Chocolate Cake-in-a-Mug

How to Microwave an easy chocolate cake in a single serving mug.

1 - coffee mug (microwave-safe)

4 T. - cake flour (plain, not self-rising)

4 T. - sugar

2 T. - cocoa

1 - egg

3 T. - milk

3 T. - oil

1 - splash of vanilla

3 T. - chocolate chips (Optional)


Add dry ingredients to the mug; mix well with a fork. Add egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix well. Add chips, if using.

Put mug in the microwave, and cook for three minutes at 1,000 watts. Cake will rise over the top of the mug -- do not be alarmed. When finished, carefully remove mug from microwave and allow to cool a little. Tip onto a small plate prior to serving, if desired. Yields one generous serving or two "more virtuous" servings.

Falafel

I was watching Rachel Ray on TV . . . I got an hour off work early. Falafel. What is it? (It is a fried ball or patty made from spiced fava beans and/or chickpeas.) How do you pronounce it? To me, sounds like you are almost saying, "fill-awful."

Anyhow, interesting that Rachel Ray was making falafel BURGERS. Hmm, me being the anti-beef eater, I paid attention.

• 16 oz. can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans.
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oil for frying

Pretty much mash all the ingredients together, the flour will help it stick together while frying it. Make it into good size patties, and viola, vegetarian burger.

Most people put the fried falafel in a pita with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. and drizzle tahini sauce over the top.