Chocolate Zucchini Bread

This falls somewhere between bread and cake, but still counts as a healthy breakfast food because it's made with zucchini!

Ingredients:

 4 cups grated, drained zucchini
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa 
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

• Grate the zucchini using large holes of a box grater.  Allow to drain in a colander for 30 minutes.  
• Using a cotton tea towel or cheesecloth, squeeze the excess water from the zucchini
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease two 9"x5" loaf pans
• Whisk the flour, cocoa, soda, salt and cinnamon until clumps are gone
• In a large bowl, combine the sugar and eggs stirring with a large wooden spoon until smooth.
• Add the melted butter and extract.  Beat until smooth.
• Add the zucchini
• Add the flour mixture in three additions, stirring after each.
• Stir in chocolate chips, if desired
• Divide equally between loaf pans and bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees. Check with a toothpick to determine if done
• Remove from oven; cool in pan on wire rack for 5 minutes.  Remove from pans and cool completely on wire rack.
• This bread will freeze well if wrapped in foil and placed in a ziploc bag when completely cooled.