Beetnik Sweet Bread

Wet: ⅔ cup shortening (butter optional) 2 ⅓ cup sugar 4 eggs 3 cups peeled, shredded fresh beets ⅔ cup cold coffee 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry: 3 cups flour ⅓ cup cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 ½ teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup chopped pecans (other nuts optional) 1 cup chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven to 350°.  Prepare bundt pan with cooking spray or grease and flour.

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar together.  Beat in eggs.  Add beets, then coffee and vanilla extract as each ingredient is combined.

Sift dry ingredients into wet ingredients a little at a time until everything is just incorporated.  Last, add nuts and chocolate chips.

Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 15 minutes.  Allow to cool, remove from pan and enjoy.