Cacao Coffee Zucchini Cake

I just found this recipe through an old friend on Facebook and with an abundance of fresh zucchini from my garden, I couldn't resist!  Of course, I am not capable of leaving a recipe as it is, I modified it to my liking.  I hope you like it too!  Moist and oh so delicious!  Take the time to click on the links for cacao powder and cacao nibs!  They are an amazing super food with the wonderful taste of pure raw chocolate but soooo much better for you.  I love the nibs in this recipe because they retain their crunch!

Cacao Coffee Zucchini Cake

The Chef In My Head adapted from JF Jules

• 1 1/2 cups shredded fresh zucchini (approximately 1 zucchini)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (heat until not solid)
• 1/4 cup brewed organic coffee, cold 
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated raw sugar
• 1 egg + 1 egg white (straight from my chickens this morning)
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cacao powder
• 1/8 cup cacao nibs
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt

Preheat oven to 350° F (static) or 325° F (convection). Lightly oil a 9×5 bread pan.

Shred the zucchini using a fine shredding disc on a food processor or a hand shredder. Measure 1 1/2 cups and set aside.

Beat together oil, brewed coffee, sugars, egg and vanilla. Slowly stir in the dry ingredients until incorporated, then whip together until smooth, approximately 1-2 minutes. Stir in the shredded zucchini.

Once the zucchini is integrated, pour into prepared pan and bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center has no wet crumbs on it when removed. Depending on whether your pan is metal or glass, the bake time may be longer or shorter, so repeat the toothpick test if needed.

Remove to cool on a wire rack and remove from pan after cooling for 15 minutes.

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Sauteed Kale with Craisins & Pine Nuts

Sauteed Kale with Craisins & Pine Nuts

I can say with certainty that my grandmother's cast iron skillet has never seen kale.  I think she would be proud!  This was easy, sweet, nutritious, and delicious!  The combination of coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, dried fruits etc. is wonderful. Give this one a try for a healthy side dish or a vegetarian main dish.  

Sauteed Kale with Craisins & Toasted Pine Nuts

The Chef In My Head

Serves 4 as a main dish

1 medium onion, sliced thin
2 bunches of Kale, stalks removed and chopped 
2+ T coconut oil (always amazing with kale)
1/4 c craisins or mixed dried fruits
2 T cider vinegar
salt to taste 

1 tsp. dried pepper flakes (optional)

3 T pine nuts, toasted in dry skillet

Heat a large cast iron pot on medium heat and add coconut oil. Add onions and saute for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Add kale - pile it up - pour on the vinegar and then put a lid on the pan. Keep the heat low and stir often to soften up all the kale/make the onions translucent. The coconut oil should coat the leaves and help moisten things, but you can add a few teaspoons of water if it seem a little dry. After 5 minutes or so, add the craisins and some salt. Continue cooking another 5-10 minutes until kale, onions, and craisins are soft.  Toss in dried pepper flakes, if using.  Serve with toasted pine nuts on top as garnish!

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