Orange Spice Zucchini Loaf

This is a deliciously moist zucchini loaf with a hint of orange and spice.

Serves: 16 pieces, freezes well

Prep Time: 20 min

Cooking Time: 50-60 min

Total:  80 min

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup milk or substitute
2 eggs
2 tsp. grated orange rind
1/2 cup pecan or walnut pieces
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

1. In a large bowl stir together flour, sugar, spices, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Make a well in the middle and set aside.
2. In another bowl, gently whisk eggs, milk and butter.  Add zucchini and orange rind to the mixture and stir. 
3. Pour wet mixture into the well of the dry mixture. Sprinkle with nuts and raisins and mix only until combined into a batter. Transfer batter to a greased or parchment paper lined loaf tin (9x5 inches).
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 50-60 minutes, removing when a cake tester inserted into the centre comes out clean.
5. Allow loaf to cool inside the tin for 15-20 minutes, then remove and cool completely before slicing.

Lightly adapted from canadianliving.com