Zucchini Bread Recipe Using LouAna Coconut Oil

For the past few years, my family has been trying to live a healthier lifestyle and consume more nutritious foods. It isn't always easy though. We do like our convenience products and a few sweets here and there, but we have started reading nutrition labels and buying organic whenever possible. However, I grew up in the south, and fried foods have always been a comfort food and a staple in our dinner menu often. On our quest to eat healthier, I have been wanting to cut out the vegetable oil that I normally use. I have been hearing a lot about coconut oil lately, but admit, I've been a little chicken to try it for myself. I really love coconut flavor, but my husband and kids don't. I was worried that it would alter the flavor of our favorite dishes, making it taste like a coconut. When LouAna contacted me to try their coconut oil in a recipe, I almost passed on the offer. But after reading about it a little more, my curiosity got the best of me, and worry turned to excitement.

Coconut oil actually has many health benefits. Not only is it a heart healthy food, it can actually help our bodies resist bacteria and viruses that can make us sick. It can also improve insulin in the body, boost thyroid function, and increase the metabolism.

I was sent a large jar of LouAna Coconut Oil for my family to try.

When opening the jar, I was a little confused as to how to use the product. It was in solid form, which I wasn't expecting from an oil.

I was able to scoop some out with a metal spoon fairly easily though. I had no problem getting it to melt over medium heat. It melted clear, and I did not notice any scent when it was cooking.

I first used it to fry some chicken nuggets. The nuggets brown up nice and golden in the coconut oil, and I was pleased that there was no coconut flavor on them at all! They tasted the exact same as they do when I use vegetable oil to fry them. 

Since I do a lot of baking, I decided to try coconut oil in my favorite Zucchini Bread Recipe. Again, there was no difference in flavor, and the bread had the same consistency it has when I use other oils to bake it.

Ingredients:

3 Eggs

3/4 cup LouAna Coconut Oil, melted

3 tbsp vanilla

2 cups sugar

3 tsp cinnamon

2 cups grated zucchini

2 cups flour 

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Mix all ingredients together until thoroughly combined.  

Pour into two medium size greased and floured loaf pans. 

Bake for 1 hour.

Completely cool before serving.

LouAna Coconut Oil is great for cooking, baking, frying, and popping corn. It contains no trans fat, no cholesterol, is non hydrogenated, and is a non-GMO food. It's also inexpensive! You can purchase a large jar at your local Wal-Mart for only $5.98!

If you would like to learn more about LouAna Coconut Oil, or any of LouAna's other oils, be sure to visit their website. While you are there, be sure to check out the recipe section, as well as grab a money saving coupon too!

*Disclosure- I received the above mentioned product courtesy of the sponsor for the purpose of this review. No monetary compensation was provided. All opinions are genuine, based on my experience with the product, and have not been influenced by promotional items.