Chocolate Courgette Cake Recipe

In dedication to my sister, who will only ever eat a courgette when covered in sugar (this recipe is also dedicated to our grandad who loves growing and giving us courgettes)

-- Ingredients --

For Cake
⛦ 350g self-raising flour
⛦ 50g cocoa powder
⛦ 1tsp mixed spice
⛦ 175ml extra virgin olive oil
⛦ golden caster sugar (soft brown works just fine also)
⛦ 3 eggs
⛦ 2tsp vanilla extract
⛦ 1tsp salt
⛦ 650g grated courgette (you should dry it out a bit first)
⛦ 140g roughly chopped hazelnuts / chocolate chips (this is optional)

For Icing
⛦ 70g softened unsalted butter
⛦ 140g icing sugar
⛦ 1tsp vanilla extract

-- Method --

1. Preheat ovento 180*c and line two large circular baking tins
2. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla extreact and grated courgette
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, mixed spice and salt
4. Combine the two mixtures then fold in the chocolate / hazelnuts
5. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes
6. For the icing, beat the butter until soft. Add half the icing sugar and beat
7. Add the remaining icing sugar, milk and vanilla and beat until smooth