Eating healthy isn't always fun or tasty, but with the right ingredients and directions, it can be possible. My mother made this chocolate zucchini cake with either a regular cream frosting or a tiramisu flavored one. The zucchini is not noticeable, and you don't even taste it; and yes, this is perfect for tricking your kids into eating vegetables. I make this during the holidays as it is a perfect and easy dessert, and now, you can too!

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups white sugar

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (omit if using cinnamon applesauce which would be 2 four oz. cups of applesauce)

4 eggs

1 ½ cups vegetable oil (option is to use two small cups of cinnamon applesauce then add oil to reach 1 ½ )

3 cups grated zucchini

¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the eggs and oil, mix well. Fold in the nuts and zucchini until they are evenly distributed. Pour into prepared pan.

3. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted into the center, comes out clean. Cool cake completely before frosting.

Mascarpone Cream Frosting

Ingredients

18 oz (1 ½ cups) Mascarpone (can be Tiramisu flavored for a unique taste) well chilled

1 ½ cups heavy cream, well-chilled

¼ cup plus 1 ½ tsp. granulated sugar

1 ½ teaspoon pure vanilla

Directions

1. Use a standard mixer with a whisk attachment (or handheld) to beat the mascarpone, cream, sugar, and vanilla on medium speed until smooth which will take around one minute

2. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting holds stiff peaks, 30-60 seconds

*do NOT overbeat or frosting will lose its luster

So the next time you're having over some of your friends, you all can feel great with this sneaky yet delicious meal!