I think this idea has potential, but as is it was just okay-not much kick considering the zestiness inferred by the name. I added a partial jalapebno to the onion at the beginning and followed the blender recommendations of others before adding the corn and salsa. I actually liked the flavor of the soup better previous to adding the last four ingredients. It seemed a peculiar method of thickening both with flour roux and a hefty amount of cream cheese; I'm not sure that the extra calories from that addition were worth it. Perhaps more hot pepper and whole tomatoes at the end would make this a little more substantive and satisfying, as it seemed rather scant amount of vegetables also (I doubled the corn). Do make a fresh bread to accompany, as it is the saving grace, and quite tasty when dipped.

Reviewed On: Oct. 7, 2009

For those of you who shred and freeze zucchini like myself, this recipe can successfully accommodate without much fuss. As others did, I subbed applesauce for half of the oil and 1/2c wheat flour for that much all-purpose. Additionally I measured out 1c thawed UNSQUEEZED UNDRAINED frozen shredded zucchini, omitting the milk in the recipe to compensate for the extra liquid. My main criteria for good muffins (aside from taste) are 1) light, moist texture and 2) substantial rise. These satisfied both, and with a little less cinnamon and sugar were still tasty, too. For whatever reason they did stick rather obstinately to my silicon pan. Hmmm...

Reviewed On: Mar. 23, 2009

A scrumptious little coffee cake, if a bit on the sweet side. I made a small cake subbing pumpkin puree for half the butter and using equal parts all-purpose and whole wheat flour, as well as exchanging the sour cream for plain nonfat yogurt. Very nice moist texture and mild spice flavor warm from the oven as well as the morning after (there was a hint of "wheaty" taste I thought at first that was absent after sitting overnight). The next time I make this I will reduce the sugars both in the batter (half?) and in the topping (even less), which I thought was unnecessary/undesirable as an intermediate layer. I did omit the nuts.

Reviewed On: Feb. 27, 2009