Summer never fails to bring a bumper crop of zucchini! Every summer I endeavor to come up with new recipes in my attempt to keep this
veggie under control. I steam it, butter it, stuff it and fry it. I slice it into salads and grate it for use in a variety of breads. This version of Chocolate Zucchini Tea Bread is
definitely a hit. If you don't have zucchini, you could easily substitute another summer or winter squash or even carrots. If using winter squash or carrots, do peel them before grating.
Ingredients:
2 (1 ounce) squares semi-sweet baking chocolate 3 eggs 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt (or nonfat sour cream) 2 cups grated zucchini (grate with skin on) 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 3/4 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans. (I recommend lining pan bottoms with parchment paper to help baked bread release.) In a microwave safe bowl, microwave chocolate until melted. Stop and stir occasionally until chocolate is smooth.
In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients; flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a second large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, oil, yogurt, zucchini, vanilla and melted chocolate; beat well. Add in dry ingredients and mix well. Fold in mini chocolate chips. (Dusting chips with a little flour will help prevent them from sinking.) Pour batter into prepared pans.
Bake in a preheated oven for 65 to 70 minutes, or until loaves tests done with toothpick. Run knife around sides of loaves and remove promptly. Cool on rack.