Chocolate Zucchini Cake~Mandy's Recipe Box

I've really been enjoying these Guest Post Wednesdays. I didn't intend to keep it a regular feature but everyone (including myself) was enjoying them so much

 that I've just kept it going. 

Thankfully, these amazing food bloggers have agreed to keep coming on here. I feel so fortunate to know these folks and I'm even more thrilled to introduce them to you.

Today we have Mandy visiting. She writes for her blog, Mandy's Recipe Box.

I meet Mandy through a mutual food blogging friend. And of course, she sucked me right into her world because of her family-friendly recipes and her 
naturally effervescent personality.

She is an all around fantastic gal and I just know you are going to enjoy 
her as well as her recipes.

Wait until you see this yummy cake she is sharing with us today! It's a great way to use up some of those zucchinis that are popping up in your gardens.

Friends, please give a warm welcome to Mandy.

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Hey, it's Mandy from Mandy's Recipe Box. I had Brandie over to guest post a little bit ago, and she has asked me to return the favor, which I am more than happy to do. Before I share my recipe, allow me to introduce myself...

I am a wife to Lance, momma to Hannah (8), Preston (6), and Emma (3). I was born and raised in the city, went to college where I met my sexy farmer husband. We lived in the city for 3 years and then moved to rural (middle of nowhere) Idaho so Lance could join the family farm. I struggled at first, what with the nearest neighbor 3 miles away and all. I have adapted though, and am now a converted country girl. I love my life and raising my children where we are is the best! I get to stay home with my babes and just be a mom. Now that it's summer, we will be busy with trips up the canyon, boating and swimming at the reservoir, swimming lessons, and of course, whipping up yummy goods in the kitchen.

I started blogging after seeing a friend's blog and thought, "How fun! I can do that!" Thus, Mandy's Recipe Box was born. I have loved "meeting" new people through blogging and their sweet comments left on my blog. Brandie is one of them and I am super excited to share a great summer recipe today...

Chocolate Zucchini Cake 

Ingredients for cake:
2 c. grated zucchini

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. flour

1/3 c. cocoa powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 eggs

1 c. sugar

1 Tbsp. orange zest

3/4 c. oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350. Grease a 9x13 pan. Place grated zucchini in a colander to drain. Sprinkle salt on it. Mix flour, cocoa, soda, and cinnamon. Mix (in a seperate bowl) eggs, sugar, orange zest together. Add oil. Combine dry with moist ingredients. Press down on the zucchini with paper towels to extract all moisture. Stir zucchini into batter. Pour into the pan and bake 
for 20-25 min.

Frosting Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 (16-oz.) package powdered sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
5 to 7 Tbsp. milk

Directions:

Beat first 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.

Whisk together powdered sugar and cocoa. Gradually add powdered sugar mixture alternately with 3 Tbsp. milk, 1 Tbsp. at a time, beating at low speed until blended and smooth after each addition. Beat in up to 4 Tbsp. additional milk for desired consistency.

Frost Cake and Enjoy!

Thanks again, Brandie, for letting me guest blog! I loved being here. Make sure you all come visit me at Mandy's Recipe Box.

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Big thank you to Mandy for sharing one of her favorite recipes with us today. 
You can just see how moist the cake is. 
(And the kids will never know there are healthy veggies in it!)

I hope you'll visit Mandy's Recipe Box soon.

You can also find her on facebook!

Enjoy!

     Printable Recipe Here         

Frosting recipe source: Southern Living