Ingredients

• 1/3 c. butter, softened

  1 1/4 c. sugar

  2 eggs

  1/2 c. buttermilk

  1/3 c. unsweetened applesauce

  2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted

  1 tsp. vanilla extract

  2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour

  1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

  1 tsp. salt

  1/4 tsp. baking soda

  2 c. shredded zucchini

  2 tsp. confectioners sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until crumbly, about two minutes. Add eggs; mix well. Beat in the buttermilk, applesauce, chocolate and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; beat into butter mixture just until moistened. Stir in zucchini.

Transfer to a 13- by 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 F for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Tip: Place confectioners sugar in a shaker or in a sifter and sprinkle the dessert with sugar.

Makes 18 servings.

Per Serving: 172 calories, 5 grams (g) fat, 3 g protein, 29 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber and 223 milligrams sodium