Yet more from the garden

I thought that perhaps I would let you see that I also make disasters in the kitchen. Here's the latest, an attempt at a zucchini casserole.

The zucchini and the yellow squash are doing really well in the garden right now. I've been seeking new recipes via the Internet in which to use my bounty. Of course Chocolate Zucchini Cake is always a hit, but I really want to get my DC to learn to eat this as a vegetable - not hidden in lots of sugar and flour. I've found recipes for using the blossoms. They sound interesting, but I'm not sure that I'm ready to go there yet. So I decided to use a recipe that I haven't made in a year or two. I remember liking it.

First you wash and slice up the squash. (My main problem was that I had too much squash for the recipe). Then you brown some ground beef, adding garlic and onion if desired. Melt some butter, whip that with some eggs, salt, pepper and spices, like basil. Mix that with the ground beef and pour all that over the cut squash. Top with cheddar cheese.

This actually looked pretty good before baking. Then toss it in the oven and . . .

Hmm, dry, brown crusty thing. I think all of us agreed with my youngest for this dinner - "I hate pickles." (Note: I haven't actually given you the recipe, no point in passing on disasters).

Fortunately, my middle DD helped me bake something else that was a much bigger hit. Cranberry Crisps. The original recipe is from Best of Country Cookies, but I've modified it, so I can share it with you.

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups oats

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/3 cups Craisins

1 cup white chocolate chips (I use Ghiradelli)

Cream butter, shortening and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Mix in vanilla. Combine next 6 ingredients, gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in the Craisins and chips. Spread on large, greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350* for 20 minutes. Cut into bars while still warm.

Mmmm, doesn't that look good :o)

Yep. It is good!