Giving in ...

... to that urge. You know the one - you're not really hungry, but dang, chocolate is on your mind. This little cake definitely fills the bill. It's quick and easy, doesn't dirty very many dishes, doesn't leave too many leftovers that will add to your guilt (not to mention your waistline), and you can be enjoying a piece in 10 minutes or less!

I originally received this recipe in an email (thanks Dycie) - it was called something like Magic Microwave Mug Cake. And the directions called for making it in a very large microwave-safe coffee mug, of which I have none. So I use a 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup and find it works very well. I have made a few changes to the original recipe to reduce the amount of sugar and oil - shaving a few carbs/fat grams here and there can make a big difference in the level of guilt I feel when giving in to those urges.

Now usually when I make this little darlin', I just mix it all up right in the same measuring cup that I'm going to use for cooking it in the microwave. That way I have exactly 3 dirty dishes to wash: a measuring spoon, a fork, and the measuring cup (Well, that's not counting the bowl and spoon I use for eating the result - but I digress.) Anyway, this time, for purposes of picture-taking, and because I wanted to try an experiment (more about that later), I used a medium-sized serving bowl and my cute little kiddie-size whisk for the mixing process. Consequently, I ended-up with a few more dirty dishes: the serving-mixing bowl, the whisk, the measuring spoon, a silicone spatula, and the measuring cup - that's a total of 5 if you are counting. Still, not bad for a quickie.

Here we have the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder in the bowl - other ingredients patiently waiting their turn to jump in the pool. How can you go wrong with vanilla, half & half, chocolate chips and pecans? Oh, I almost forgot about the egg - daily protein you know.

The batter is mixed and ready for a final stir before being scraped into the measuring cup and tucked into the microwave. I've timed myself up to this step - I can have it ready to go into the microwave in 5 minutes.

And just 2 minutes 30 seconds later I have a hot, slightly gooey, chocolate cake - mmmmmmm, imagine the wonderful aroma. I usually let it sit on the counter (in the measuring cup) for about 5 minutes if I can stand waiting that long! Then I cut it, in the measuring cup, into 4 pieces. Remove 1 piece to a small bowl, add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a splash of half & half, grab a spoon and settle in to my comfy chair, and ..... well, you know the rest.

Now some of you may be saying, "cut it into 4 pieces - what is she thinking?" It's just my way of being good to myself in small doses. I could easily enjoy eating the whole thing - but I do need to control my carbohydrate intake. If you, on the other hand, have no need to restrict yourself - then go for it. I refuse to judge a fellow chocoholic.

After I have come out of my little chocolate coma, and the cake has finished cooling, I generally drop the remaining pieces into a zip-top sandwich baggie - and stash it someplace where hubby isn't likely to look. Over the next couple of days I can revisit my little patch of paradise when I feel the need. Sometimes just breaking-off a little chunk is all it takes. Hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

Is this the greatest chocolate cake? Heavens NO! But for a quick fix it's pretty hard to beat. Also fun and easy to do with the kiddies. Will I continue making it? Heavens YES!

Regarding the experiment to which I alluded earlier: I've found when I mix and cook in the same measuring cup that the cup requires a bit more scrubbing than I like. So this time, by mixing in a separate bowl, I was able to give the measuring cup a quick squirt of non-stick cooking spray before adding the batter. It worked like a charm - the cake came right out and left very little mess. But, you make it any old way you want - you're not going to hurt my feelings.

Magic Microwave Mug Cake

4 Tbls. all-purpose flour
2 Tbls. ganulated sugar
2 Tbls. cocoa powder
1 egg
2 Tbls. canola oil
2 Tbls. half & half (or whatever milk you use)
1/2 teas. vanilla extract
1-2 Tbls. chocolate chips
1-2 Tbls. pecans, broken or chopped

Combine dry ingredients.
Add wet ingredients and mix well.
Add chocolate chips and nuts.
Cook in microwave on High for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. (YMMV - your microwave may vary!) Just be wary of cooking it too long as it will be tough and chewy.


Have fun and remember - save your fork!