Doc's sparkle hat.

This is for my little Doc McStuffins fan, Emma.  It is toddler size 12-24 months

and a pretty easy project.  It is a little hard to find sparkle yarn, but I used Caron Simply Soft Party in Fuchsia sparkle, and Caron Simply soft Chocolate from my stash. You can find the sparkle yarn at JoAnn Fabrics.

For this yarn I used an I or 5.5 mm hook, and also a yarn needle to sew on the flower.
Start with Chocolate.
To start make a magic loop or a chain 4 loop and chain 2.
Round one:  make 10 DC in the loop, slip stitch to the top of the first stitch and chain 2.
Round two:  make 2 DC in each stitch around, slip stitch to the top of the first stitch, chain 2. (20 DC total)
Round three:  make *2 DC in the first stitch, one DC in the next, repeat around and slip stitch to the top of the first stitch.  Chain 2.  (30 DC)
Round four:  make *2 DC in the first stitch, one DC in the next 4 stitches, repeat around and slip stitch to the top of the first stitch, chain 2.  (36 DC)
Round five:  make *2 DC in the first stitch, one DC in the next 5 stitches, repeat around and slip stitch to the top of the first stitch, chain 2.  (42 DC)
Round six:  make *2 DC in the first stitch, one DC in the next 6 stitches, repeat around and slip stitch to the top of the first stitch, chain 2.  (48 DC)
Round seven:  make *2 DC in the first stitch, one DC in the next 7 stitches, repeat around and slip stitch to the top of the first stitch, chain 2.  (54 DC)

Rounds eight-ten:  make 1 DC in each stitch around, slip stitch to the top of the first stitch, chain 2.  (54 DC) after the tenth round slip stitch to the top of the first DC, tie off and change to Fuchsia sparkle and chain 1.

Rounds eleven-14:  make 1 SC in each stitch around, slip stitch to the top of the first SC, chain 1. (54 SC)
At the end of round 14 tie off the Fuchsia and change back to Chocolate and chain 2.

Rounds 15-16:  make 1 DC in each stitch around, slip stitch to the top of the first stitch, chain 2.
Ear Flaps:
After you finish round 16 start on the first ear flap.
Row 1:  1 DC in the next 12 stitches, chain 2 and turn.
Row 2:  skip the first stitch, 1 DC in the next 9 stitches, DCD in the last two stitches, chain 2 turn.
Row 3:  skip the first stitch, 1 DC in the next 7 stitches, DCD in the last two stitches, chain 2 turn.
Row 4:  skip the first stitch, 1 DC in the next 5 stitches, DCD in the last two stitches, chain 2 turn.
Row 5:  skip the first stitch, 1 DC in the next 3 stitches, DCD in the last two stitches, chain 2 turn.
Row 6:  skip the first stitch, 1 DC in the next stitch, DCD in the last two stitches, chain 2 turn.
Row 7:  DCD and tie off.
Count 20 stitches across the front of the hat and begin the second ear flap using the instructions above.

To finish the bottom of the hat starting at the tip of the ear flap SC evenly around the bottom of the hat, 1 SC per stitch in chocolate.

Flower:
Using the Fuchsia Sparkle chain 5 and make a loop.
Round 1:  chain one and make 15 SC in the loop, slip stitch to the top of the first st.
Round 2:  chain 3, skip the first two stitches and slip stitch in the third stitch.  Repeat around making 5 chain 3 loops.
Round 3:  for the Petals 1 SC, chain 2, 4 DC, chain 2, 1SC in each loop around, slip stitch to the bottom of the first chain 3 and tie off leaving enough string to sew on the flower.  You can put a yellow button in the center if desired.

Braids, for each braid I cut 15 32 inch strands and braided using 5 strands in each part of the braid.  Braid, make a knot at the bottom and cut off the ends to make it even.

Zucchini Bread

This is one of my favorite recipes for Zucchini Bread, it is nice and moist and the recipe can be adapted and made as a cake as well.  For a cake I would add cream cheese frosting and make it in a 9 x 11 inch pan.

3 eggs
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups grated zucchini
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup of raisins or nuts (optional)

For Bread:  Beat the eggs well, add oil, sugar, zucchini, and vanilla.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.  Makes 2 loaves.

For Cake:  Use the same ingredients:  however use 2 cups flour instead of 3 cups.  Bake cake accordingly in a 9 x 11 inch pan.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

This is an old family favorite, and not only does it look beautiful when it comes out of the pan, but it is amazing.  The original recipe calls for 2 tsp. grated orange peel, I never do that, but I do add extra vitamin C in the form of CHOCOLATE.  You will need a 10 inch bundt pan, I love my nordic ware one.

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup soft butter
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups grated zucchini
1/2 cup milk
1 cup of nuts if desired
1 cup chocolate chips

Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon and set aside.  With your mixer beat together butter and sugar until smooth.  Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each.  Add vanilla, fold in flour mixture alternately with milk and zucchini.  Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.