Zucchini Bread

1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 beaten egg
1 c. sugar
1 c. finely shredded, unpeeled zucchini
1/4 c. cooking oil
1/2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted

Grease 8x4x2-inch loaf pan; set aside.  Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, slat, baking powder, and nutmeg.  Make a well in the center of flour mixture; set aside.  In another bowl, combine egg, sugar, zucchini, and oil.  Add zucchini mixture all at once to flour mixture.  Stir just until moistened.  Fold in nuts.  Bate at 350 for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.  Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes.  Remove from pan.  Cool completely on wire rack.  Wrap and store overnight before slicing.  

Apple bread:  Prepare as above, except substitute 1 1/2 c. finely shredded, peeled apple for the shredded zucchini.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. chopped pecans (optional)

Cream the butter, shortening and sugars until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs and vanilla.  combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; add to the creamed mixture and mix well.  Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.  Drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.  Remove to wire racks to cool.

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta

1 c. uncooked bow tie pasta (Farfalle)
1 1/2 tsp. butter
2 1/4 tsp. olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. flour
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. dried basil
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
3 Tbsp. milk
2 Tbsp. chicken broth
1 Tbsp. water
2 Tbsp. shredded Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp. sour cream

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter.  Stir in the oil, flour, garlic, and seasonings until blended.  Gradually add the milk, broth, and water.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Remove from heat; stir in cheese and sour cream.  Drain pasta; toss with sauce.  SERVES TWO.