Pea Soup

Why do peas have such a bad rep?  I've tried almost every known diet known to mankind and they are always on the "forbidden" list.  They have so many benefits:  weight management, good for your heart, prevent signs of aging, constipation, anaemia & fatigue, reduce depression & bad cholesterol too name but a few.  So eat your peas!

Ingredients:

1 T olive oil

2 onions, chopped

1 carrot, chopped

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 cup, dried green split peas, rinsed

2 c of water

1 - 900 ml container of vegetable broth

3 cups of frozen green peas

Directions:
Heat oil in a pot.  Add onions and carrots and cook until tender.  (3 - 5 mins)
Add garlic and cook for 2 more minutes
Stir in split peas until coated
Add water and broth.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat to med-low.
Simmer, partially coverted, until peas are very tender.  (about 45 mins)
Add frozen peas and cook for 2 mins more.

Puree soup, in batches, in a blender until smooth.

Optional:  garnish with bacon bits and chopped chives

Adapted from Chatelaine Magazine

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

When I am craving something totally decandent; chocolate zucchini bread is how I get my fix.  So easy to make and its so moist & tasty and guilt free.  Loaf never lasts long and always a hit when taken to pot luck or Christmas luncheon parties!  Makes 16 servings at only 161 calories each!  I have been making this for years; don't know why I am only getting around to posting recipe now.

Ingredients:  

3/4 c sugar

3 T vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 c apple sauce

2 c all purpose flour

2 T cocoa powder

1.25 t baking soda

1 t cinnamon

1/4 t salt

1.5 c finely shredded zucchini

1/2 c semi sweet chocolate chips (or more if you wish)

cooking spray

Directions
Preheat oven to 350
Place 1st three ingredients in a bowl and mix with electric beater until well blended.
Stir in apple sauce.
Combine flour and next four ingredients thru to salt in a bowl.  Mix with whisk.
Add flour mixture to the sugar mixture.  Mix with blender until moist.
Stir in zucchini and chocolate chips.
Pour into loaf pan coated with cooking spray.
bake for 1 hour
cool in pan for 10 mins; remove from pan and place on wire rack until completely cooled.

Enjoy!  Good any time of  the day!

Courtesy of:  Cooking Light Cookbook 
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-chip-zucchini-bread