May birthday party in August

Yesterday Melody Johnson hosted a birthday party for all the girlfriends with May birthdays: Laura, Emily, Anne, Frieda and Tommy. For the party to be in August shows you how busy all these talented gals are.

Here's the group shot. Back row: Emily Parson, Jane Sassaman, Me, Frieda Anderson, Laura Wasilowski and Anne Lullie. Front row Tommy Fitzsimmons and Melody Johnson. You will have to see Melody and Frieda's blogs for the play by play party photos. The food was fabulous, Melodys a great cook wowing us with coconut shrimp with pina colada dipping sauce and Bobbie Flay corn soup followed by juicy grilled pork chops and lots of fresh summer fruit. I made my Zucchini Chocolate cake, frosting design inspired by henna tattoos.

There have been several requests for the recipe so here it is:

Zucchini Chocolate Cake

2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups shredded zucchini
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate baking chips
1 cup salad oil
4 large eggs

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in zucchini, and chocolate chips. In a small bowl, beat oil and eggs; add to dry mixture and mix well.

Spread batter in an oiled 9 by13 inch baking dish or pan. Bake in a 325° oven until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes.