Mary's Kitchen: Summer Zucchini Bread

Happy Sunday night! I hope the scaries are not too bad. I'm trying to combat that 'ugh, Monday is coming' feeling with creative outlets. I fell off the blogging train for the past two months, but I am so excited to be writing again. This happens every summer, the warm weather comes around and the blog comes to a halt. Although, I can't just blame the warm weather. Summer was very different this year. 

I've been working from home since mid-March and while I am so thankful to have a job right now, I realized how working from home has turned into living at work. I am excited to find that work-life balance again. I've had a great summer seeing friends and family (at a safe distance), relaxing at the beach, and exploring Presque Isle, but I realized the other day I miss my hobbies. I think I am experiencing some work burnout and I know making time for me, in whatever form that is, will help me get back to me. When I'm was not working, I would spend time listening, learning, reading, Netflix binging, crafting, and, of course, baking. A few weeks ago, I made a summer staple in my kitchen, Zucchini bread.

I love zucchini in all forms. Roasted, steamed, grilled, noodles, and grated in a sweet dessert loaf. I think it is safe to say it's my favorite seasonal veg. This recipe was so good! Just the right amount of sweet. If I were to make it again (which I plan to), I would grate the zucchini so the pieces were larger. You just don't get the same texture when the pieces are so fine, but the flavor was still on point. 

Pair a slice with your current reading material and a cozy spot on the couch and you will be in self-care heaven. I really enjoyed Normal People by Sally Rooney. You got to know the main characters deeply. Their personalities and vulnerabilities were very relatable. Simply put, it's a modern day love story without the happy ending. I would say it's a more realistic ending, which hits a little different. I flew through this book and highly recommend it. I just ordered Conversations with Friends and I am very excited to dive in.

What recipes have you been baking this summer? Read any good books lately? I am always looking for book recommendations. I read a few good books this summer. Look for book reviews in the near future!