Chocolate Bread (Great for Gifts!)

2/3 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 c. butter (1 stick), softened
1 c. semi-sweet mini chocolate chips, melted
2 eggs
2 & 1/2 c. unbleached flour
1 & 1/2 c. applesauce
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 c. semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

*Optional: 1/2 c. chopped hazelnuts

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 5 mini-loaf pans (5-1/2 x 3 inch).

Combine brown sugar & butter in large mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy & light, 1 - 2 minutes. Add 1 c. melted mini chocolate chips & eggs. Continue beating until well mixed. Add flour, applesauce, baking powder, baking soda & vanilla. Beat on low speed until creamy, scraping bowl often. By hand, stir in 1/2 c. mini chocolate chips (& nuts if desired).

Spoon batter into mini loaf pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until center tests clean. Remove from oven to cool for 10 minutes; turn onto wire rack to cool completely.