Recipe: Cake in a cup!

Something happens to the soul when you discover the art of single serve microwave dessert. Unfortunately, hopes are dashed when you realize most of the recipes out there don't turn out as you expect.
But when you finally make one that actually tastes good, not just okay,  it's like the end of a rainbow where happiness exists inside the pot. Or coffee cup, in this case.
I have spent the last few months trying recipe after recipe for mug desserts, with mostly disappointing results. I've tried peach cobbler, french toast, a variety of muffins and cake -- all with only decent outcomes. Not terrible but not great. I was really determined to find at least one good cake recipe to satisfy my occasional sweet tooth. But try as I might, I could not create a good tasting one from scratch. So, much to my creative dismay, I broke down and searched for ideas using cake mix. Lo and behold, my search was over.
Now, don't misunderstand... this is not the cake you'll find at your favorite bakery or your grandma's house. But considering you can create it from two ingredients, using two dishes, in about 2 minutes -- I think you will enjoy it just the same. It still tastes yummy and it'll get you your fix without all the fuss of a full size cake. And you'll be surprised how moist it comes out, for being a microwaved treat. Another bonus, it's super easy on your wallet and it goes a long way. I think I paid .89 for each box of mix and I've made a good amount of these with them so far. 

What you need:

1 box of any flavor cake mix
1 box of angel food cake mix
Water
2 airtight containers

Empty the dry cake mixes into the containers, keeping them separated. Label them somehow so you don't forget which is which.

Scoop 4 tablespoons of the flavored cake mix into a large coffee mug. A standard mug will probably be too small so if you don't have a larger one, go with a microwave safe bowl or container to make sure you don't have a cake-splosion.
Scoop 2 semi-heaping tablespoons of the angel food cake mix into your mug.
Add 4 tablespoons of water.
Stir and blend the ingredients really well.
Pop it into the microwave for about 1 minute.

Let it cool slightly and then top it with whatever you want.

 

My personal favorite: Mix some Cool Whip frosting with a little fruit preserves and smear that on top. It will change your life.

My daughter's favorite: Sprinkles. Lots of sprinkles.

 

Enjoy!

 



 

The recipe I adapted this from tells you to mix the two boxes of cake mix together in one bag or container. If you'd rather try that route, check it out here. I prefer to keep them separated so that I can play with flavors. Keep in mind, the angel food cake is the base and the other cake can be any flavor. You might even consider mixing a couple of different ones if you're ambitious.

Recipe: Crispy Ranch Chicken

My husband has a few days off in between jobs at the moment, so I've actually gotten to make dinner. This is a nice thing for me. :)
When he's gone, my kids and I survive on a lot of cold cereal, take out and breakfast at night. I just don't like firing up the oven, or even the stove, and involving a bunch of ingredients for the three of us... which is really more like the two us since my youngest, whom we affectionately refer to as the Breastmilk Wonder, is still almost exclusively breastfeeding.
It's always nice to cook for another adult too, since my toddler can be picky.

Anyhow, I found myself in a chicken slump this evening. I have a few stand by methods for making chicken and none of them sounded appealing. Also, I was in the mood for ranch.
Looking around my kitchen as usual, in an attempt to find something thrifty and creative to use, I spotted a box of Chex on the fridge. And so the magic started. I hope you try it and enjoy!

 

What you need:

2 large chicken breasts, cut into pieces or about 12-15 chicken tenders
2 1/2 cups of Chex cereal, crushed
1 packet of dry ranch dressing mix
1/4 cup of flour
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
1 egg and some milk

Combine the cereal, ranch mix, flour and a few shakes each of the garlic/onion powders. Mix well.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Beat the egg in a bowl and pour in a splash of milk.
I think you know what's next. ;)
Dip the chicken in the egg mixture, then coat it in the cereal mixture.

Heat some oil in a skillet and cook it on the stove. Be sure they're cooked all the way before eating. Enjoy!

If you want to bake them:
Line them up on a baking sheet, drizzle them with a little oil or melted butter, and throw them in the oven for about 20-30 minutes at 375 degrees. The time will depend on how big your pieces are. Be sure to check them before eating to be sure they're cooked through.



Please note: Recipes can be difficult for me because I don't typically measure. I should really start if I'm going to share them this way but you'll have to bear with me for the time being. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email and I'll do my best to help. :)