Many thanks to all of you who came out for the last 2 Edible Landscaping classes.  I cannot tell you enough how much I enjoy having you here!  Due to popular demand, I am posting the Orange Scented Chocolate Zuccini Cake recipe.  This is one of many wonderful “garden” recipes from “The Cultivating Cook” cookbook published by the Guilford County Extension Master Gardeners.  (The cost is only $6 and you can call the Extension office at 375-5876 to see if they still have it in stock.)  Here’s how to make it…

2 cups unbleached flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 ¾ cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp freshly grated orange zest
1 whole egg, lightly beaten
3 egg whites, lightly beaten
2 cups finely shredded zucchini
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
½ cup chocolate chips
powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

•  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease & flour a 10-inch spring form pan.
• Sift together first 6 (dry) ingredients. Set aside.
• In a separate bowl combine sugar, oil, orange zest, vanilla & eggs. Mix well. Stir in the shredded zucchini and buttermilk.
• Add dry ingredients to the zucchini mixture. Mix well; do not beat. Stir in chocolate chips.
• Pour into prepared pan & bake about 35 or 40 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool about 20 minutes before removing from pan. When cake is completely cool, dust with powdered sugar.   Serves 8-10.

Note: This recipe will also work just fine with yellow squash, patty pan or scalloped squash.  The spring-form pan is optional.  I used ½ whole wheat flour but it makes the cake heavier. The recipe is really perfect as is. (Just admit that it is CAKE and rejoice that it contains anything as healthy as zucchini!)

So besides having pretty good cake, what did you think of the class? Were you inspired to change something about your own landscape?  Did you learn something new or find a solution to a problem?  Will you be checking Harris Teeter to look for Sharon fruit or Kiwi berries?  Do you think you will plant a new edible item or new perennial?   Post a comment or question below, or just email me.  I would love to hear from you!

Did anyone take pictures of your flower arrangements?  I got the blueberry photo after Jim picked over a gallon of berries that morning. Fortunately they are easy to freeze for later — FOR PIE!!  Ha ha haaa!  Ellen