourth of July wishes. Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jules. :)
DeleteThe brownies look very good. I took a screen shot of Chris' recipe when reading through the comments on a previous post thinking maybe I would give it a try.
ReplyDeleteIt must feel good to be back to your day-to-day domestic busyness. I'm glad your pain is gone and your good health has returned.
The brownies were a success! I haven't tried Chris' recipe, yet, but, I will!
DeleteI am very happy to be able to do some of my daily tasks, again. I am finding out that I still tire rather too quickly, but, I can work around that. Just need to learn to pace myself. :)