Monday, June 22

Dangerous Chocolate Cake

My mom e-emailed this to me today. Apparently it's been hanging around her inbox for a while and she finally decided to share the wealth. I really didn't think it was going to work, but it turned out so yummy! I added my favorite chocolate chip mint ice cream and I couldn't think of a better way to end the day!

Here we see what it looks like right out of the microwave.
And here it is all yummied up with my ice cream!
5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly..
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again..
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. (I just put mine on highest power)
The cake may rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

Monday, June 15

Hot Hoagies

This is another from My Kitchen Cafe. I love that she has a balance of in depth and super simple recipes. This one was a last minute thing. When ever I don't know what to make I always head to her blog and look around for a minute. Inevitably I always find something that I can throw together. This one is so yummy and I may use this as a relief society dinner, you know the ones you take to people who are sick or just had a baby. Throw it together and all they have to do is pop it in the oven for a few minutes!
from my kitchen cafe

1 loaf french bread, cut lengthwise (I get the $1 loaves at Wal-Mart) 
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken* (in a pinch, you can use two large cans chicken breast) 
1/2 cup light mayo (I used miracle whip, it tasted ok, but it was kinda sweet. Next time I'll use the mayo) 1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream 
2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts) 
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried) 
2 cups shredded cheese (I used a combo of Monterrey jack and sharp cheddar cheese) 
Olives, chopped (I didn't put these on simply because I hate olives) 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place french bread on large baking sheet. Mix all topping ingredients together in a bowl. Spread topping evenly on top of both lengths of french bread. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and edges are lightly browned. Slice into pieces and serve immediately. 

*When I stock up on my chicken, I always boil 3 or 4 breasts, shred it and freeze it in Ziploc bags. Then I have it ready for a meal like this one.

Thursday, June 4

Macaroni that big people can love!

This came in my latest Kraft Food & Family magazine and I loved that it combined Melody's
favorite food with some 'big people' taste. Be forewarned that this recipe makes a TON! Jared usually has two servings, the girls and I will each have one and there is still enough for everyone to have lunch the next day. Good Saturday night meal so that lunch is ready when you get home from church (or before you go ;p) I also like this one because Melody is able to help make it. She adds the noodles, the pizza sauce and the extra cheese (I have to do the cheese sauce, she gets a little crazy!)
1 pkg. (7-1/4 oz.) KRAFT Macaroni Cheese Dinner
1 lb. lean ground beef 1 jar (15 oz.) pizza sauce
1/2 cup KRAFT Pizzeria Shredded Four Cheese

PREPARE Dinner as on directed on package. Meanwhile, brown meat in large skillet; drain, if necessary.

ADD Dinner and pizza sauce; mix lightly. Sprinkle with shredded cheese; cover. Reduce heat to low; cook 2 min. or until shredded cheese begins to melt.

See? Easy peasy!

P.S. here's a simple, and so so yummy pizza sauce recipe I got over at the my kitchen cafe blog. In case you hadn't noticed I heart her blog!
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 small can tomato paste
1 tablespoon sugar
Oregano
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Crushed red pepper (optional)

Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender and blend until desired consistency. I leave mine slightly chunky. On the seasonings, I just sprinkle them in to taste. If I use crushed red pepper, I only use a few flakes because my kids don't like spicy things, but it definitely adds a nice kick to the sauce to use it. I also substitute for whatever I don't have: basil leaves for oregano, garlic salt for garlic powder, etc. This recipe is open to interpretation. Use what you like and it will be delicious.