Egg-less Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Hi all:  I needed to use up the huge zucchini I grew this year in my garden and what better way than to make chocolate zucchini cake.  I got this recipe from my good friend Andrea, who is a dietitian, so I know this is the healthiest version you can find.  Her recipe originally called for 2 eggs, but I didn't have any, so I had to improvise.  I opened up my fridge and saw yogourt, so I decided to try it.  Well, let me say, the cake turned out really good and the texture was very light and moist.  I think I may use yogourt from now on.

Here is Andrea's original recipe, to which I have made some alterations.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

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1/4 c. Butter (I used Vegan Becel margarine - we have to avoid lactose in this house; check your labels.... You will be surprised to find lactose/whey in your regular margarines)

1 + 3/4 c. Sugar

2 eggs (I used about 1/2 c.  Liberte  vanilla Greek yogourt instead. I think the high protein content in Greek yogourt makes this work.)

2  + 1/2 c. Flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

4 Tablespoons cocoa powder

1/2 c. Oil (I used canola oil)

1/2 c. Sour milk (use regular milk and add approx. 1 Tablespoon vinegar)

2 c. Shredded zucchini (washed; leave peel on)

1/2 c. Chocolate chips

1/2 c. Nuts (I did not use nuts)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour, 2 small loaf pans. Beat together the butter (margarine), sugar and eggs(yogourt).  Add cocoa, oil, sour milk and vanilla and beat until mixed.  Measure dry ingredients in a separate bowl, mix together and then beat into wet ingredients slowly.(I usually add dry ingredients in 3 batches).  Add zucchini and chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).  Fold these into the batter.  Bake for approx. 50-60 minutes or until cake testrer (bamboo skewer) comes out clean.  My oven actually only took about 47-48 minutes to bake, so watch your loaves carefully.

Enjoy with a cup of coffee; decadent indulgence!  Did I mention this is healthy for you? I am sure it counts for daily servings of vegetables.

Enjoy!

Rosie