Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

While it might seem a bit odd to combine zucchini and chocolate, it actually pairs rather well in a subtle way. The muffins don't overwhelmingly taste like zucchini, but zucchini does adds a great texture and keeps the muffins very moist.

It is a great recipe to do with the kids to show them that they do "like" zucchini. After one muffin, they will be begging for more.

The muffins freeze nicely when wrapped individually. They make for a great morning snack in the office - just let defrost at the desk.

This recipe will prepare about 12 muffins.


Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
   
   
2. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt
   
   
3. In another bowl, mix egg, oil, milk, lemon juice and vanilla
   
   
4. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened
   
   
5. Fold in zucchini, chocolate chips and walnuts
   
   
6. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full
   
   
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until muffins test done