Cleaning Out

The last couple of months I've been cleaning things out to make life better. I've been thinking often about how much stuff I have and how much I could do without and still maintain my happy quality of life. So I now have a general rule. Six months without use and it's time to evaluate if I really want to have it. One year and it's off to Goodwill or to be sold. It's only been two months and I still have way more than I will ever use, but at least I've started trying to figure out how not to waste my space, my time or my money.

A Little Treat

I found a recipe for a microwave chocolate cake not too long ago and was very sceptical about what it would taste like. But really, an individual(ish) size cake that would be ready to eat in less than ten minutes? I had to try it! I needed a little tweeking (the original was way too sweet) and so this is what I've come up with.

Quick Chocolate Cake
4 T all-purpose flour
3 T sugar
2 1/2 T cocoa powder
1/4 t baking powder
3 T milk (buttermilk works better)
3 T vegetable oil
1/4 t vanilla extract
1 egg
3 T mini-morsel chocolate chips (optional)
In large microwave-safe coffee mug (I found the wider the top the better) whisk all the dry ingredients together. Add the milk, oil, vanilla and egg and mix the batter until no lumps are left. Tap the cup on the counter a few times to get out the air bubbles. Pour the chocolate chips on the top of the mix but do not mix them in as they will work their way into batter.
Cook on HIGH for three (3) minutes in a 1000 watt microwave. Adjust the time or heat setting for your microwave strength. The cake will puff out the top of the cup as it cooks, but don't worry as it will fall back down when it's done cooking. Let the completed cake stand in the microwave for at least a minute before eating. Serve right in the mug!

This will real be good for two people, especially if you add a little ice cream. But let's be honest, who really wants to share chocolate cake?