Chocolate Zucchini Cake Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Servings: 12 Ingredients - 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar - 3 cups zucchini, peeled and grated - 3/4 cup vegetable oil - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 4 eggs (well beaten) - 1 teaspoon vanilla - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon cloves - 1 teaspoon lemon peel, grated - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 3 tablespoons cocoa - 3 cups flour	1

	- 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon soda - 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) - 12 ounces chocolate chips    The zucchini makes this cake dense and moist; the spices provide an interesting change of pace from the usual dessert cake; and the chocolate makes it irresistible.   Directions Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour the cake pan. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, oil, and eggs and blend until creamy and light yellow in color. Stir in the vanilla, applesauce, and zucchini. Add the dry ingredients and the optional nuts and blend until well incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the top with 12 oz. of chocolate chips. Bake 1 hour or until done (a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean).	2