First of all, I’m sorry I haven’t posted this week. I’ve let time get away from me as I’ve been away from home for work! It was quite difficult to get enough time to write a blog post surprisingly, even though I was certain I would have enough time undisturbed in my hotel room. But I’m afraid socialising won out, and given because I’ve been to Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney this week, I think the lack of time at home has meant my blog has suffered!

I guess time is a big thing, especially with cooking. I find a lot of my friends always complain that they never have any time to cook, or bake, or blog. I fall into the habit too – I find myself scrambling at the end of the week sometimes to figure out what to cook, and I think if I didn’t have this blog as a project I would just keep doing my usual thing of stir fries and grilled chicken. I think this is why I am enjoying this blog so much, because it is pushing me to try new things and make time for cooking and baking, which is something I really enjoy!

I found myself on Saturday night at home packing for a week away, and contemplating what I should cook for this week’s blog post. I knew because I would be in a hotel room for most of the week, I would seriously lack the tools needed to bake for the blog. And this was married with my slight depression at being home on a Saturday night doing something boring like packing. I had to leave the Gold Coast just to pack, and to me that is reason enough for a delicious dessert!

So I decided to fill the void with something delicious, because I am not an emotional eater or anything. But I knew it had to be something quick because I really did need to pack, and something that I could make as one serve, because I would be the only one eating it. I’ve always wanted to try a microwave cake, because the concept to me seems so strange. I’ve always enjoyed the process of baking so I never normally want to speed it up. But this I do have to say was quite fun. There is something really satisfying about making a cake batter in a mug, putting it in the microwave for 2 minutes, and getting instant gratification. It does scare me a little though because now I know cake it so easily accessible to me in single serving form, I think dieting is going to be a lot harder!

This mug cake was gooey in the centre and the perfect size. The original recipe I used was for 2 serves so I halved it, because no one wants to share mug cake. That’s the kind of stuff you make for eating while watching a chick flick in your pajamas, and I promise you that if you are home alone watching a chick flick, the addition of this mug cake will make your night a million times better!

Chocolate Lava Mug Cake

Adapted From	Cleo Buttera
Servings	1
Preparation Time	3 minutes
Cooking Time	2 minutes
Ingredients ·      1/8 cup of plain flour ·      1/8 cup of caster sugar ·      1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder ·      ¼ teaspoon of baking powder ·      Pinch of Salt ·      1 and ½ tablespoons of melted butter ·      1 and ½ tablespoons of milk at room temperature ·      1 small egg ·      ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract ·      14 grams (or a few squares) of dark chocolate, broken up ·      ½ a tablespoon of water Method 1.     In a microwave safe mug, using a fork, whisk together to flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt until combined. 2.     Pour the melted butter, milk, egg and vanilla into the mug. Whisk well with the fork until combined, ensuring that there is no flour mixture stuck to the bottom. 3.     Place chocolate pieces in the centre of the mug, ensuring you don’t push down on them. They will sink as it bakes. 4.     Drizzle the water over the top of the cake mixture. 5.     Cook into the microwave for between 1 minute 20 seconds and 2 minutes, or until the edges of the cake look set. It took mine about 2 minutes, but it will depend on the temperature of the microwave. After 1 minute 20 seconds keep checking the cake and putting in for 5-second intervals, as you don’t want to overcook the cake. It should slightly stick to the finger when touched, and look slightly wet but not raw. 6.     Allow the cake to cool for a couple of minutes if you can, to avoid burning your tongue. It will also allow the sauce to thicken. 7.     Eat straight out of the mug with some ice cream on top to really get the full mug cake experience.

See what I mean about it being easy? A little too easy and quick I think. I mean, now that I know I can make a delicious chocolate dessert in 5 minutes, I’m a little worried I’ve opened up my world to a lot more dessert. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, given how delicious this little pudding was. I never thought that I would enjoy a cake made in the microwave, but once again a recipe I’ve found on Pinterest has pleasantly surprised me.

The result of this recipe is absolutely delicious, and a great addition to a cold winter night, where you are snuggled up in front of the TV. The cake is gooey and full of chocolate, and tastes great with a bit of ice cream on the top. You can see below that I followed my own advice: 

Would you give this recipe a go? I think out of all the ones I’ve tried, this one is the easiest and quickest. So give it a go and see what you think!

Until next time, happy baking!

Ella xx