When I lived in small town Michigan, a commonly told joke was that the only time people locked their car doors was in the summer for fear that they'd return to find bags of zucchini in the back seat.

If you've ever had a zucchini patch, you can probably understand the impulse. This prolific summer squash grows quickly.  Just two healthy plants can yield at least one fruit every day. When you're cooking anything every day for two months, it doesn't take long to run out of ideas.

That's where a book like The Zucchini Houdini comes in handy. Over 100 recipes, ranging from zucchini crab cake appetizers to main dishes and desserts, will ensure that gardeners will never have to break into a neighbor's car again. 

If you don't have a vegetable garden but like to take full advantage of seasonal produce offered at Barrington's farmers' markets, this cookbook is well worth a look.