Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

A really good friend of mine (Becca Bennett) gave us a recipe book full of family dishes for our wedding.  There are tons of yummy dishes in this book and one of them happens to be these chocolate zucchini muffins!  I am always looking for good zucchini recipes, as my garden produces TONS of it, and this recipe is definitely a keeper!  Tonight my husband and I threw these together and boy were they good :)  Hope you enjoy them!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp. white vinegar
• 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 3/4 cups white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 4 Tbl. cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 cups finely grated zucchini
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Mix together the milk and vinegar, then set is aside.  In a large bowl, beat together the butter, oil, and sugar until creamy.  Add eggs, vanilla extract, and milk/vinegar mix.  Blend well.


In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Add to the butter mixture and stir by hand to combine.  Add grated zucchini and half of the chocolate chips.  Stir well.

Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin pans, filling each 2/3 of the way full.  Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and the nuts (if using) on top.

Bake for about 20-25 minute, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or the muffins spring back with lightly touched.  Enjoy!!