Who doesn't love the good doctor, Mehmet Oz, M.D., and his self-titled television show? Yes, I know that he spouts food industry mumbo-jumbo over the airwaves a lot. But other times, he's right on the money. And you can't deny it--he has great wit and charm! I mean, have you seen the female guests on his set? Why, they practically worship the man! :)
Well, while I was cruising around the official DoctorOz.com web site, I happened upon this delightful recipe! Is it a breakfast food? Is it a dessert? I don't know. But I do know from personal experience that it certainly is a taste treat! I altered it slightly, completely eliminating the eggs to make it vegan. I swapped the oil ingredient for applesauce. I also added an extra fourth cup of sugar because I thought the muffins could stand to be a little sweeter, but you could cut it back if you like. This recipe is moist, chocolaty goodness, wrapped in a pleated paper cup! Makes 12 servings.
Dr. Oz' Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 cup plain soymilk
2 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 cup applesauce
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup zucchini, grated
1/2 cup distilled water, boiling
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tin with 12 paper liners. Or you can do like me and use none; just be sure to apply a generous coat of cooking spray to the tin, and they'll come out beautifully! In a large bowl, use a mixer machine or a hand whisk to combine flour, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In another bowl, combine soymilk, lemon juice, applesauce, and vanilla; mix well. Pour wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Stir in the zucchini, followed by the boiling water. The final mixture will be thin. Fill each of the tin's cups 3/4 of the way up and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake uncovered for 13-17 minutes, until a tester inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, and the tops spring back when lightly touched. Enjoy!
