I admit to being mystified about why kids generally don’t like veggies – except for french fried potatoes, of course. Yet we women know that vegetables are necessary for maximum health and since we’re usually the household cook, we need to figure out ways to get those veggies into the menu. By subterfuge and sneakiness, if necessary! Which leads us to four recipes for kids that taste great – yet they won’t know that they’re eating well. The first one is a chocolate zucchini loaf which definitely is on the hit parade list of kid friendly recipes.
Chocolate is the lure, of course, and this loaf is super chocolatey. This delicious (bread? cake?) is very rich and moist if it’s allowed to sit for a few hours before slicing. It’s great right after school with a glass of juice or milk. Or, you can pile it with ice cream and sell it as a rich dessert. Either way your kids (and husband) will be getting some veggies, even though they think they’re inhaling a sinful treat.
Necessary Utensils:
* 2 mixing bowls
* Measuring cups
* Measuring spoons
* Wisk
* Spoon or spatula
* Grater (for zucchini)
* Loaf pan
Ingredients:
* 1 cup whole wheat flour (white flour works too, but whole wheat is undetectable – and healthier)
* ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* Pinch salt
* 1 tsp cinnamon
* ½ tsp baking powder
* ½ tsp baking soda
* ½ cup vegetable oil
* 2 eggs
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1 tsp vanilla
* 1 ½ cups shredded zucchini (about 3 medium)
* 2/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
How To
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, salt, cinnamon, baking and baking soda.
Stir all ingredients until they are well mixed.
3. In the second mixing bowl combine the eggs, vanilla and brown sugar and wisk until thoroughly combined.
Add the shredded zucchini to the bowl and mix well.
4. Mix the wet zucchini and the dry mixture.
Stir well until all ingredients are combined.
5. Add the mini chocolate chips and stir well.
6. Pour the mixture into a well-greased loaf pan.
7. Bake in 350 F oven for 50-60 minutes.
Your chocolate zucchini loaf is ready when you stick a toothpick in it and it comes out clean.
Remember to allow your ‘hidden veggie’ loaf to cool before serving. The longer it sits, the yummier it gets.
When it comes to recipes for kids, this is one that works. They love it – and don’t know they’re getting some nasty, horrid zucchini. I love that tender green vegetable but there’s no doubt that most kids DEFINITELY DO NOT.
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