Lots of Chocolate Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips, devided
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups applesauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon shortening (do not use butter, margarine, spread or oil)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 5 mini (5 1/2x3-inch) loaf pans. Place 1 cup chocolate chips in small microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute; stir. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chocolate is melted and smooth.

2. 2

   Beat sugar and butter in large bowl with electric mixer until creamy. Add melted chocolate and eggs; beat until well blended. Add flour, applesauce, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder and salt; beat until well blended. Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Spoon batter evenly into prepared pans.

3. 3

   Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until centers crack and are dry to the touch. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire rack.

4. 4

   Place remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips and shortening in small microwave bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute; stir. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Drizzle loaves with glaze; let stand until set.

5. 5

   Gift Idea: Wrap each loaf in plastic wrap or cellophane and place in a colorful gift bag. Including a sampling of single serving packets of gourmet coffee or tea with each loaf.