It’s that time of year again! The beautiful fall foliage is always a welcome sight in the mountains of Kentucky. Bright colors of orange, lemon-yellow, russet-red, and deep-green silently welcome visitors to the mountains. Menageries of pumpkins proudly fill the many pumpkin patches in various parts of the state. Each orange splendor of beauty awaits the eager hands of a child to select them for their fall project. Swirling and drifting leaves fill the air, while the birds gather in preparation of their long journey south. With the arrival of cool temps, beautiful colors, and holiday festivities, also comes the desire to bake delicious breads.

Pumpkins awaiting to be selected by an eager child.

When I began clean eating almost three years ago, I was sure that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy many of my fall favorites. I just knew that I would miss the delicious pumpkin, apple, and zucchini breads. Boy, was I wrong, and glad of it! I discovered that there are wonderful, healthier, alternative clean recipes for almost every bread that I baked. It took experimenting, trial, error, and adjustments to achieve just the desired taste. All of the experimenting was fun, and a learning process. One of my new fall favorites is my version of clean apple zucchini bread. It’s satisfying, tasty, clean, and delicious with a hot cup of coffee!

Ingredients

2 cups of either whole wheat flour, or gluten-free flour
2 tablespoons of baking soda
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2/3 cup raw honey
2/3 cup sorghum
1 generous cup grated zucchini
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
1 small apple peeled and diced
1 whole fresh, or organic egg
1 fresh, or organic egg white
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons of organic extra virgin olive oil
1 pinch of sea salt
1/2 cup of fresh walnuts chopped

A clean replacement for brown sugar!

Fresh eggs

Directions

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2.) Oil one large loaf pan with olive oil

3.) In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, sea salt, walnuts, and nutmeg (I like to sift my flour through a strainer, or use a sifter, but this is optional.)

4.) In a separate mixing bowl, mix sorghum, honey, zucchini, apple, apple sauce, egg, and egg white, olive oil, cinnamon, lemon zest, and yogurt. Mix well.

5.) Using a wooden spoon, stir the flour mixture into the wet mixture and blend well.

6.) Pour batter into the oiled loaf pan and place in the preheated oven.

7.) Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden tooth pick comes out clean.

8.) If your bread begins to brown to quickly, you may cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.

A delicious bread anytime!

My entire family loves this delicious, healthy, and clean bread. It’s great with honey, as a breakfast treat, for dessert, or as a snack with a big glass of almond milk, or a cup of hot coffee. I also like to give whole loaves as gifts as well. I love receiving fresh homemade breads, cookies, and candies during the holidays, but enjoy giving it even more. If you know someone who enjoys clean eating, bake them a loaf as a special gift. Enjoy a slice with your family. Serve it as a holiday treat! Take time to just enjoy it! If you like this recipe, be sure to check out my Clean Apple Ginger Bread recipe. Please, feel free to leave your comments about either recipe. I love hearing from you, your comments, feedback, and your ideas. Happy baking, and happy Fall Y’all!