This spiced zucchini-walnut bread is especially light in texture, owing to the easy process of extracting the extra liquid from the zucchini before mixing it in. This recipe yields two loaves, and they will be gone before you know it.
INGREDIENTS (for 2 servings):
- 3 zucchinis
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/4 cups sifted unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/3 cups white sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
- 1 cup golden raisins
PREPARATION:
Soak raisins in warm water for 30 minutes. Drain thoroughly in a colander or strainer; set aside.
Clean the zucchini and trim off the ends. Do not peel. Shred with a medium sized shredder. You should have about 4 cups when finished. Sprinkle the zucchini with 1 teaspoon of the salt and place on a plate. Mix it with your hands to evenly distribute the salt. Place a heavy saucepan on top of the zucchini and allow it to sit for 20 minutes to purge itself of liquid.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8x4 inch loaf pans and set aside.
Set aside 2 tablespoons of the flour. Sift together the remaining flour, soda, spices, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Beat eggs on medium speed for about 3 minutes. Add the sugar, a little at a time and beat for a good 5 minutes. The mixture should be light in color and thick. While beating, slowly pour in the oil.
Empty the zucchini into a colander and squeeze to release the juices.
Add the vanilla to the beating eggs and then add in the zucchini. Add the dry ingredients, a little at a time and mix just until the dry ingredients are mixed in. Do not overmix.
In a small bowl combine the remaining 2 tablespoons flour, nuts, and drained raisins, and mix together to coat. Fold into the batter. Pour into the prepared pans.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) about 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove to a rack to cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool on a rack completely.