Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

So I was looking in my freezer the other day and realized I have shredded zucchini from the summer of 2013 still in my freezer. I thought I better use it before it gets too freezer burnt, but what to make? I came across this recipe. Looked pretty easy to whip up, and it tastes good too!

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 eggs
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 cups sugar
1 tbsp vanilla
2 cups grated zucchini
1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350F. Line 2 9x5-inch loaf pans with parchment paper then grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.

In large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined (the batter will be very thick). Fold in the grated zucchini and chocolate chips.

Divide the batter between the two prepared pans and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool for 20 minutes in the pans. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

*Adapted from http://www.justataste.com/

Chicken & Barley Soup

Okay, so it's been quite cold here. I guess since it's not even mid-January I shouldn't be surprised. Nonetheless, soup is always a good option on a cold winter day.

1 tsp olive oil

1 cup diced onion 

1 cup diced celery 

2 cups diced carrot

1 clove garlic 

1 large chicken breast, chopped into bite sized pieced

1/2 tsp oregano 

1/2 cup barley, rinsed

2 cups chicken broth

4 cups water

1/2 tsp black pepper

In a large stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, celery and carrots until onions are soft. About 10 minutes. 

Add garlic and chicken and cook until chicken is no longer pink inside. 

Add oregano, barely, stock and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for an hour. 

Season with black pepper and serve. 

* from http://www.heartandstroke.com/