Name: Chocolate Zucchini Mini-Muffins
Yield: Makes three dozen muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup canola or vegetable oil; 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 large eggs; 1/3 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt; 2 1/4 cups shredded zucchini; Zest of 1 lemon, finely grated; Zest (finely grated) and juice of 1 orange; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 11/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 8 ounces Neufchâtel or cream cheese, at room temperature; 3 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar

Image may contain Food Dessert Chocolate Confectionery Sweets Creme and Cream

Chocolate Zucchini Mini-MuffinsYunhee Kim

Tip:

To keep squash fresh for as long as possible, handle it carefully to avoid bruising, and don't wash it until just before use. If stored in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator, it should keep for 4 to 5 days.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Okonomiyaki Tater Tots

Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.