Endless Substitutions Still Makes Great Bread

Usually I pick recipes with normal ingredients that I have in the house already. I thought I did that this time. I was wrong. I used Mexican Cheese instead of cheddar, I used chives instead of green onions… and who has buttermilk in their fridge? Apparently I did this time. This recipe would and could have been amazing… if I hadn’t broken it trying to get it out of the pan… it’s one of those recipes that needs time to think about itself as it cools. The part that wasn’t broken cooled and baked properly and we all enjoyed… the part that broke and got plopped back together was a little gooey. Note to self… use Pam with Flour when baking… why do I forget this? This recipe is a great way to use more of that summer zucchini! I did happen to see some more zucchini growing in the garden so I should probably either phone a friend or find a few more recipes.

Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread
1 1/2 cups zucchini, grated
2 cups all purpose white flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk I used 2% but whole or non fat would be fine
1 tablespoon vinegar, white or apple cider
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar
2 green onions, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9 x 5 bread pan with non stick spray.
Wrap grated zucchini in a paper towel and squeeze until some of the liquid releases. You don't need to completely dry it out. Just a tablespoon of liquid or so.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
In a small bowl, combine milk and vinegar. The milk will curdle a bit. (you just made homemade buttermilk!) Mix in melted butter and egg.
Add milk mixture to dry mixture being careful not to over mix. (over mixing will make for a low rising bread).
Add grated zucchini, cheese and onions. Mixing lightly until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for one hour.
If toothpick inserted comes out clean, bread is done! Cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Remove carefully and cool on wire rack.