Chocolate Zucchini Cake

I've been so good - really I have. I've been watching my carbs, keeping up the exercise, going to yoga faithfully, getting the right amounts of fruit and veggies, drinking lots of water and then KABOOM!!!! While watching mindless t.v. I had this craving - you know the type I mean - a craving that literally drives you off the couch and into the kitchen to look through ingredients to see what's lurking in the cupboards and screaming out for centre stage appearance.

I think subconsciously I was remembering an event I attended last night that had great promise to be an evening to remember. It was one of those get all dressed up events, pay an enormous amount of money to attend, go crazy at the open bar and get served an incredible meal. Some of the expectations were satisfied. I knew the theme was going to be retro and the decor was so fun. Here's our table centre - isn't it just creative genius?



The meal was a bit of a letdown - just really average and unworthy of taking a picture. The dessert was rather interesting. The little square on the tart is actually a square of chocolate.



Oh yes, back to the what's in the cupboard and my sweet craving. I was fortunate enough to find all the ingredients for something that I haven't made in literally years but always loved. Chocolate Zucchini Cake - that actually takes me back in time (hence the connection to retro).

Your usual suspects:



Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt (I used 1/2 tsp)
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
3/4 cup oil
2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup nuts or raisins (I used raisins - was thinking of Psychgrad who generally doesn't like nuts and really likes raisins)
1/2 cup milk
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar (I used 1/4 cup and it was fine)
Chocolate chips (2 or 3 good handfuls)

Process:

1. Butter and flour 9x13" pan
2. Blend all dry ingredients and raisins (or nuts)
3. Beat eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla and zucchini in a separate bowl. (use a larger bowl)
4. Add dry ingredients to mixture alternately with milk.
5. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
6. Bake at 350 F for 45 minutes - 1 hour (50 minutes was perfect for me)









Note: This cake is deceiving. You wouldn't think it would be as chocolatey as it is but it has this rich round flavour that satisfies both a carb and a chocolate craving. I'm typing this post from my treadmill (just kidding)