18 Spicy Zucchini Bread Recipe Southern Living December 1981 Unlock Flavor Sensations!

Ingredients

The key to making the perfect spicy zucchini bread is using fresh, quality ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

• Zucchini: Of course, the star of this bread is the zucchini. Look for medium-sized zucchinis that are firm to the touch and have vibrant green skin.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the bread together and give it a rich, moist texture.
• Sugar: This recipe calls for both white and brown sugar, which adds a depth of sweetness to balance out the spiciness.
• Spices: The key to the spicy flavor in this bread is a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. You can adjust the amounts to your liking.
• Nuts: Optional but highly recommended, adding walnuts or pecans to the bread adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
• Oil: A neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable or canola, helps keep the bread moist.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla extract adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, here's how to make the perfect spicy zucchini bread:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This will ensure that your bread bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a cheese grater and set it aside. You don't need to peel the zucchini, as the skin adds a nice color and texture to the bread.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, spices, and baking soda. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Add the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add in the oil and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the zucchini: Gently fold in the grated zucchini and nuts, if using, into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense bread.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it and letting it cool completely on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy your delicious, spicy zucchini bread!

Variations

While this classic southern living recipe is delicious on its own, feel free to add your own personal touch to make it your own. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Savory: For a savory twist, you can omit the sugar and spices and add in savory herbs and cheese for a delicious bread to serve with dinner.
• Gluten-free: Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative to make this bread suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Chocolate chip: For a sweeter version, you can add in chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, decadent treat.

As you can see, the possibilities with spicy zucchini bread are endless. So next time you're in the mood for a delicious and unique bread, give this southern living recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!