COOK IT IN A MUG!
By Louise Whiteside
Have you ever had a craving for a decadent dessert, but balked at pulling out all those cumbersome baking utensils? Keep reading if you have ever daydreamed about making a single serving of something delectable, just for you. Surely you ever hesitated to bake a whole cake because all you wanted was one piece. Well here is a scrumptious dish you can create in a matter of minutes.
There is a way to prepare an incredibly easy entree, omelet, luscious dessert and more in two minutes or less, using two simple tools: your microwave oven and an ordinary coffee mug.
This approach — in terms of effortlessness and deliciousness — has delighted my family members, my friends and me, inspiring us to explore the multitude of mug recipes now available.
Here is a sampling of them:
Chocolate Cake in a Mug
Large, microwave-safe coffee mug
4 Tbs. plain flour (not self-rising)
4 Tbs. sugar
2 Tbs. baking cocoa
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 egg
3 Tbs. milk
3 Tbs. oil
3 Tbs. chocolate chips (optional)
Few drops vanilla
Topping of your choice
Add dry ingredients to mug and mix well. Add egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in milk and oil, and mix again. Add chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla, and mix again.
Set mug in microwave and cook for 2-1/2 minutes on high. Cake will rise over top of mug, but will not overflow. (To avoid this, use a very large mug.) Watch carefully. Do not overcook. Remove from microwave. If desired, top with ice cream, whipped cream, prepared frosting or powdered sugar.
Serves one, or share if you feel generous.
Snickerdoodle Cookie in a Cup
1 Tbs. butter
1 Tbs. granulated sugar
1 heaping Tbs. firmly packed dark brown sugar
Pinch of cream of tartar
Pinch of kosher salt
1/8 tsp. vanilla
Cinnamon
1 egg yolk
3 Tbs. all-purpose flour
In microwave-safe coffee mug, melt butter. Stir sugars and butter together with a fork. Add cream of tartar, salt, vanilla and 2 dashes cinnamon and stir until combined. Stir in egg yolk. Stir in flour. Top with additional cinnamon. Microwave on high for 45-60 seconds. Cookie will be soft when hot and will become chewier as it cools.
Omelet in a Mug
Nonstick cooking spray
1 large egg
2 egg whites
2 Tbs. shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tbs. diced, cooked ham
1 Tbs. diced green bell pepper
salt and pepper to taste
Spray microwave-safe coffee mug with nonstick cooking spray. Combine all ingredients in mug and whip slightly. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir.
Return to microwave and cook until eggs are set (1 to 1-1/2 minutes longer).
Instant Mug O’ Mac & Cheese in the Microwave
1/3 cup pasta
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Combine pasta and water in a very large mug or bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir. Cook for 2-4 more minutes, stirring at 2-minute intervals. Water should absorb completely and pasta should be cooked through. If necessary, add one more teaspoon water and cook for one more minute. Remove pasta from microwave. Stir in milk and cheese. Microwave for one additional minute. Stir cheese thoroughly.
Notes: Microwave ovens vary in power capacity. To avoid overcooking, cook food for the minimum recommended time and check for doneness.
All of the above recipes serve one or make two smaller servings.
References:
Find many more coffee mug recipes on the following websites:
www.allrecipes.com
www.hungry-girl.com