Zucchini Loaf (gluten free, egg free, soy free, vegan)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 C) Lightly grease a standard-sized loaf pan then line with ½ a sheet of parchment paper, crosswise, to create an overhang for easy lifting when done. Grease a little more on dry paper, then lightly dust with white rice flour. Muffins: line cupcake pans.If adding nut or chips: combine with 2 tablespoons of white rice flour and set aside (the added flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom).Combine all other flours, husk, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and cinnamon in a bowl, set aside. Measure coconut milk then add apple cider vinegar to the measuring cup, do not stir and set aside. This is the “buttermilk”.In a stand mixer set with the paddle attachment, cream the non-dairy butter and raw sugar on medium high speed (start on low to prevent sugar splatter) for about 3 minutes until pale and appears light and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl if needed.Meanwhile, line a medium bowl with a cheesecloth or thin dishcloth and grate the zucchini directly into the bowl. Grab the cloth to catch all the zucchini and lift away from the bowl, squeezing as much liquid out as you can.Reduce speed to medium, add grated zucchini to the creamed butter/sugar. Now add chunky apple sauce. Then flour and ‘buttermilk’, alternating liquid and flour. Pour in half of the ‘buttermilk’, then half flour blend, followed by remaining ‘buttermilk’ then remaining flour blend until just combined. Do not over mix or it may become dense. Pour batter into loaf pan.If adding nut or chocolate chips, now fold in by hand until blended then pour batter into pans.Bake for 65-75 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Bake muffins 30-35 minutes (see note below). Let cool for 20-30 minutes in the pans before serving. When cooled, run the dull side of a knife between the pan and loaf then gently pull up the overhanging paper to help lift it out of the pan. Slice and serve at room temperature.Store at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 4 days. However, it is best the same day. Freeze for up to 3 months, pre-sliced then place slices between wax or parchment paper then transfer into a freezer-safe container or freezer-safe ziploc bag.Some Notes:Walnuts or chocolate chips, as suggested, both compliment the flavor of zucchini very well if you would like to add some added texture and flavor to your loaf.Be sure to drain any excess liquid from applesauce that could thin out the batter.Same for the grated zucchini because it naturally retains a lot of water, which can result in soggy or gummy bread if you skip the straining step.The batter should look like a thick cake batter - thick and slow to pour off the scooper. If it appears too thin, add 20 grams, or so of either white rice flour or oat flour to thicken.Notes on psyllium husk: it’s derived from the seeds of the herb, a bulk-forming dietary fiber that contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. It works exceptionally well as a binder in gluten free baking as a substitute for guar or xanthan gums; something I try to avoid when I can for health reasons. The soluble fiber in the husk binds to water (or any liquid) and gels up liquids, similar to what beans, peas, and seeds do, without imparting any gummy, chewy texture. It is also good for the heart as well as the entire gastrointestinal system (for healthy regularity). I buy Organic, non-gmo pharmaceutical grade whole psyllium husk from India that I grind, as needed, in my spice grinder (a mini Krups brand coffee bean grinder I bought at Bed Bath Beyond for $20- that grinds up my spices, flax, chia, and husk easily when I need them). Be sure to store husk in a cool dry place, like flours, or it will cake up.Baking muffins: This will fill 14-16 standard sized cupcake liners, filled â…ž full. The darker the cupcake/muffin pans, the faster they will bake. If using dark pans, check on them at the 25-minute mark. I use PFOA, cadmium-free, lead-free ceramic cupcake pans (sold on Amazon) that are white and those take 35 minutes to bake.