When we moved into this house there was a small very inexpensive hood over our stove. Not really what I would like to have seen. I wanted a microwave there instead. We planned on purchasing a microwave right away, but - you may have guessed it - we didn't. My grandparents gave us a counter top microwave for our wedding shower and we figured we would just use that one until it didn't work anymore. Well, it took 8 years but it finally died - hooray!! Today is the big day our new over the range microwave is coming. It's funny though, I figured 'oh we don't use the micro much so when ever they can deliver is fine.' Well much to my surprise, I do use it a lot so I'm very excited that today is delivery day.
Right now this is how the kitchen looks...
Awaiting the arrival of the newest kitchen appliance..
In the mean time, I made one of my favorite salad dressings today. My mom used to make this dressing when I was little, I guess I kind of forgot about it until a few months ago. Now it's at the top of my list!
You can buy the packets individually or you can buy 2 and get the carafe for free. I definitely suggest getting the carafe it has all the measurements right on it so you don't need anything else. That's what I love, no extra measuring spoons/cups to clean.
Red Wine Vinaigrette:
Fill red wine vinegar to the "v" line on the bottle.
Fill water to the "w" line.
Add the seasoning packet.
Close the lid and shake to mix.
Finally add the olive oil to the "o" line on the carafe and shake.
How simple is that? Quick and easy with no clean up, plus the taste of homemade salad dressing. P.S. you can use any vinegar you like.
Now, off to making my chocolate zucchini muffins, hopefully before the delivery men come!
Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs (room temp)
1 Tbs vanilla
1/2 cup buttermilk*
2 cups shredded zucchini
2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chocolate chips (sometimes I use more depends how I feel that day :)
*buttermilk can be made by adding a bit of white vinegar to milk*
(in this case about 1/2 tablespoon to 1/2 c. milk - I use whole milk)
Tip:
By the way I don't usually have room temp. eggs I just find they work so well when mixing. What I do is put the eggs in a bowl in the sink and let hot water run over them (slowly) until I finish getting the rest of the ingredients out!
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325F.
Mix butter, oil and sugar until white and creamy.
Meanwhile, mix together flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
Add eggs mix well.
Add vanilla and buttermilk.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet. Don't over mix!
Add the zucchini and chocolate chip mixing by hand.
Fill in muffin tins - you may need to grease. (I use a silicone muffin pan - no greasing necessary)
Bake for approx. 25 min or until toothpick comes out clean.
I hope you enjoy these muffins as much as my kids do. It's a great way to get your kiddies to eat their veggies!!