Recipe: Carrot-Zucchini Loaves

CARROT-ZUCCHINI LOAVES

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 beaten eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup finely shredded zucchini
1 cup finely shredded carrot
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cooking oil
whipped cream cheese (to serve - optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of two 8x4x2-inch loaf pans. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl stir together flour, wheat germ, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center of dry mixture; set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl combine eggs, granulated sugar, zucchini, carrot, brown sugar, and oil; mix well. Add all at once to dry mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy). Pour batter into prepared loaf pans.

Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. (If necessary, cover loosely with foil during last 10 to 15 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.) Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes.

Remove from pans and cool thoroughly on wire racks. Wrap and store overnight before slicing.

Serve plain, or spread slices with a thin layer of whipped cream cheese.

MAKE-AHEAD TIP:
Prepare, bake, and cool loaves completely. Place loaves in freezer containers or bags and freeze for up to 1 month. Before serving, thaw the wrapped loaf overnight in the refrigerator.

Makes 2 loaves (24 servings)
Source: Better Homes and Gardens