It's "Tasty Tuesday", where every week we bring you new, fresh, local, healthy recipes and food tips. Find out what is in season, and what will keep you fuelled during and after your work outs!
I was visiting the Sunshine Coast recently and the Persephone Brewing Company had some fresh produce on site for sale. There was a zucchini that was pretty much bigger than my head that was only $1. I'm going to be so sad when the summer vegetable season is over...
I made this zoodles recipe out of half of it, and decided to try my hand at a zucchini bread finally. I found mine was on the dry side, so don't skimp on the apple sauce or the zucchini!
Make Your Meal Even Healthier Tip:
I have had some organic cocoa powder for a while, just begging to be used, so I am going with chocolate, but you don't have to add it, but it's a great kick. Also I used cacao nibs instead of chocolate chip to keep it healthier, and you can either eliminate those, use nuts instead of, or go half and half!
Click through for recipe!...
Makes One Loaf
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 cup vegan sugar (coconut sugar will also do)
- 2 free range eggs (or make flax eggs)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup applesauce (homemade if you have it, make sure it doesn't have added sugar!)
- 2 cups pastry flour (I used whole wheat, you can try other kinds but you may have to adjust the wet ingredients to compensate)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1.5 tsp baking soda
- 1.5 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1 and 1/2 cups of shredded zucchini (make sure you pack it into the measuring container)
- cacao nibs, walnuts (optional)(1/2 cup approx if using)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Set oven to 350.
Grease the loaf pan (with vegan butter or coconut oil).
Mix, in a large bowl, the sugar, oil, eggs (or flax eggs), applesauce, and vanilla. Add in the cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and sea salt - with the pastry flour until JUST combined.
Next add in the zucchini, and optional cacao nibs or nuts until it's evenly blended.
Pour evenly into the loaf pan, and optionally sprinkle a few more cacao nibs on top (or nuts).
Bake for 45 - 60 mins - check after 45, if a knife comes out clean from the middle of the loaf. Do not over bake as it will dry out.
Let cool in pan slightly then completely on wire rack.
Let us know if you make this recipe by posting it on instagram or twitter and using the #LiveBarreLife hashtag! And if there are any specific meals, fruits, veggies, or meats, you'd like to see on the blog!
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photos by: Christine McAvoy
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