Triple-Chocolate Quick Bread

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1-1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

GLAZE:

• 1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 to 3 tablespoons half-and-half cream
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch salt

Instructions:

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup chocolate chips; set aside to cool. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and cooled chocolate; mix well. Add applesauce and vanilla; set aside. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips.

Spoon into four greased 5-3/4-in. x 3-in. x 2-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks.

For glaze, melt chocolate chips and butter in a small heavy saucepan; stir in cream. Remove from the heat; stir in confectioners' sugar, vanilla and salt. Drizzle over warm breads. Cool completely. Yield: 4 mini-loaves.