Zucchini Bread

The garden is overflowing with zucchini, a few of which are too large for tender eating, so this means it is time for zucchini bread. Usually I make pineapple zucchini bread, but today I wanted some with chocolate chips (because I loooove my chocolate chip pumpkin bread in the Fall). I did a Google search, and stopped my search once I saw one posted by Smitten Kitchen. I love this woman and want to be her friend. I knew it would be fabulous, and it is. It didn't even require a mixer, which makes the mother of a tenuously napping child pretty darn happy. Oh, and if you've never tried zucchini bread smothered with cream cheese, you've been missing out.

Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips
-adapted from smittenkitchen.com

-3 eggs
-1 cup olive or vegetable oil (I used canola)
-1 3/4 cups sugar
-2 cups grated zucchini
-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-3 cups all-purpose flour
-3 teaspoons cinnamon (it sounds like a lot, but trust me that it is just right)
-1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (I omitted this. I really am not a nutmeg fan)
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional--I left out because I don't like nuts in my bread)
-1 cup chocolate chips (she also suggests you could use raisins or dried cranberries. No thanks.)


Grease and flour two loaf pans. Alternately, line 24 muffin cups with paper liners. 
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk. Mix in oil and sugar, then zucchini and vanilla. 
Combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if you dare), baking soda, baking powder and salt, as well as nuts, chocolate chips and/or dried fruit, if using. 
Stir this into the egg mixture. Divide the batter into prepared pans.
Bake loaves for 50-60 min, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. If making muffins, they should be done after 20-25 min. 

Hot from the oven. Fabulous with a cup of coffee. My 4 year old was uber proud that she ate zucchini and loved it. I didn't have the heart to tell her that the chocolate and sugar probably cancel the good stuff out.