Healthy Food- Zucchini Chocolate Bars

photo by SMW

Ok, so healthy is a relative term.  These are made from scratch with no preservatives and with a less amounts of sugar than any store-bought mix I know.

So here we go. 

Makes: 16 servings
Prep: 15 min.
Bake: 325 degrees for 30 min.

1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 T. cocoa powder *(I sometimes mix 1/2 and 1/2 with carob powder)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup butter flavor shortening
1/4 cup vegt. oil or coconut oil
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 sour cream or yogurt
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup grated zucchini
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/3 cup crushed walnuts (optional)

1. Heat oven to 325. Coat 13x9 pan with cooking spray.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon and baking powder.  
3.  In another large bowl, beat shortening, oil, sugar and egg on low speed.  Beat in sour cream and vanilla while adding flour mixture.  Fold in zucchini and chocolate.
4.  Spread in prepared pan.  Sprinkle nuts on top.  Bake for 30-35 minutes.  
Serve warm or cold.

*My little 'mice' ate all the chocolate chips so I added a little more carob and cocoa powder and it was just as moist and delicious.