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Which of the following categories best describes this recipe:
Breads
Estimated time:
1 1/2 hrs.
Number of servings:
yields 2 loaves; at least 24 slices
Ingredients: (Hit your return key to start a new line)
2 c. shredded zucchini (don't peel!)
2 c. white sugar
2 eggs
1 c. canola oil*
2 tsp. vanilla
3 c. flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. baking powder
At least 1/2 tsp. grated fresh 'zest' from lemon or orange ('zest' is the thin, colorful layer; the white below that is bitter. For this recipe, I love to use all the Zest I can get off one orange ;-)
1 c. chopped walnuts
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Grease 2 loaf pans.
Combine flour, cinnamon, salt, soda, nutmeg, baking powder, and citrus zest in a large bowl; set aside.
Combine sugar, eggs and oil* and vanilla in a large bowl.
Add shredded zucchini and walnuts to 'wet' mixture; stir to combine.
Add the zucchini/wet stuff to the dry Flour mixture, and stir well.
Pour evenly into prepared pans.
Bake approx. 60-65 minutes, or until loaves test Done with a toothpick.
Allow to cool in pans for 10 minutes! Loosen around the sides with knife/spatula; remove from pans and place on wire rack to cool Completely.
Other suggestions and comments:
*The original recipe calls for 1/2 c. oil, and 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce, which is a very Logical, lower-fat way to go. (If I made it that way, I might spread the bread slices with cream cheese, which sort of cancels out that dietary benefit, but perhaps I'll try, all the same ;-)
Zucchini's abundance isn't always appreciated in summer's bounty, but it freezes nicely. The zucchini I used came from a Zuke the size of a baseball bat...so I grated the outer portion, and the firm part of the 'flesh', but didn't bother with the seeds/pith in the center. There are Ziploc re-usable freezer container with lids, with 2 cup capacity, and they are Perfect for freezing grated Zukes, thawing later in the fridge overnight, or quick-thawing in the microwave.
I think the scent and flavor of the orange zest is worth the slight trouble; this morning, my son ate two slices of this bread, and he ordinarily swears that he Detests: walnuts, zucchini (whatzzat green stuff, Mom?), and cinnamon. I think there's a Growth Spurt comin' on here... ;-)
Some people are allergic to nuts, so you might wish to Label this, if you serve it at a group function (especially if you chop the nuts so finely they are Hard to See, for example, in a food processor).
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