2 c. less 2 tbsp. sugar*
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. applesauce
3 large eggs
1/2 c. milk
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. well-packed zucchini, grated
2 1/2 c. flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. cocoa powder

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cream together sugar, shortening and applesauce. Add eggs, milk and vanilla and mix well. Combine dry ingredients, mixing well; then add to wet ingredients. Blend batter until smooth, then pour into 2 oiled and floured bread pans.

Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.

*Splenda, a new sugar replacement, works well in this recipe.