I mentioned a while back that I am working my way through some treasured family recipes which at some point will culminate into a family cookbook. Many of the recipes I am making right now originated with my Grandma Elizabeth or Ibby as she was known to those closest to her.
When I came across this photo, I couldn’t help but spend some time with it; really looking at it. Studying my grandmother’s face and bearing. Remembering her. It is a beautiful picture of her, but not just of her. As I take it in, I see my aunt, my mother, my sister, myself. I wish I could tell her but I’m pretty sure she knows just how fondly she is remembered.
I remember the aroma and the warmth of her zucchini bread; fresh from the oven, a pat of rich butter melting into the moist crumb. I remember all of the times my mom made it for us just as grandma Ibby had made it; the rich flavor of cinnamon and bright hint of orange making it absolutely irresistible.
Zucchini Bread
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 2 Tbsp orange zest
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (I like walnuts best in this)
Directions
Beat the eggs until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes). Add the sugar and beat until well combined, another minute or two. Stir in the vegetable oil, vanilla, grated zucchini and orange zest.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon and then stir into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts.
Divide the batter between two buttered and floured 8×4 inch loaf pans.
Bake at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes.
Let cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning out onto a rack to finish cooling,
or slice and serve warm with a little bit of butter.
This particular loaf was on its way to bible study along with Grandma Ibby’s bran muffins and some pretty tasty individual crustless quiche. I will share those recipes with you this week as well. Until then, I hope you will try the zucchini bread. My Grandma Ibby would be so happy to know that her “cooking” is still making some very special people feel loved and well fed.
Enjoy!
Welcome Company 
I love old family recipes!! I’ll definitely be using this recipe soon!
I’m so glad! Let me know how you like it and thanks for visiting!
yum i just love zucchini bread..somehow i feel healthy eating it, even when i pile on the butter 🙂 lovely post..sarah
It does feel healthy, somehow. And I’m so glad I’m not the only one who puts butter on it! I’ll be posting another healthy zucchini recipe soon … chocolate zucchini cake. 😉
Orange zest?! That sounds delicious– a whole new fresh note to zucchini bread–thanks for the recipe Danielle!
It is definitely unique but it really makes the bread; something about the cinnamon and the orange together. I get a little heavy handed with the orange zest but I really love it. Hope you try it. I loved your cake post, by the way, with the Julia Child quote – so fun!
Zucchini bread is the best! This looks delish!
Isn’t it though?! I hope you’ll give this one a try and come back and visit again sometime.
I love that you’re sharing such fun family recipes, and I wish my family had passed down more through the generations because while we have some, we certainly don’t have enough for a family cookbook like you mentioned above! And this zucchini bread sounds delightful and delicious!
It really so nice to have so many wonderful old family recipes, many of which are in my grandmother and great-grandmother’s handwriting. It has been such a blessing going through them, trying them out and preserving them. You are creating a legacy of your own recipes that will be passed onto future generations which is a lovely thing. Thank you so much for stopping by and for saying hello; I’m looking forward to visiting your site again too!
Yes, that’s definitely lovely, and so fun to have a few in their handwriting! I have my grandmother’s pie crust recipe in her handwriting, and it makes me smile every time I get it out. And I never thought of what I was doing that way! Love that! Happy to have found your site!
Thanks, Erin – I am happy to have found your’s as well. Be sure and write out some of your recipes too, by hand, so that your kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, etc. have the same wonderful experience of having that treasured piece of the past. I try to forget technology now and again and just put pen to paper.
This Zucchini Bread looks so delicious. I love the adding of orange zest to spice it all up. I would really like to try baking it soon. Thank you for sharing this recipe Dani.
Thanks, Danny. I hope you do try it. You said it perfectly, the orange zest really does “spice it all up”.
Isn’t It wonderful how foods bring back memories of our loved ones.
It is by far one of my favorite things about food. Memories past and new memories made; whether working together in the kitchen or breaking bread around the table, food always brings people together. Thanks so much for stopping by Karen!