Harvest Reflections

Today was my last last visit of the year to our local Farmers Market.  I was able to gather a few final, fresh summer tastes of corn, zucchini, tomatoes and some fall flavors of brussels sprouts and butternut squash.  We also cleared the garden and disposed of the faded plants on the deck.  It didn't feel quite right as the temperatures were in the high 70's this weekend.  That will change later this week and seasonal weather will return.

I like to keep the produce I don't refrigerate on this tiered stand in the kitchen.  A big drawback this time of year is the fruit flies it attracts.  I woke up yesterday to a swarm and freaked out!  My daughter told me she heard that putting a bowl of cider vinegar combined with dishwashing liquid would attract and kill the flies.

As you can see...it works!  Yuck!

I couldn't leave you on a Monday with a bowl of dead flies,

 so here is recipe for Harvest Muffins

(see all the variations at the end of the post)

2 cups shredded zucchini

1 cup shredded carrots

1 Golden Delicious apple (or baking apple) peeled, cored, finely chopped)

3/4 cup golden raisins

3/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)

1/2 cup chopped almonds (or pecans or walnuts)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 1/4 cups sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 large eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 + 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until blended.  

Will make 24 muffins.  Grease 1/2 cup muffin cup pan.   Bake 375 degrees about 15 minutes or until tester inserted in center comes out clean.

OR  Bake as a loaf in a prepared pan at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes for a 6 inch loaf pan or 45-50 minutes for a 9 inch loaf pan.

Variations:

Use 2 cups shredded carrots and 1 cup shredded zucchini

Eliminate nuts if you are allergic or just don't want them and increase raisins or coconut

Try dried cranberries or another fruit instead of raisins

Add 2-4 tablespoons wheat germ and or ground flax seeds

Use 1 cup oil instead of combination oil and yogurt

Add 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest

Use only all-purpose flour instead of using part whole wheat flour

One batch makes all of this.