Sorting through a pile of old recipes I came upon this buried treasure! Helen, for whom the brownies are named after, was our 96 year old neighbor who sold us her beloved cottage in the country when our children were just babies. Hence, she forever became our dear Grandma Helen. And, although I’ve had this recipe in my procession for more than a few decades, I have to confess I just made it for the first time a few weeks ago. What a sweet surprise! A moist, chocolaty-nut, cake like brownie… and no one will ever guess the secret ingredient. Enjoy!
Ingredients (makes 12-14 2-3″ inch bars)
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil (neutral tasting)
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups zucchini, grated
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup chocolate chips (I used extra dark)
Method
Step 1) Preheat oven to 350, grease a 9’x13′ cake pan
Step 2) Sift flour, sugar, salt, cocoa, and soda together in medium bowl and set aside
Step 3) Beat eggs, oil, and vanilla in large mixing bowl, and stir zucchini, nuts, and chips until well combined.
Step 4) Combine dry ingredients with wet and stir in well. Batter will appear a bit dry and thick at first, but will gradually become more moist as zucchini is incorporated fully.
Step 5) Pour and spread into prepared pan. Baked at 350 for 20-25 minutes, cool on rack before cutting.
