Chocolate Zucchini Bread

I hope she doesn't mind my sharing, because my neighbor Leslie gave me the best recipe for chocolate zucchini bread!

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup oil
3 Tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups grated zucchini
3 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda

Beat eggs. Add sugar, oil, and cocoa. Blend in zucchini. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Fill 2 bread pans 2/3 full. Bake at 375 degress for 50-60 minutes.

The Best Pie Crust

Everyone has their favorite pie crust recipe. This is mine. I got it from my Mom and I've been using it successfully for a very long time! I like that it turns out nice and flaky.

Oil Pie Crust

8-9 Inch Pan
1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup oil
2-3 Tbsp. cold water

10 Inch Pan
1 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup oil
3-4 Tbsp. cold water

Combine flour and salt. Add oil and mix well. Start by adding the minimum amount of cold water and very gradually add more water until desired consistency is reached. You don't want it dry, but too much water turns the crust tough and chewy. Roll and put in pie pan.

Mom's Sugar Cookies

In my opinion, this is the best sugar cookie recipe ever. Just don't forget the cream of tartar- they're never as good without it!

3 cups flour
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift together flour, cream of tartar, soda, and salt. Cut the shortening into the flour mixture. In a separate bowl, mix together eggs, sugar, and vanilla and mix well. Now add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix well. Roll out to about 1/4 an inch thickness (I like them on the thick side) and cut with cookie cutters. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes. Cool and frost with your favorite icing.