Zucchini + Cake?...

We went to a birthday party on the weekend for the gorgeous little Luke, who turned 3. His Mummy made him a birthday cake which was a Zucchini Chocolate Cake. Yep, you read correctly. It was too-die-for a-n-d you could see the zucchini in it. This was not enough to dissuade avid vege-haters from consuming a piece with much gusto. It was also served with ice-cream, like you used to see on TV when you were a kid and wish that you too could have 'cake and ice-cream'... how Hollywood!

My neighbour Heather is a delightful woman and has generously given me access to share the recipe with you. Now this recipe has nuts in it which were omitted for the children:

ZUCCHINI CAKE:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plain)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons of cocoa
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts( optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease one 13x9 inch baking pan.
2. Combine eggs, oil, sugar, grated zucchini, and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Stir in the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon and mix until just combined. Stir in the chopped nuts. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F(175 degrees C) for 45 minutes.

Now Heather also made too-die-for frosting so here is that recipe:

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (icing sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the confectioners' sugar. Store in the refrigerator after use.

What do you think? Worth a go? These recipes came via: www.allrecipes.com


Ciao for now


just Martha