Try This: “I threw in what I had” Chocolate Cake April 20, 2008

We wanted dessert last night and we needed it quick, given that it was already bedtime when dinner prep was in progress.  My daughter suggested the famous lava cake we’ve made plenty of times.  I didn’t have quite what I wanted for it, but I remembered a recipe for a pound cake in the microwave, also from Pampered Chef.  I found that one – which is called Sunshine Cake and has citrus flavors, in their cookbook – Casual Cooking and used it for figuring out times, improvising, etc. 

Here’s what we came up with and it turned out delicious…or I wouldn’t be sharing, of course! 

 

“Throw in what you have” Chocolate Cake:

• Any chocolate, devil’s food, fudge, etc cake mix
• Eggs/oil/and just a little shy of the water it calls for (ours called for 1 1/3 cups and I used 1cup)
• 8 oz sour cream
• 1 kids cup (indiv serving size) applesauce
• 1/4 cup flavored liquid creamer (I used vanilla spiced rum)
• approx 1 cup chocolate chips (I used a mix of milk and semi-sweet chocolate)

Mix together well.  Don’t use the mixer – the batter should be thick and dense, as will be the cake.  Microwave cakes don’t rise and get fluffy like those in the oven do.  They have more of a moist pound cake type of texture. 

Pour into a bundt stone pan (or any micro safe one should work) that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.  Microwave on high for approx 15 minutes, turning 1/2 way through if yours doesn’t have the rotating tray in it.  It will still be a bit “wet” toward the center, but you should feel it mostly solid when a tester is poked in.  Flip while still warm onto a platter. 

I had some leftover homemade strawberry frosting in the freezer.  We served this cake with a pretty little swirl of icing to the side ( piped out of a ziploc bag) and with fresh sliced strawberries.  Any type of icing would work or ice cream or topping, etc.  It’s best to eat warm (although we agreed today that the leftovers were much better than other micro cakes we’ve had), so just serve your icing on the side so it doesn’t all melt and get messy. 

We felt pampered and quite extravagant with this dessert – a pretty big accomplishment for 15 minutes in the microwave. 

I’m sure you can mix up and experiment with flavors.  Good luck and enjoy! 

Today’s favorite funny April 16, 2008

My work schedule is a bit erratic these days as Steve and I try to work around the fact that we are losing our lovely night Nanny, Ariel, to an IVY-LEAGUE grad school , Columbia, in the fall.  We are trying to need less Nanny days as that approaches and make schedule changes that work toward that end.  Anywho, it leaves little time for blogging! 

So, here’s today’s short and sweet funny.  Another Houkism. 

Brady’s newest term:  Punja belly

You are probably thinking this involves punching a sibling in the stomach or something similar, but think again. 

Say it real fast:  Punjabelly

It’s a dinnertime favorite around here and a classic everywhere.  Brady wants a punjabelly sandwich! 

P-nut butter and jelly, of course.  If you say it like a toddler in a hurry to eat with a lot words to fit in a short space, it makes perfect sense. 

Punjabelly for everyone! 

 

May I Recommend? A Yummy recommendation April 10, 2008

Okie dokie, for those of you in the Knoxville area (or interested in shipping to you), I have found a new and most yummy recommendation for you.  This is an odd one to be coming from me, since I love to bake and usually do all my kids birthday cookies, cupcakes, cakes, etc. myself.  I can’t tell you how many times, however, friends and I have been involved in a discussion about where to get some tasy, quality real bakery stuff besides the grocery stores, especially for cupcakes.  While the grocery store variety certainly serves the purpose, it’s so far away from home made.  Wish there was some middle ground? 

I’ve just sampled a new local business called the Party Box, who’s motto is “to satisfy your cupcake craving.”  They are delicious, gourmet, beautiful, and offer free delivery.  Now, for all my mom friends who don’t want to bake, or have run out of time, or just want a yummy way to give themselves a break – here’s a great solution. 

They are on WordPress, too – you can salivate by visiting www.partybox.wordpress.com

Enjoy! 

 

 

“I had to” April 4, 2008

   Brady at Cocoa Beach in February

 

Little Brady, now 4, the baby of the crew and still the “runt of the litter,” comes running in from playing in the yard and states “I had to!”

Oh no, “had to” what?  Pee on yourself?  Cross the street and visit Cole without asking?  Throw something at your brother?  Sneak out my whole pack of gum and chew every piece?  What, Brady, did you “have to” do? 

“No, Mom, I HAD TO”

Okay, I’m confused.  He’s usually apologizing by now. One more time, “HAD TO” what? 

“UGh”, the a frustrated sigh and a small growl and a one-foot stomp.  “MOMMY, I HADCHOO and it’s on me!  I need the HATCHOO off!” 

I then I get it even before I look down and see the “snail trail” for lack of better term of snot on his arm.  He “a-Choo’d” or Hatchoo’d or Hadchoo’d or hadto or Had to or whatever.  Yep, he sneezed.  A nice messy one, too. 

Poor kid – all he wanted was a tissue, or as he calls it, a “bless you.”  I gave him the Kleenex kind, the verbal kind, and a kiss and hug, too.