It’s officially zucchini season and I’m loving it!  It all started last week when a friend gave me a huge – organically grown no less- zucchini from her garden.  Mmmm . . . what to make?  So many choices . . .

Finally I made my decision, and first up for the season is an old classic favorite- Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread.  Sweet breads are fun and easy to make; this one doesn’t even require an electric mixer.  Just mix and bake for all the goodness of zucchini bread filled with chocolate chips and walnuts if you like {the nuts are my favorite part.}.

This recipe makes 2 loaves.  You’ll probably want to eat one warm out of the oven with a cold glass of milk.  You can share the other with a friend, or freeze it for later.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Ingredients

2 cups grated fresh zucchini
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
3 eggs lightly beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnut (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees  Spray 2 loaf pans (8×4) with cooking spray.

In a large bowl combine the zucchini, oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.  In a separate bowl combine the flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.  Stir the flour mix into the zucchini until completely combined.  Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.{Note- I like to leave a few nuts to sprinkle on top the loaves before they bake.}  Pour evenly into the two prepared pans.

Bake 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Remove pans to a wire rack and cool about 10-15 minutes before removing from pans.