Why Cottage Cheese is the Perfect Ingredient for Zucchini Bread

Cottage cheese is the latest trending ingredient. So what is the hype??

Cottage cheese is a high protein food which is essential for building muscle, making hormones, and carrying oxygen throughout the body. Protein is also important for maintaining blood sugar and insulin levels. Cottage cheese is full of phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and B-12 which support bones, creating and sustaining energy in the body.

So It makes sense why people are adding cottage cheese to everything. I am sure you have seen cottage cheese cookie dough, cottage cheese ice cream, cottage cheese dips… but I am bringing you cottage cheese zucchini bread!

Let’s combine summer produce, protein packed cottage cheese, and a touch of cinnamon for this delicious quick bread.

Here is what you need:

• 1/3 cup avocado oil (or any neutral flavored oil)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese, blended

• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup all purpose flour

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• 1 cup shredded zucchini*

• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Steps:

1. Mix avocado oil, brown sugar, egg, cottage cheese, & vanilla in a large bowl until well combined.

2. In a separate bowl combine all dry ingredients: both flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, & cinnamon. Slowly add to wet ingredients until no dry clumps remain

3. With a tea towel or paper towels squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible.

4. Fold in shredded zucchini. Dough will be thick but I promise the moisture from the zucchini will make up for it.

5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Let cool before cutting into the goodness. Patience! or else it will be gummy in texture.

Notes:

• Choose yellow or green summer squash. Shred the zucchini on a cheese grater, or through into a food processor.

• Swap walnuts for any nut or seed, or add chocolate chips!

• Make ahead and store tightly wrapped in the fridge. Should keep up to 5 days, if it lasts that long!

• Enjoy topped with butter or peanut butter.

• Should people with PCOS avoid dairy?

  Dairy can be a healthy part of a person with PCOS. Dairy can support insulin sensitivity and support blood sugar maintenance.

• Is dairy good for hormonal balance?

  Dairy is a great source of protein, potassium, vitamin D, and B-12 all which are needed for hormone production. Too much of any food can impact hormone health, but some dairy is a great addition to a healthy diet.

• Is dairy good for stabilizing blood sugar?

  Yes, dairy is a mix between carbohydrate and protein. The best dairy option for maintaining blood sugar is whole fat, low sugar dairy.