Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

I can't tell you how often I've made this recipe.  I found it online by BargainBriana.com approximately 8 years ago and have made it MANY times since!  It is delicious.  When I get access to zucchini, I immediately make this recipe and then freeze as much as I can for future baking.  (You can use frozen, then thawed zucchini with no problem.)

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar

3 TBSP vegetable oil (I use canola)

2 large eggs

1 cup applesauce (unsweetened)

2 cups all purpose flour (I use a combo that includes whole wheat flour)

2 TBSP unsweetened cocoa

1-1/4 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1-1/2 cup shredded zucchini (don't skimp - be generous!)

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (I use the mini's)

1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Instructions

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2) Combine sugar, oil and eggs in a large bowl.  Mix until well blended.

3) Stir in applesauce.

4) In a separate bowl combine, flour, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.  Add dry ingredients to the egg mixture.

5) Stir in zucchini and chocolate chips (and nuts if desired).

6) Pour into a lightly greased 9" x 5" loaf pan.

7) Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Strawberry Angel Food Delight

I've been making this dessert for many years. It is one of Jim’s favorites!!  It comes together easily once you have your angel food cake done. Of course, you can always take a short cut and buy one ready-made at the store. I like to make mine from scratch and will share that recipe at a later time. (If you do make one from scratch, you won't be able to use the whole thing. Scratch angel food cakes are so much more dense then store bought that it will be more cake then you need in this recipe.)

Strawberry Angel Food Delight

1 angel food cake, cut into small chunks
1 can Eagle Brand condensed milk
¼ cup lemon juice
12 oz whipped topping
16 – 20 oz frozen strawberries in juice, thawed
1 cup chopped nuts

Beat sweetened condensed milk with lemon juice. Fold in whipped topping. Add strawberries and nuts. Pour mixture over cake chunks and mix until pieces are coated with mixture. Pour into a 9 X 13 or large bowl and chill until ready to serve.

Note: the calories/fat can be easily reduced by using low-fat or light products. It will still be delicious.