Friday, March 11, 2011

Purple, Green and Blue

When I see the contrasting colors of purple and green together they immediately remind me of my two sons' birthstones- Amethyst and Peridot. I did not make this bread because blueberries are purple and zucchini is green, but rather because I like the two flavors baked into sweet quick breads. I've never had the two together, but I really liked it and the crumble sent it over the top. Besides having fruit and veggies baked into one thing, topped with oatmeal, actually convinced me I was eating something healthy. I printed the recipe awhile back and didn't note where I got it from. I tried googling it to find it's origin with no such luck. If this is your recipe, let me know and I'll give you proper credit.

I also wanted to share with you a little about the "secret" anniversary trip Mr. H and I took this past weekend. We spent 5 nights and 4 days in New Jersey. What the heck in is New Jersey you might be asking yourself? Well my new found miracle of a doctor is there. On Friday morning I had abdominal surgery. We didn't take this trip for romantic reasons, but because we're trying to save our family. I am 12 weeks pregnant. If you'll recall, I've had 2 second trimester pregnancy losses in 2006 and 2007. We've been trying to conceive for the past 2 years and in December it finally happened. I didn't find out til January 15th and I've been keeping a secret from you all, not because I didn't want you all to know, but because I was scared.

The procedure I had was for placement of a Trans-Abdominal Cerclage (TAC). I have an incompetent cervix, which means that my cervix gives out and dilates under the weight of a growing baby, thus causing me to go into labor too early. Generally a cerclage is a stitch that is sewn through your cervix to keep it shut. But for me, it didn't work. This cerclage (TAC) was much more invasive and I had to have my abdomen cut open to have it done. The procedure is done much like a c-section, except that the baby is still growing inside my uterus and there wasn't a stitch placed through my cervix. This time a Mersilene band was tied tightly around my cervix just beneath the uterus. As the baby grows, the weight will be supported by this band. It's a permanent fixture in my body and this baby, as well as any in the future will be delivered via cesarean.

So the title of this post suggest that I have two heavenly babies with birthstone colors of purple and green and another miracle baby on the way due in September with a birthstone of Blue Sapphire. The colors in this bread reminds me all 3 of them. The TAC is 98-99% successful so we are optimistically hopeful that we will bringing a live baby home with us in a few months. We've waiting this for this for years and our time has finally come. That's also part of the reason that I've been so quiet lately. I really was sick for a while there, but the rest was from lack of appetite and energy. I am recovering at home now and will be for the next few weeks, but I promise to keep you all updated as I learn about the status of our growing and thriving baby. In the meantime, we are doing just fine and taking it one day at a time. I thank you all for the support you've shown me and I ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We know that we are not in the clear and I certainly do not take this pregnancy for granted. If anything, I realize how precious life really is because of the loss of our boys. I just want this time to be different.

Blueberry Zucchini Crumble Bread

For the Crumb Topping:

  • 6 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 cup oatmeal
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. cold butter

For the Bread:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini
  • 1 cup blueberries

To make the topping: In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and oatmeal. Using your fingers, blend the butter into the other ingredients until well mixed. Mixture will be crumbly but should stick together in clumps when you squeeze it. Set aside.

To make the bread: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9"x5" loaf pan. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs with a whisk until slightly foamy. Add the oil, sugar and vanilla to the beaten eggs, and mix til well blended. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet until well incorporated, but do not overmix.

Using a spatula, fold in the grated zucchini and blueberries. Stir by hand until thoroughly combined but try and not break up the blueberries.

Sprinkle a 1/3 of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the greased and floured loaf pan. Carefully pour the batter into the pan and evenly sprinkle the remaining crumble topping over the batter. It's okay to have some some larger pieces of crumble on top of the bread.

Place the pan into a preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes in pan before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

And now for the winners of the Frame By Frame Baking Cookbook Giveaway!

#40- Becky and #62- LeAnne!

Congrats ladies! I'll email for your addresses. Enjoy the books!

87 comments:

Keeley said...

Monica, congratulations! I'm so happy for you and I'll pray for the safe arrival of your new addition.

We share the same wedding anniversary and my husband and I were (relatively) close to you - we spent a few days in upstate New York. What did you think of NJ?

Ruth Hiebert said...

I will be praying for you and the baby.I pray that God will give you a healthy child.Take it easy and pamper yourself.

Darlene said...

Please take care of you and the growing baby, Monica! My best wishes to you and your family!!

Melissa said...

Congrats! so happy for you! may you have a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Tiffany Rupp said...

May God bless and keep you and baby safe and well! ~T~

Memória said...

MONICA!!! I'M CRYING OVER HERE!! I'm so excited for you!! Call me or I'll call you!! CONGRATULATIONS YOU TWO!! I'm so freaking excited. You two are going to be FANTASTIC parents. I will pray for you every single day.

ABRAZOS,
Memoria

Anonymous said...

You will be in our thoughts and prayers

Katie said...

Many congratulations to you and Mr H. Sending you my warmest well wishes and thoughts.
The cake looks delicious and very symbolic to you. I wouldn't have thought of using courgette and blueberries together.
Take care

Faith said...

Oh Monica, Congratulations! I will be sending prayers and goodvibes!

Amy K said...

Oh my, what a heartfelt post. Congratulations! I will be praying for you and for this procedure to be your miracle of many blessings!

Kristen said...

I have tears in my eyes reading this post Monica! I'll be praying for you and your little one. Thanks for sharing!

From the Kitchen said...

Monica: I'm grinning from ear-to-ear! I've already uttered a prayer for your sweet baby--for all of you. Take good care and keep us informed. Now I'll go back and concentrate on your recipe.

Best,
Bonnie

Anonymous said...

This sounds lovely! Great idea :)

Kim said...

This bread looks perfect too me. I like the crumbs in the botton and on the top of it. Plus the fact that you putted zucchinis and blueberries really it makes me curious!

Kim Lehnhoff said...

Congratulations! I'm glad you found a doctor to help you - and in September, we'll all be celebrating with you!

Oh, and the recipe? It looks so yummy!

Tamsin said...

I am so very please to read your news, I will be thinking of you and wish you the best of luck.

xxx

Souffle Bombay (Colleen) said...

I KNEW it, I knew it, I knew it!!!!! I had a feeling awhile back when you were sick.

OMGosh I am so stinking happy for you guys!!!

You know...way back I told you my kids were praying for you in their nightly prayers..." "and please let Monica have a baby" is what they always say at the end with no prompting from me. (I told them your whole story awhile back)
Well I just told them and their eyes lit up!!

Even I was thinking a few months ago "Seriously Big Guy...can't you just cut them a break!!"

New Jersey! That's next door to me!! Had I known it I would have dropped you and Mr H off a treat!!!

Monica, wew will be praying extra hard! Be well, and stay rested, after all "cooking" a baby really is the most amazing thing ever....better than any dish, cake or cookie that one can dream up!

HUGS!!!!!

PS so funny I was writing a post about you and one of your dishes yesterday and just came here this morning for the link and wham...what a surprise!!!!

mrsgreig said...

Congratulations! An online friend of mine had 2 miscarriages, 2 stillbirths, and a micro-preemie(25 weeks) due to an incompetent cervix. She had the transabdominal cerclage done for her last pregnancy and carried her baby an amazing 36 weeks!

I will be praying for an awesome miracle for you guys!

Debbie said...

Monica, I want this time to be different for you too!!! Such a wonderful post and I am going to send positive vibes and thoughts your way for the next few months!!!! I will be thinking of you!! Congratulations!!!

beauty be told said...

Monica, that is wonderful! Congratulations!

csr513 said...

Congratulations!! I was kinda hoping this was why you were MIA, even though I missed your posts!!

Take good care of yourself and we'll be praying for you.

Heather said...

Congratulations!! You are in my prayers. The bread looks yummy too.

Unknown said...

The perfect bread for the most precious announcement! Congrats again honey!!

Anonymous said...

Monica,

This is Mel from Pa. I emailed you a month ago and you helped me with the delicious chicken recipe. I have never met you, but I am so happy for you. I check your cooking blog daily and love your recipes. Please rest and take care of yourself. Congratulations. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,

Mel J.

Heather said...

I've been following you for a good while now and love watching you cook from afar. And the ones I've made we've LOVED...seriously the only waffles my husband wants now are the bacon brown sugar ones from you!

And I just got all choked up reading your story. I will keep you in my prayers and hope that all continues to go well for you and for your sweet little one!

Heather

voyager said...

Monica, thank u for your wonderful blog & recipes. I live just down the road from u in Austin & I will be praying for u, your baby, & your husband. I am very thankful that u found someone to help u carry your precious cargo! God bless all of you!!!

Nancy said...

I am so happy for you and will definitely keep you in my prayers. The bread sounds wonderful and I will be making it soon. My SIL had to have a Cerclage a few times but it worked only once, but it was not the kind you had. This sounds greatly improved! Congratulations and many prayers.

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

Oh Monica, what wonderful, wonderful, JOYFUL news about the baby! I am so happy for all of you! Please take care of yourself during your pregnancy, sweetie! Thanks for letting us know this great news! Also, I'm loving all of those blueberries in this recipe! Gotta be good for us too, huh with all those antioxidents!

Blessings, Roz

Lalycairn said...

Praying for safe, healthy and happy delivery of a perfect baby. As one who also has three in Heaven, I pray you will have peace through out the pregnancy as well.

Heather

Foodiewife said...

Oh, thank God! Keeping this under wraps was hard for me, and I was waiting for you to share this wonderful news! I'm so glad you explained the surgery, so I could better understand it. You know how excited I am for you and Mr. H. So, what's mommy craving, these days?
I'm baking a cake, right now and using the Cappuccino chips you gave me. I had forgotten all about them...I'm excited to post it!(Pssst, it has chocolate and coffee together, uh-huh). I've missed not being on blogs, so I came to yours first. Wheee! so happy for you!

Becky @ Becky's Place said...

Fantastic news!

Tracy said...

Oh Monica,
Congrats...what wonderful news. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. my niece had the same thing and she's now had four babies. The best of luck to you!

Haley said...

Congratulations to you both. I wish you the absolute best! Beautiful post!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to you and your husband! I pray that you recover quickly from your surgery and that your little one grows safe and healthy within you!

Missy

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see the cakes you make for this one ;) happy happy happy ....also I've been stealing your recipes for cakes.....time tested Monica approved I can't go wrong :p

cookies and cups said...

I am so excited for you!!!
and excellent recipe :)

cocoa and coconut said...

Congrats on your pregnancy. I really hope everything all goes well; and I'm sure it will! I'm thinking of you and your family. It is very exciting for you I'm sure. Take it easy.

As for your recipe, it looks delicious and I can never say no to a crumble

Anonymous said...

All the best!!!

Kate said...

I am so, so pleased for you and hubby, Michelle and I wish you all the ver best. Exciting times!

oneordinaryday said...

Oh, you are so loved, my friend. :)
xoxoxoxo

Jean said...

I had wondered about you. Glad all is well and congrats on that new baby on the way!

Avril said...

Such HAPPY, HAPPY news Monica!!! I have been wondering how you've been doing for I haven't seen you as often via blogging (yes, I keep an eye out for you Darling!). I gasped with excitement and happiness for you and Mr. H when I read through your post....amazing! I will hold you both in my thoughts and prayers. Goodness is this ever so exciting!!!! xoxo :-)

Pamela said...

Congratulations!!!
Have a Happy Week!

Corinna @ The Fire Chiefs Wife said...

I'm so thrilled for you and your husband. I hope you have a very healthy and happy pregnancy. You are in my thoughts and heart.

Cassie said...

Amazing, fabulous news. Congratulations! I'll definitely be praying for you and Mr. H. and that sweet little baby!

Janet said...

Love the bread, love that you are (finally!) comfortable sharing your fabulous news! And so loving the fact that you and the baby are doing well!

Julie said...

I'm jumping up and down with excitement at your news!! Many prayers and warm wishes are coming your way. Are you going to have to stay off your feet too? I know you'll do whatever it takes, even if it involves hanging upside down like a bat for 9 months ;) The bread sounds great too :)

Victoria said...

I've been a long-time reader but have never commented before. Even though I've never met you, I am SO happy to hear your news. You are absolutely in my prayers.

Pound said...

the bread looks delish!!!

congrats on your pregnancy!! im currently pregnant and underwent a cervial cerclage, little different from yours but i can kinda relate. hang in there and TAKE IT EASY!

Annette Herbst said...

Congrats!! You are in my prayers

Robin said...

I will keep you in my prayers Monica. So happy about your news! Rest and heal now because you won't sleep much once that sweet baby gets here.

PS- I lost a baby at 20 weeks. It was heartbreaking (still is) and I will always cherish the short time I had with him/her.

Robin Sue

Susan said...

As someone who just recently gave birth to my own miracle IVF baby, know that I will be praying extra hard for you and your little one! And as a fellow Texan, you know that my prayers have a shorter distance to travel before getting to heaven! :)

Allie said...

Oh my goodness Monica I am thrilled for you! Such great, happy news! I wish I knew you'd be in NJ, I could have brought you something tasty to help you heal :) So happy for you and your husband. I will pray for you and your little one and those that you lost.

Michelle said...

Congratulations to you and your husband. ♥

Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} said...

@Monica,
Yaaayyyyy! So happy for you. Take care of yourself and your sweet baby.
Christy

Melanie said...

oh my goodness, congratulations! Your news made me cry! I will be keeping you and your sweet baby (and Mr. H) in my prayers. Blessings!

cupcakesandcoffee schwartz said...

congrats and you are in my prayers for a healthy babe. i really enjoy your blog and am so happy to hear this wonderful news. take good care:)

Bonnie Sue said...

YAY!!!!!
Congrats Monica :)
You are in our prayers and we wish you the best & many blessings!
I love your blog, and thank you for sharing this precious news with us all.

Bonnie

Elena (Running in Heels After Child) said...

It is my first time reading your blog, the recipe looks great but I was thinking about you more then cooking.

I hope that your pregnancy goes well and that you can spend the next several months cooking a healthy baby.

Happy Cooking both food and baby,

Elena

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to you and your Mr.!! That's fantastic news. Prayers for all of you at this time!
Brenda

Susan at www.ugogrrl.com said...

Thank you so much for sharing! Many prayers for all of you!

Susan www.ugogrrl.com

All That's Left Are The Crumbs said...

Monica I don't know how I missed this post but I am so happy for you and your husband. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeanine - The Baking Beauties said...

OK, a day late here.
First, that zucchini blueberry bread looks absolutely amazing.
But more importantly, WOOHOOO!!! I've been quietly following your blog for quite a while, and have seen you celebrating your sons birthday's, and this is just so exciting! I pray for a healthy, LONG pregnancy for you! :)

Julie said...

praying for you and your precious little one!

Natasha @ Saved by the Egg Timer said...

OMG! YEAH! I totally understand that you waited to share, am so happy for you and your family :) You know in Jan and Feb you had been on my mind a few times and began to pray for you! Wow, I love it when that happens (it tends to happen a lot...thank you Holy Spirit for guidance!) Well now I will continue, for your health and babies. The surgery and all your Dr's trips, research...etc...will be well worth it and I am sure you already agree. You have a whole lot of people hoping and praying just from your blogs, wonderful to have :)

Abby said...

Oh, lady, I am SO happy for you. I'm sending every good thought and lots of prayer your way! You will be a wonderful mother!

And I have to say that I had a feeling you might be pregnant. Just something about your posts - and myself having been there before - I just felt it. Congratulations!

lisa faley said...

WOW!! Isn't it incredible what modern medicine can do for us... I had the opposite issue, my cervix never releases, so I would never labour - two c-sections later, and two beautiful babies!
Congratulations on your miracle growing inside you and thank God for the world we live in!!
Blessings,
Lisa

Kathy said...

Oh, Monica!!! Just got your comment on my blog - and was thrilled beyond belief!!! I am so excited for you! What an answered prayer!!!! I will definitely be praying for you and the baby! I also promise to do better about getting back on this computer and keeping in touch with you!
All my love and prayers,
Kathy <3

Lulu the Baker said...

Yay Monica! I'm so excited for you guys. I hadn't noticed that your blog had been quieter than usual, but that's because I'm 17 weeks pregnant and food is still not back to being my friend! I'm so glad you're starting to feel better. Hopefully you'll get your love of food back soon too!

Allie said...

I have goose bumps right now reading your post. It was a couple of months ago that I couldn't sleep one night and I vividly remember laying in bed and praying for you. I prayed for a sibling for your two boys and for a healthy pregnancy to term. I am so so excited for you and your family! I will keep you and this sweet baby in my prayers. You are an amazing mother already! This post just made my day :)

Kerstin said...

Congrats Monica - I'm so excited for you!!! And glad the surgery went well - hope you have a healthy and happy 9 months :)

Becki D said...

Oh, wow!!!

You brave, determined Momma, you!

I will put you and your little "bun" in my prayers tonight!

Tatiyana said...

Monica, I haven't had a chance to catch up on your blog in awhile, but I am so very very excited for you!!! I will keep you, your husband, and your little one in my thoughts in the coming months!!!! Best wishes!

Heather S-G said...

Oh Monica...I'm a blubbering mess over here. I read the other post first and didn't realize what your "vacation" actually entailed. You are such an amazing, inspiring woman and yes, your whole family will be in my prayers.

Oh, and this bread...Fantastic! Love the crumble :D xoxo

Healthy and Homemade said...

Awwww reading this post just makes me want to scream "it's fucking happening!!!!"

SO happy and excited for you! I am so glad you've found a wonderful doctor. The success rates of the surgery sound extremely promising. I wish you only the best and send lots of hugs and positive thoughts your way!!! <3

VandaF said...

This time will be different! This time you will bring your baby home. :) I'm so happy for you and your husband.

I've enjoyed your blog for some time now and just want to say keep up the great work!

Treehouse Chef said...

Oh Monica, I'm so happy for you and Mr. H! I will be praying for you and baby now that I know. I've been out of the loop for awhile but will get back to blogging soon. Congratulations!

tamilyn said...

I've sent up many prayers for you in the time that I've "known" you. I will continue to pray for you and the safe and healthy delivery of this wonderful miracle.

Now go rest!

Unknown said...

Monica, I just read your post about your pregnancy and losses of your other babies. My sister has gone through the exact same thing. And I will have you know, she now has TWO beautiful little boys that she was able to carry to full term. Ages 4 and 2! : ) I am sending you lots of love and prayers your way. God bless, and take care! You have alot of people that care about you : )

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

Monica, I am so glad that you're back!!! I was getting pretty worried, but thought that it would be best not to pry. Hope all things are going well with you and that everyone is healthy!!! Hugs, Roz PS: Thank you for all of the sweet comments that you left today! You really are doing some catching up!

Madeleine said...

Congratulations. My best wishes for you and your growing bundle of joy!

Future Grown-Up said...

Congratulations...lifting up prayers for you and the baby!

Katrin said...

Hello Monica, I´m just trying to bake your Blueberry Zucchini Crumble Bread in Germany with german weights. Could it be, that you meant 1 1/2 CUPS Butter instead of 1 1/2 Tbsp. Butter for the Crumbles?

Monica H said...

Hi Katrin,

There isn't very much butter in the crumble itself. The butter is minimal because it's just used as a binder to keep the flour and sugar together. The correct amount is 1 1/2 tablespoons, which is about 3/4 oz. of butter. Hope that helps.

Monica

Katrin said...

Hy Monica, thank you for your answer. I took round about 1/3 Cup of Butter. That was a bit too much to cut (too hard) but the whole bread is very delicious. Thank you for this great recepie!!!

Sue said...

Forget the recipe...I can't believe I didn't know this! I saw the word pregnant and didn't even read about the bread (although it does look good)! I am so, so, happy for you. I understand that scared part...after taking 9 years to get pregnant, I didn't want to tell anyone either. That sounds like quite a procedure, but I am certainly glad it is available for you.

This is such wonderful news and you, hubby and baby will be in my prayers. Woo Hoo!

White Toast with Butter said...

Oh My God!!!! I'm so so so happy to be reading this!

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